2 Problem, Client Problem possible

Step 1 Problem Selection: Step 2 Problem De?nition: Step 3 Goal Development: Step 4 Objective Construction: Step 5 Intervention Creation: Step 6 Diagnosis Determination: Putting It in Practice 10.21. Gain the most complete understanding of client problem possible, given the limits of time; client expressive abilities; and client awareness. Use Lazarus’s BASIC ID or some other guide to remind you of the many complex aspects of a client in need of assistance. Often, we use a model that includes a review of social, cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral, and cultural aspects of the individual’s functioning.

Gain the most complete understanding of your client’s goal that you can. Ask clients what their life would look like if things were better. What would be a tolerable outcome? What would be the best imaginable outcome? Sometimes, projective questions such as de Shazer’s “miracle question” help clients articulate their goals .

Do your homework, part one: Go over what you know about your clients and their problems. Ask yourself what you still need to know to ?ll in any crucial gaps and make every effort to obtain this information. If you have time limits regarding when you must have your treatment plan completed , you may need to ask clients to wait for a minute or two as you sort through the information they have given you. Then, moving back to a collaborative mode, summarize your thoughts about primary and secondary problems and establish a provisional treatment plan.

Do your homework, part two: After the session, review a short list of viable treatment options, given what you know from your problem conceptualization and client goal statements. If you are unable to identify clear and appropriate treatment interventions, read, consult, and, if needed, obtain supervision. At that point, you can rank order the intervention alternatives and present them to your client during session two.