List a minimum of 10 questions you would ask during your first meeting with the client:
1. What brings you here today?
2. How far along in your pregnancy are you?
3. Do you have any other children?
4. Did you drink any alcoholic beverages before coming to see me today?
5. How long have you had a drinking problem?
6. Have you ever received professional help before for drinking?
7. Does your family have a history of alcohol abuse?
8. Do you plan on keeping your child after he/she is born?
9. Do you have any support from the child’s father, or your family?
10. What plans and goals do you wish to accomplish during these sessions?
Speaker Notes: The 10 questions listed allow the interviewer to learn necessary information about the client. These questions are direct, but still leave room for the client to elaborate and share more of her story. The questions also demonstrate the interviewers desire to want to learn more about the client. The questions also give the interviewer a better idea in the areas in which he/she may need to gather information for the client; for example, if the client doesn’t wish to keep the child, the interviewer may refer the client to an adoption agency as well at some point.
List five suggestions you might give to the client to help them contemplate change:
1. It’s best not associate yourself with people who still drink or abuse any substances as you may fall back into temptation when doing so.
2. Try to avoid going to old hang outs where you may bump into drinking buddies or where alcohol will be available; finding new friends in a healthier atmosphere can bring positive vibes and motivate you to do better.
3. Accept your past, but make realistic plans and goals for your future; you are stronger than you past and history does not have to repeat itself. Lead by example for your child.
4. When tempted to have a drink, think about your child and their best interest. You have the potential to be a great mother, if...