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• Purpose:

Establish rapport with the client or couple to understand their reasons for seeking therapy.

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• Key Steps:​​

  • Explain the confidentiality policy.

  • Outline what they can expect from me as their therapist.

  • Clarify expectations for therapy.

  • Discuss the client's or couple’s primary concerns.

• Purpose:

Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the root of the problem, its manifestations, and its current impact.

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• Key Steps:​​

  • Dive into the onset, signs, and symptoms of the problem.

  • Understand the problem's current impact on the individual's life or relationship.

  • For couples, assess each partner’s emotional state and mutual concerns.

  • Identify fears or reservations about the therapy process.

• Purpose:

Initiate targeted intervention to address urgent issues while laying the groundwork for deeper therapeutic work.

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• Key Steps:​​

  • Tackle the most immediate and distressing problems, often using approaches informed by CBT or DBT.

  • As urgent issues subside, shift focus to underlying traumas and fears, drawing on insights from training.

  • Introduce techniques for sustainable change, utilizing motivational interviewing strategies inspired by Stephen Rollnick and William R. Miller.

  • Continually reassess and adjust therapeutic goals and strategies based on client progress.