Before beginning treatment, what must a counselor do first?

Before treatment begins, it is essential for a counselor to identify the problem that the client is facing. This step is foundational as it involves gathering information about the client’s concerns, challenges, and circumstances. By understanding the specific issues at hand, the counselor can tailor the treatment plan to address the client's unique needs effectively.

Identifying the problem sets the stage for subsequent steps in the counseling process, including establishing rapport and, if necessary, making a formal diagnosis. Moreover, it ensures that both the counselor and the client are on the same page regarding the goals of therapy. Without this critical first step, it would be challenging to develop an effective treatment strategy that targets the right areas for intervention.