Which activity is typically addressed during the beginning phase of an interview?

• A. Taking Care of Paperwork
• B. Planning for Additional Service
• C. Warm Up and Getting Acquainted
• D. Defining Problems

Answer: (C)

Establishing rapport and setting the tone at the start of an interview. In the opening phase, the most effective focus is on creating a safe, welcoming space so the client feels comfortable sharing. This is why warm-up and getting acquainted fits best: it uses light, open-ended conversation to ease tension, build trust, and orient the client to the interview process. Once that sense of safety is in place, the worker can move into clarifying goals, confidentiality, and the flow of the session.

Taking care of paperwork is more about administrative setup and often happens at intake rather than during the interpersonal opening. Planning for additional services and defining problems are tasks that come as the interview progresses into assessment and planning, after rapport and basic information have been established.