The Must-Have Companion to the Intake Interview

We are on the cusp of a major shift in community perceptions and attitudes about mindset and mental health. And with increased mental health challenges in the current environment, psychologists, therapists and counsellors, and others in the helping profession, will experience an increase in demand for their time.

So, with increasing demand, how can mental health professionals ensure clients and patients get the help they need when they need it? 

One way is to focus on the intake interview.

Counselling and therapy typically begin with an intake evaluation that provides the raw data for understanding a new client. According to eminent psychologist Judith Beck, this data can then be used to formulate a cognitive conceptualisation of a client. From there, a treatment plan can be developed. But Beck cautions that failing to see the bigger picture or having an inaccurate conceptualisation, can result in therapy not being directed in an effective and efficient manner.

Whilst the intake assessment is a necessary first step it can progress over a number of weeks, which can delay a client receiving the help they need. Beck suggests collecting as much information as possible before the first session by, for example, having the client complete questionnaires and self-report forms. This can reduce the duration of the intake interview and speed up addressing the client’s needs.

The Mindset Dimensions Report™ is the ideal self-report pre-intake assessment.

Measuring seven mindset dimensions – primary internal representation system, values (across 8 life areas), beliefs (self-efficacy and cognitive triad), language patterns (self-talk and expressed), emotions, and behavioural preferences, it provides a multi-dimensional picture of a client’s worldview.

The Mindset Dimensions Report™ is ideally suited to improving the accuracy and efficiency of the intake interview in several ways.

Firstly, the report is comprehensive and has been described as “astoundingly accurate”, and so is well suited to support a more accurate cognitive conceptualisation. Secondly, the therapist has immediate online access to the full mindset profile report following completion by the client. As a result, the therapist can facilitate a more focused intake session. There is also a bonus. The report includes rich information about the client that will help the therapist build rapport with the client from the outset.

In addition to supplementing the intake assessment, The Mindset Dimensions Report™ also establishes a baseline measure of a client’s mindset at the start of therapy. Their mindset can then be reassessed following a period of therapy to measure their progress. Test/retest results are not only beneficial to the client, but the therapist also benefits from having feedback for their own continuing personal development.

The Mindset Dimensions Report™ is the perfect companion to the intake interview as it supports more effective and efficient assessment, leading to more effective and efficient treatment of mental health challenges. But it doesn’t stop there. It also provides a range of other benefits throughout the process of therapy.

Start making a difference today with The Mindset Dimensions Report™.

References:

Beck, J.S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. New York: Guilford Publications.

Dr. Patricia Kemp

Co-Founder & Director at Mindset Dimensions