Clinical Interviewing

I have been using this splendid book for my first-year course in clinical interviewing in our clinical science program. The Sommers-Flanagans have produced another edition of their engaging and lucid textbook infused with that rare combination of clinical wisdom and evidence-based knowledge that embodies the scientist-practitioner model and helps students learn both the practice and scientific basis of clinical assessment via interviewing. I recommend this book both for graduate courses as well as for use by established practitioners who wish to continue honing their skills.
Gerald C. Davison, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, University of Southern California, and coauthor of Abnormal Psychology and Clinical Behavior Therapy, and featured in the documentary film, Conversion.
 

I am delighted that John & Rita Sommers-Flanagan are continuing to update Clinical Interviewing; now in its 7th edition! I used prior editions in my basic practicum courses and found the text to be perfect for training psychotherapists. The book offers the breadth and depth needed to prepare students for clinical work. Each chapter is filled with state-of-the-art content and clear examples of clinical interactions that illuminate key points. The video demonstrations cover a wide range of skills and make the content come-to-life. The chapters on risk assessment and working with kids and teens are especially helpful. Using this book is like having two more instructors for the course and it's a great way to provide students (and their professor) the support they need to accomplish their mutual goals.
Heidi Zetzer, Ph.D., Teaching Professor and Director, Carol Ackerman Positive Psychology Clinic, University of California Santa Barbara
 
This state-of-the-art text is a must-read for counselors, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals in any role and setting. The authors provide clear and easy-to-understand evidence-based analyses, discussions, and applications of the clinical interview process with a 21st-century lens.
Eddy Fagundo, Eddy Fagundo, Ph.D., CRC, CVE | Senior Manager, Education Content, American Counseling Association
 
I wanted to share my thoughts about the "Clinical Interviewing" book, which I believe is an outstanding resource for Clinical Interview courses in Turkey and worldwide. One particular aspect of this book stands out for me: I've been working as a counselor educator for approximately seven years, and one of the greatest challenges in counselor education is helping students grasp the holistic nature of counseling. They may be well-versed in counseling theories, techniques, and the DSM, but often struggle to integrate this knowledge effectively. That's where this book has proven invaluable. We incorporate this book into our curriculum, especially during the initial weeks of supervision. I particularly admire the chapter titled 'An Overview of the Interview Process.' Starting with this book not only in supervision but also in the early stages of various courses, such as counseling with children and adolescents, provides my students with a solid framework within which to contextualize the information they'll acquire throughout the upcoming weeks. This book provides students with the essential framework for showcasing their counseling skills--where, how, and when to apply them, which makes "Clinical Interviewing" truly unparalleled in its value.
Umit Arslan
 

This textbook has been extremely helpful in highlighting how fundamental listening and reflecting is to the human experience. The insightful examples and invitational writing style help to bridge the gap of insecurity that many early students experience. I highly recommend this textbook for early skills courses and as a resource for counselors who find themselves in need of a professional "tune up."
Carol McGinnis
 
We LOVE this textbook for our Diagnosis course!
Meredith Rausch, Ph.D., NCC (She/Her), Associate Professor at Augusta University
 

One of my favorite textbooks from my graduate program and hands down that liking the two of you from this book and the accompanying videos, that it led me to your Strengths Based Suicide training was such a meaningful shift in my thinking and approach that I remain so grateful for. Excited for those who will continue to learn from the two of you!
Teresa Prince, LPC, Insights Counseling Center, LLC