Abstract
Some may view the initial interview as a mechanistic procedure complete with a list of tasks to accomplish. The primary purpose
of this article is to deconstruct this perspective and encourage psychotherapists to explore the initial interview through
an ethical acculturation lens. Using a case scenario, we demonstrate the need for purposeful reflection to better understand
important judgments and choices psychotherapists make while conducting initial interviews. Employing a proactive approach
to ethics using a “wide-angle” lens, we organize the discussion around personal, professional, and global themes. We offer
practical tips to facilitate ethical excellence as psychotherapists engage in their first client contacts.
of this article is to deconstruct this perspective and encourage psychotherapists to explore the initial interview through
an ethical acculturation lens. Using a case scenario, we demonstrate the need for purposeful reflection to better understand
important judgments and choices psychotherapists make while conducting initial interviews. Employing a proactive approach
to ethics using a “wide-angle” lens, we organize the discussion around personal, professional, and global themes. We offer
practical tips to facilitate ethical excellence as psychotherapists engage in their first client contacts.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10879-012-9219-3
- Authors
- Sharon K. Anderson, School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Room 210, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1588, USA
- Mitchell M. Handelsman, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80045, USA
- Journal Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3564
- Print ISSN 0022-0116