Clinical Interviewing - Hardcover

One of the best books on clinical interviewing just got better. The increased emphasis on multicultural issues and new sections on the science of interviewing and intake report writing are particularly welcome additions.
This is easily one of the best books on clinical interviewing available and makes an outstanding text for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in the helping professions. In successfully blending theory, scholarly research, and richly illustrated clinical examples, the authors bring the material to life.
The book stands out in the competitive field of clinical interviewing texts. In addition to providing invaluable information on basic interviewing skills, it addresses advanced topics such as assessment, treatment planning, and important multicultural issues.
Exceptionally clear and well-written, this book provides beginning graduate students in the helping professions with invaluable information on learning how to conduct effective clinical interviews. Highly recommended.
A worthwhile addition to the library of any helping professional, this book offers much more than most beginning-level texts on helping skills. Chapters on suicide assessment, conducting effective mental status examinations, diagnosis and treatment planning, interviewing children and families, and multicultural issues set it apart from similar texts. --Eric R. Dahlen, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi

Praise for Clinical Interviewing, Fourth Edition

"Thorough, thoughtful, and well-written, John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan do an outstanding job demonstrating the scientist-practitioner model in action. The text provides excellent coverage of the basic skills involved in clinical interviewing, and the material is brought to life through an engaging literary style, numerous case examples, and informative and amusing anecdotes. The authors also confront important ethical issues pertaining to clinical interviewing, such as informed consent, confidentiality and its limits, and documentation according to HIPAA standards. The review of the literature is current, summarizing many contemporary issues and controversies, such as revisions to be included in DSM-V."—James C. Overholser, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training, Case Western Reserve University Editor in Chief, Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy

"It is a delight to see the Fourth Edition of the Sommers-Flanagans's excellent work. They understand counseling and therapy, their writing is clear, and this book will be enjoyed by students and faculty alike."—Allen E. Ivey, EdD, ABPP Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Amherst President, Microtraining Associates, Inc.

"The Fourth Edition of this classic by John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan is simply a triumph! This book has both extraordinary depth and breadth. The authors do an exceptional job of describing mundane—but critical—details of learning to interview while still capturing and articulating the essential 'big picture' aspects of contemporary clinical interviewing. The book has it all: theory, research, case material, and the essential 'how to's,' all presented in an accessible and lively format. It is hard to imagine a better book for beginning clinicians."—David A. Jobes, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Co-Director of Clinical Training, Catholic University of America

The classic text featuring practical strategies for conducting effective interviews

Blending a personal and easy-to-read style with a unique emphasis on both the scientific basis and interpersonal aspects of interviewing, Clinical Interviewing, Fourth Edition reflects current researchÊand includes an important expansion of multicultural content throughout. Fully revised, this invaluable text provides thoughtful insight into critical interviewing techniques that will result in more effective and compassionate therapy.

The new edition features:

• A stronger emphasis on evidence-based practice

• A new chapter on diagnosis and treatment planning related to clients with addictions and other challenging problems

• New content on motivational interviewing, solution-focused and constructive approaches, and a new section on therapeutic questions

Complete with real-world case examples, Clinical Interviewing, Fourth Edition equips readers with a realistic yet intuitive guide to mastering the skills necessary to be an effective interviewer.