Week 2: The 5 Stage Interview Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the 5 stages of interviewing?
1) Empathetic relationship
- initiating the session
- building rapport
- structuring the session
2) Story & strengths
- gathering data
- drawing our stories/issues
3) Goals
- set mutual goals
- what does the client want to happen?
4) Restory
- working
- exploring alternatives
5) Action
- terminating, generalizing & acting on new stories
What is the purpose of counselling?
To guide the client and counsellor through a structured but flexible process that helps resolve presenting issues.
The five stages are used to build rapport, gather information, set goals, explore options, and develop action plans.
Why might stages of the Five-Stage Interview be revisited?
Clients may need to return to earlier stages—especially the story stage—to share more information or to feel fully heard before moving forward.
Counsellor may need more information so they return to the story stage
What is the focus of Stage 1 in counselling?
Initiating the session, building rapport, and establishing structure.
This includes exploring why the client is there and starting to build a trusting relationship.
What are signs of good rapport in an initial session? (4)
Open body language
Client gives more than one-word answers
Smiling
Client appears engaged and is willing to share
What are some strategies to build rapport in Stage 1? (5)
Using the client’s name
Brief self-disclosure
Positive asset search
Explaining the format
Acknowledging cultural/ethnic differences
What is the focus of Stage 2 in counselling?
To gather the full story, understand client concerns, and identify strengths.
This is often the longest phase and may span multiple sessions.
What counselling skills help draw out the client’s story?
Basic Listening Skills (BLS): encouraging, paraphrasing, summarizing, silence, and making the session feel conversational rather than like an interview.
Why is it important to view the issue from the client’s perspective?
It ensures you avoid assumptions, helps you understand what matters most to the client, and sets the stage for meaningful goal setting.
How should goals be set in counselling?
Collaboratively, using the client’s own words and priorities.
Counsellors guide/facilitate but don’t dictate the direction.
What should you do if you disagree with a client’s goal?
Don’t challenge them directly—ask open-ended questions to explore the goal’s feasibility, possible outcomes, and alternative approaches.
- This may lead the client to reassess it themselves.
What can help guide goal setting in Stage 3?
Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)
Explore what the client hopes to change
Discuss backup plans in case goals aren’t reached
Who has the final say in counselling decisions?
The client. Counsellors act as facilitators, but decisions and actions must come from the client for them to be meaningful and sustainable.
- They are more likely to do what they want rather than something pushed on them
What is the goal of Stage 4 (Re-Story)?
To explore alternative options, challenge inconsistencies, and help clients reshape their narrative.
This promotes self-reflection and critical thinking
What are incongruities, and how are they handled in Stage 4?
Contradictions in the client’s story or goals (e.g., wanting to drink socially despite negative consequences).
The counsellor points these out to foster insight.
Why is it important to examine pros and cons of each option?
It helps the client make informed decisions and prepare realistic coping strategies for any potential challenges.
What happens during the Action stage?
Clients apply what they’ve learned to real life.
They implement agreed-upon strategies and begin making concrete changes.
What strategies support action planning? (5)
Homework
Journaling
Role play
Group or family counselling
Regular follow-up and feedback
How should counsellors introduce suggestions during action planning?
Use a collaborative approach: “What do you think of this idea?” rather than “Maybe you should try this.”
- This empowers the client to choose what works best.
Why must counselling approaches be flexible when working with diverse clients?
Because every client’s background, identity, and lived experience impacts how they interpret problems and solutions. A flexible, empathetic approach ensures inclusivity and relevance.
What are key diversity factors to consider in counselling? (7)
Disability
Socioeconomic status
Sexual orientation
Age
Ethnicity/race
Religion/spirituality
Gender and pronouns
How can diversity influence counselling?
It can affect scheduling, resource access, belief systems, communication styles, and more.
Counsellors must adapt their techniques to accommodate and respect these differences
