Mini Lecture 3: Clinical Interview (June 23, 2021)
What is Clinical Interview?
A way/tool for gathering data about the client.
Why use interviews despite having psychological assessment?
Tests are not 100% accurate.
The Clinical Interview: What Do You Need?





Realistic expectations
o Be realistic on how much information we can collect from clients.
Open and receptive perceptions
o Be open to different backgrounds such as cultural, political, and
generational backgrounds.
o Be open to people that may have different perceptions.
The referral question
o Serves as the guide for the interview.
o Answers the question: What was the triggering event? Why did the client
come for consultation?
The presenting problem
o Regarding the symptom/complaint in relation to referral question
Strategizing: The Funnel Method
o General to more specific questions format
o Try to avoid asking “why” questions unless really needed
o Start expanding awareness on attitude, behavior, and actions (non-verbal
cues)
A. Applying the Scientific Method
1. Defining the Assumptions
a. Examine yourself, become aware on your own beliefs, triggers, and what
you can do to manage it.
b. Be aware of your own biases and how to put it aside. (Biases tends to
reinforce unto you. You have biases, but there is nothing wrong with having
biases if you learn to manage it.)
c. Be willing to debunk your assumptions about a person to make yourself a
better practitioner.
d. Biases can provide framework of reference for the individual.
2. Question Development
a. Focus on the goal of the therapeutic alliance.
b. Which questions will be relevant in addressing the referral
question/presenting problem?
3. The Literature Review
a. Be aware of the situation/possible symptoms.
4.
5.
6.
7.
b. Be equipped with the necessary knowledge to understand the implications
of a situation.
Data Gathering
a. The interview proper itself. Stick to the interview guide, be open to
questions. Learn to deduce.
b. Power of deduction can make interviews much more efficient.
c. When collecting data, be aware of the steps you are taking to make the
interview as efficient as possible.
Hypothesis Formulation
a. Form hypothesis within the span of the interview.
b. Think of possible questions that might point out to a specific diagnosis. But
do not focus on debunking or confirming the hypothesis.
Hypothesis Testing
a. Ask questions and clarifications.
b. Testing might differ depending on the situation. As long as it does not hurt
nor threaten the client.
Formulation/Direction
B. Informed consent before anything
Make sure to obtain informed consent.
C. Referral questions are the key to the goal.
Always go back to the referral question.
D. Create an interview guide.
Assist in the flow of the interview. It directs the possible direction of the interview.
E. Avoid redundancy
Nothing wrong with clarifications but avoid asking redundant questions as it might
affect the patient negatively.
F. Probe carefully
Know which questions to ask and know the right time to ask the questions.
G. Expand your awareness
Be aware of your reactions, body language, and how you use verbal language. Be
more sensitive of your surroundings.
H. Be mindful of yourself
Be aware if you are indeed ready to interview the client. Be aware of your own triggers.