As a helping professional, before the formal session, it is essential to understand the presenting issues, their impact on the client’s life, and their expectations of counseling. It is also necessary to conduct an initial assessment and judgment of the presenting problems, much like triage in an emergency room. This helps prepare the client for the counseling process, enables them to take responsibility for their counseling goals, and ensures they understand the structure of the upcoming sessions. This process plays a vital role in determining whether the client will smoothly proceed with the counseling process and is a crucial beginning for future case management and referral considerations.
This course will provide a framework for initial consultations with clients of various age groups and motivations, and include video demonstrations and analyses for dealing with voluntary and involuntary cases and different types of clients (such as parents). Topics such as crisis management and reporting will also be covered, as well as strategies for case referral and matching suitable helpers.

Learning objectives

1. Learn the concept and framework of initial consultation.
2. Practice using the structure and language of initial consultations through role-playing.
3. Learn to evaluate and apply Guerilla-Style Questioning based on assessments.
4. Learn how to assess, refer, and match cases effectively.

Course Format

1. Concept explanations and practical experience sharing.
2. Video demonstrations and analysis.
3. Small group discussions.
4. Systematic practical exercises.