clinical interviewer Interview Questions and Answers

1. What prompted you to seek help today?

   • Answer: I've been experiencing increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping for the past three months, and it's significantly impacting my daily life and work. I feel I need professional support to manage these symptoms.

2. Can you describe your current mood?

   • Answer: I would describe my mood as mostly low and irritable. I feel a persistent sense of sadness and hopelessness.

3. How would you describe your sleep patterns?

   • Answer: I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I often wake up multiple times during the night and feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep.

4. Do you have any thoughts of harming yourself or others?

   • Answer: No, I do not have any thoughts of harming myself or others.

5. What are your current coping mechanisms?

   • Answer: I try to distract myself by watching movies or listening to music, but it's not very effective lately.

6. Describe a typical day for you.

   • Answer: I wake up, struggle to get out of bed, go to work, come home, and mostly just lie around feeling tired and unmotivated.

7. Do you have any history of mental health conditions?

   • Answer: Yes, I was diagnosed with depression in the past, but I haven't sought treatment for several years.

8. Do you use any substances, including alcohol or drugs?

   • Answer: I occasionally drink alcohol socially, but I don't use any other substances.

9. What is your appetite like?

   • Answer: My appetite has decreased significantly. I've lost weight unintentionally.

10. How would you describe your energy levels?

    • Answer: My energy levels are very low. I feel constantly fatigued.

11. Do you experience any physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches?

    • Answer: Yes, I often experience headaches and tension in my shoulders.

12. Can you tell me about your family history of mental illness?

    • Answer: My mother has a history of depression.

13. What are your social supports like?

    • Answer: I have a few close friends, but I haven't been spending much time with them lately.

14. What are your goals for therapy?

    • Answer: My main goal is to feel better and to manage my anxiety and sleep problems.

15. What are your strengths?

    • Answer: I'm a very determined and resilient person.

16. What are some things you enjoy?

    • Answer: I used to enjoy reading and spending time outdoors, but I haven't been able to do those things recently.

17. Describe your childhood.

    • Answer: My childhood was generally happy, but there were some challenging periods.

18. What are your relationships like with your family members?

    • Answer: My relationships with my family are generally good, but we haven't been communicating as much lately.

19. Have you ever been hospitalized for mental health reasons?

    • Answer: No, I have not.

20. Have you ever attempted suicide?

    • Answer: No, I have not.

21. Do you have any concerns about your medication?

    • Answer: I'm not currently taking any medication.

22. What are your expectations for our sessions?

    • Answer: I expect to receive support and guidance in managing my symptoms and improving my overall well-being.

23. How do you typically handle stress?

    • Answer: I usually try to ignore it, which clearly isn't working.

24. What is your biggest fear?

    • Answer: My biggest fear is never feeling happy again.

25. What are your thoughts on therapy?

    • Answer: I'm hoping therapy will help me develop better coping mechanisms and improve my overall mental health.

26. What motivates you?

    • Answer: The desire to feel better and to improve my relationships motivates me.

27. What is your understanding of your condition?

    • Answer: I believe I'm struggling with anxiety and depression.

28. How do you manage your time?

    • Answer: I struggle with time management, things often feel overwhelming.

29. What is your work situation like?

    • Answer: I'm currently employed but find it difficult to concentrate and complete tasks.

30. How do you feel about yourself?

    • Answer: I feel inadequate and often criticize myself harshly.

31. Do you have any hobbies?

    • Answer: I used to enjoy painting, but haven't picked it up lately.

32. What are your goals for the future?

    • Answer: I want to feel happier and more fulfilled in my life.

33. Describe your relationship with your partner.

    • Answer: My relationship with my partner is strained due to my current struggles.

34. How do you handle conflict?

    • Answer: I tend to avoid conflict, which isn't always healthy.

35. How do you express your emotions?

    • Answer: I often bottle up my emotions, which contributes to my stress.

36. What is your biggest accomplishment?

    • Answer: Graduating from college is my biggest accomplishment.

37. What is your biggest regret?

    • Answer: I regret not seeking help sooner.

38. What is your favorite memory?

    • Answer: My favorite memory is traveling to the Grand Canyon.

39. What makes you feel safe?

    • Answer: Spending time in nature makes me feel safe.

40. What makes you feel loved?

    • Answer: Acts of kindness and genuine affection make me feel loved.

41. What is your definition of happiness?

    • Answer: Happiness is a feeling of contentment and fulfillment.

42. What is your definition of success?

    • Answer: Success is achieving personal goals and living a meaningful life.

43. What is your biggest challenge right now?

    • Answer: My biggest challenge is managing my anxiety and depression.

44. How do you handle criticism?

    • Answer: I tend to take criticism personally, but I'm working on it.

45. How do you handle praise?

    • Answer: I appreciate praise, but I don't let it go to my head.

46. What is your preferred learning style?

    • Answer: I learn best through hands-on experiences and discussions.

47. What are your spiritual beliefs?

    • Answer: I'm not religious, but I believe in the importance of kindness and compassion.

48. What is your relationship with your siblings?

    • Answer: I have a close relationship with my sister and a more distant relationship with my brother.

49. What is your favorite book?

    • Answer: To Kill a Mockingbird.

50. What is your favorite movie?

    • Answer: The Shawshank Redemption.

51. What is your favorite song?

    • Answer: "Imagine" by John Lennon.

52. What are your financial concerns?

    • Answer: I'm currently managing my finances well, but any unexpected costs would be challenging.

53. Do you have any legal concerns?

    • Answer: No, I do not have any legal concerns.

54. What are your housing arrangements?

    • Answer: I live in my own apartment.

55. What is your daily routine like on weekends?

    • Answer: On weekends I try to relax and spend time with friends or family, when I'm feeling up to it.

56. How do you handle disappointment?

    • Answer: I try to learn from my mistakes and move on.

57. How do you handle success?

    • Answer: I celebrate my successes and use them as motivation for future goals.

58. What is your biggest strength in relationships?

    • Answer: My biggest strength in relationships is my empathy and understanding.

59. What is your biggest weakness in relationships?

    • Answer: My biggest weakness in relationships is my tendency to be overly sensitive.

60. Describe a time you felt proud of yourself.

    • Answer: I felt proud of myself when I completed a challenging project at work.

61. Describe a time you felt disappointed in yourself.

    • Answer: I felt disappointed in myself when I didn't meet a personal goal.

62. How would you describe your personality?

    • Answer: I am generally a kind and compassionate person, though I can be quite introverted.

63. What is your ideal vacation?

    • Answer: My ideal vacation would involve relaxing on a beach.

64. What is something you're looking forward to?

    • Answer: I'm looking forward to feeling better and enjoying life again.

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