Psychosocial Interview Techniques and Structure

Interview Types and Purposes

Interviews can be categorized based on several factors:

• Purpose: Information gathering, guidance, referral, specific demands, data collection, or relationship building.
• Number of Respondents: Individual, group, or family.
• Theoretical Framework: Systemic, psychodynamic, psychosocial, behavioral, or phenomenological.
• Style of Advice: Directives and policies.

Sullivan emphasized the importance of understanding the psychosocial aspects of a client's problems during an interview. The interview serves a transformative function, relying on communication processes between the interviewer and interviewee. It is a structured dynamic situation built upon rapport and an empathic relationship.

Technical Support for Assistance

The interview serves as technical support for assistance by enabling the following:

1. Investigate the client's state and help them understand themselves.
2. Allow the client to unveil internal conflicts, frustrations, and anxieties related to their situation.
3. Encourage the client to recount their history, even if painful.
4. Help the client understand their situation and make decisions, assuming responsibility.
5. Establishment of the setting.

Desired Interviewer Role

The desired role of the interviewer involves:

1. The professional acknowledging what they do not know.
2. The client assuming that the professional understands their situation and its resolution.
3. The "not knowing" helping to enhance the desire to understand the client's life, discourse structure, and experiences in relation to the problem.

Types of Interviews

From a longitudinal perspective, interviews can be categorized as follows:

• Preliminary Interview: Presentation, brief overview of the case, and potential referral.
• First Interview: Establishing the relationship and clarifying objectives.
• Monitoring or Treatment: Utilizing different counseling techniques.
• Final Interview: Termination of the process.

First Interview

The first interview focuses on providing support and clarifying the problem.

Goal: To listen, observe, gain knowledge, establish contact, clarify concerns, and build confidence.

Techniques: Employ techniques such as reassurance, ventilation, support, and clarification. Active listening and attentive nonverbal communication are crucial for establishing the relationship and action system.

Final Interview

The final interview marks the end of the process and should clearly explain the reasons for termination. It is essential to minimize pain, sadness, and anxiety, ensuring the client feels supported and comfortable. This stage involves creating a sense of closure and addressing any lingering emotional ties.

Structure of the Interview

The interview consists of phases and components and can be structured or unstructured, directive or non-directive.

Framework Phase

This initial phase involves the meeting between the client and the professional. Anxieties may be heightened during this stage. The primary goal is to create a feeling of comfort and security, facilitating rapport with the client. The professional should aim to gain the client's confidence and encourage them to speak freely without rushing. Site conditions should be conducive to open communication. Open questions and non-directive interventions are helpful. This phase focuses on sampling and data collection, with the theme revolving around the reasons for seeking assistance.

Middle Phase of Exploration

The transition from the framework phase to the exploration phase should be as seamless as possible. This phase involves focusing on and shaping the problem. It is a period of intense exchange and dialogue, representing the peak of the interview where the core task is addressed. Rapport, communication, and mutual respect are established during this phase. The depth of exploration depends on the evolution of the interview. This stage defines the profile of the professional's therapeutic activity and involves directive and non-directive techniques aimed at:

• Gathering information.
• Defining the problem.
• Developing scenarios.
• Acting within the relationship.

Developing strong listening and communication skills is crucial. Interventions should be oriented towards listening and verifying impressions and data.

Final Phase: Farewell

This is the concluding phase of the interview.