“Why Is the Initial Consultation so Important? What Factors Will an Ethical Therapist Cover at This Time?”

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“Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time?” INTRODUCTION In this essay, I will discuss how important the initial consultation is to both therapist and client alike, some of the ethical issues that are likely to arise at this time and how the therapist should address them for the benefit of all involved. THE INITIAL CONSULTATION It is fair to say that, in a course of treatment, the initial consultation is the most important of all, as it establishes the basis for that treatment as well as the essential rapport between the two parties. Although some basic information may have been gathered in a preliminary telephone call, this is the first opportunity for those involved to meet face to face and affords the therapist the chance to establish more details of the problem or issue that has brought the client to see them and whether or not the therapist can actually treat the client. For example this may not be an issue that is suitable for hypnotherapy at all or unlikely to be beneficial to the client. Also, the therapist will need to be satisfied that their skills are sufficient or appropriate for this particular procedure or whether the correct course of action would be to decline treatment at that stage or refer the client to another professional practitioner. However, should both parties agree to proceed, then the therapist can begin to gather information that will form the basis for the on-going therapy to be successful and so it is essential that a thorough assessment of the client is conducted during that initial consultation. The best way to do this is by creating a ‘Notation’, a written record of all the information gathered at this point, which will be added to as the course of therapy continues. The first part of this may be presented to the client to fill in themselves and should contain

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