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Script for Initial session
Developmental Psychology (PSY2071)
Monash University
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Script for Initial session Counsellor – Welcome ______________. Thank you for the chance to start this counselling journey with you. From your intake form I can see this is your first time to counselling, so I just wanted to briefly let you know that my role here today is to guide you through the concerns that have brought you here. While I don’t have a magic wand to fix everybody’s problems, I can help you with strategies and coping skills to work through them, and we can do that together. Now its also important to let you know ________that, these sessions may bring up feelings, thoughts and memories that may upset you however it is designed to help you work through seasons in your life that are contributing to your issues today. These feelings are normal. I will do my best to make sure that the session finishes with you feeling a little better than when you started and if you feel that you need more support after a session, I can organise that. Does that sound ok? Some clients need only a few counselling sessions to achieve their goals; others may require months or even years of counselling. As a client, you are in complete control and may end our counselling relationship at any time, though a termination session is highly recommended. You also have the right to refuse to discuss any suggestions I make that you don’t feel comfortable with. I will always respect your decision and not insist in any way on continuing with an ‘intervention’ you don’t feel completely safe and comfortable with. Does that make sense? All interactions which take place in the setting of our session are considered private and confidential. You may however, choose to give me permission in writing to release any or specific information about you to any person or agency that you designate. Also some other exceptions to this may be if I learn or believe that there is a risk of harm to you or someone around you and also if there is a child at risk in the situation, I will have to act and report on these. Do you understand that? Finally, there may be times where I consult with outside sources about cases but in this case no identifiable information is used in discussion. I know that’s a lot of information to take in but do you understand all that? Do you have any questions for me before we start? I’m going to takes some notes down as we go and you can too if you like. Great so I’m here to help. Let’s start by discussing what’s been going on. Can you tell me a bit about whats been happening? I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, __________. It takes courage to reach out for help. Based on what you've shared, it seems like you're going through a tough time. I want you to know that I’m here to support you. Thank you for sharing that with me, __________. It's important to acknowledge your experiences and I can see that your uncomfortable and upset about it. Can I ask you, When
is the problem absent or less of a problem? What are you doing differently then? What is different then?” How long has this been going on? How have you been coping so far? I want to ensure your immediate safety. Have you taken any harmful actions or are you or the children currently in a dangerous situation when James gets angry? While I can’t change the other person or the rest of the world. How can I help you? What would you like to see go well or smoothly again as a result of these sessions?” What supports do you have around you? I can refer you to Centrelink and you can liase with them about trying to get a crisis payment. I can also organise a referral for housing support and some legal aid if you need it. There are also some food drives around where you can get access to free basic food for now, while I know its not the ideal situation right now, it’s important to get food for the kids and yourself. I just want to let you know that your showing so much strength right now asking for help. It sounds like we could work on some strategies to help you better communicate with James about your concerns. “In your opinion, what would be a very small step forward?” What have you considered but not yet tried? Suppose your partner (family member, colleague) won’t change in the way you wish for. What will you do then for your sake and the kids safety? If you decide to leave I can help to refer you to services for accommodation and support but we should discuss and explore the decision to leave first. Just remember that you can’t control his actions and make him change. He needs to make those decisions for himself. Also you can’t take responsibility for his actions. You are doing a great job so far and I can hear how stressful it is for you, so I’d love you to come back and we can work on the next steps to help you move forward. In the meantime try taking some big breaths before communicating with him and stay calm in yourself. You have a right to be upset and frustrated with the situation but it might make him shut down. If you would like to book in another session next week we can do that. Great and I’ll see you then.
What difference would that make for you and the important people in your life?”
Script for Initial session
Course: Developmental Psychology (PSY2071)
University: Monash University
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