Clinical Interviews With Couples and Families

A clinical interview is an assessment process that begins with the first contact between counselor and clients. Clinical interviewing with couples and families is by far the most important process in providing counseling services to multiple individuals. For the counselor to assess and identify the problem, a clinical interview must occur. During this process, a dialogue between the counselor and a couple or family takes place to help the counselor evaluate and determine the course of action and plan for treatment. This entry discusses important concepts in clinical interviewing, the counselor’s theoretical orientation, and when assessment begins. The entry concludes with a presentation of typical clinical interviewing questions.