Joe, a 59-year-old white male, comes to your office stating that he feels bad all the time. He is gainfully employed and reports being happily married with adult children, but he says that he feels...

Joe, a 59-year-old white male, comes to your office stating that he feels bad all the time. He is gainfully employed and reports being happily married with adult children, but he says that he feels “uneasy all the time.” He states that “nothing is really wrong” and is not sure he “needs” counseling. As the counselor, how can you help Joe figure it out? When clients come to counseling they may not know “what is really going on” and may be unaware of exactly what is contributing to their distress.

1. As the counselor, how would you most efficiently find out about your client?

2. What is the most effective source for determining the presenting problem?

3. Is the client your only source for information?

4. How can you develop trust and rapport and utilize assessment in a meaningful way?