Laying the Foundation

Assessment Tools/Interviewing/Goal Setting

Initial Referrals and Intakes

School Setting

Referral Form should include:

- Referring Person

- Reason for Referral

- Has Parent Been Notified?

- Description of Behaviors/Concerns

- Duration of Behavior

- Good time to meet with Student

Clinical Setting

Initial Conversation Should Include:

- Who was person referred by?

- Reason for seeking counseling

- Duration of behaviors

- Past counseling experience

- Payment/Insurance

- Set up Initial Intake - Both parents if possible

This is a great time to screen.

Know who you will and will not accept as a new client.

If unsure, agree to meet with parents until you make up your mind.

Why Initial Conversations are Important

What to Ask in Initial Parent IntakesStart at present, work backwards

Most concerning issues first

Sleeping/Eating Habits

Routines

Discipline Style

Family System

Learning Issues

Developmental Milestones

What to Look for in Initial Intakes

The level of stress that parents bring in

Dynamics between parents. Where they sit. Who is more dominate? Overwhelmed? Most concerned?

Are the parents psychologically minded?

Do they want you to “fix” their child?

Things to Remember

If you feel uneasy, refer out.

Don’t make promises about progress.

Have paperwork that will cover you including:Practice policiesPayment policiesPermission to work with minors

Assessment following Intake

“It sounds like _________ is going on.”

“This is what I think may work.”

“I suggest we meet __________ often.”

In the meantime, here are some tools:

- books to read

- suggestions for communication

- behavior modification strategies

Assessment Tools for Kids

Self Esteem Questionnaire

Finger Puppet Genogram

Feeleez

Create Your World - Sandtray

Family Drawing, Self Portrait

Setting Goals

Individualized Treatment Plan

Problem 1:_________________Behaviors to be

changed:_____________________________________________________________________

Interventions: ____________________________ _______________________________________

_______________________________________

Observable indicators of Improvement:____________

_____________________________________________

Review Date:______

Individualized Treatment Plan

Problem 1: AnxietyBehaviors to be changed: crying during

storms, excessive worry about going to school, refusal to go to social events

Interventions: square breathing, acknowledging feelings in the body, identifying strengths.

Observable indicators of Improvement: is able to stay in room during storms, less complaints about school, attends social events.

Review Date:______

Additional Methods of Determining Progress

Worry Tracker

I Did it! List

Behavior Contracts

Stress Rating - 1-10

Bringing Journal in

Meeting with Parents (of young children)

Discussing Goals with Parents of Young Children

Meet with Parents 1x/Month to discuss progress

Meet with parents first 10 min/session to gather information (if safe relationship between parent and child)

As children get older, minimize communication with parents.

Discussing Goals with Adolescents

Talk about their goals (not their parents goals).

Write the ones that were accomplished down along with the date.

Determine progressDiscuss frequency of sessions