2. Identify individuals who may benefit from brief interventions. 2.1 Create an environment suitable for frank confidential discussion. Engaging in frank open discussion about substance use takes courage and for many, feelings of apprehension are common. Creating a warm and safe environment is an essential requirement for this kind of work. A client needs to feel comfortable and feel secure regarding confidence to begin sharing private information and concerns. With brief intervention work it can often be of an opportunistic nature and therefore the ideal environment is not always available. For the purpose of this criterion I will outline the setting I would endeavour to create if it were possible. {draw:frame} To be effective in brief intervention work, I would be looking to build a relationship of equals and a relationship of trust. Privacy is very important especially when a conversation is of a personal nature. To ensure greater confidentiality, ideally I would like a room that is marked private, and preferably with curtains or blinds on any internal windows that are on view from adjacent areas. To feel comfortable, the room should be neither too large nor too small. I would also pay attention to the lighting. Bright fluorescent lights are hard on the eyes, so natural light or low lighting would be preferable. Seating arrangements are very important in creating an equal relationship. Barriers such as desks should be avoided and seats should be of the same height, 3-4 feet apart so as not to encroach on personal space and set slightly at an angle to each other. Being in direct eye contact can leave some clients feeling very uncomfortable. I would have a small clock that I could discreetly glance at to help manage the time. I would also endeavour to keep the room temperature at a comfortable level and ensure the room is not stuffy yet not draughty. External noise can be very distracting as can a bare, echoing room. Carpeting and furnishings would...