Clinical Interviewing

"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, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Co-Director of Clinical Training, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

"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, Ph.D., ABPP; Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy

"It is a delight to see the 4th Edition of the Sommers-Flanagan'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, Ed.D., ABPP; Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; President, Microtraining Associates, Inc.

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.

JOHN SOMMERS-FLANAGAN has a PhD in clinical psychology and is Associate Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Montana. He serves as a psychological consultant with Trapper Creek Job Corps. His research interests include clinical interviewing, parent consultations, and adolescent psychotherapy.

RITA SOMMERS-FLANAGAN earned her PhD at the University of Montana where she is now a Professor of Counselor Education. She provides mental health consultation at the Missoula Vet Center and Trapper Creek Job Corps. She has taught and written in the area of applied, practical ethics for the past fifteen years.
John and Rita have coauthored seven books, including Becoming an Ethical Helping Professional: Cultural and Philosophical Foundations and Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice: Skills, Strategies, and Techniques (both from Wiley).