What should be a central focus during the intake process?

The central focus during the intake process is primarily on establishing rapport with the client. Building rapport is crucial as it creates a trusting relationship, allowing clients to feel safe and open up about their experiences. This is essential for effective assessment and treatment planning, as clients are more likely to share sensitive information when they feel understood and supported.

Completing personal assessments comes into play after rapport has been established. While thorough assessments are important for understanding the client’s needs, they rely heavily on the comfort level of the client, which is fostered during rapport-building. Similarly, collecting necessary documentation is a practical task that supports the intake but doesn't contribute to the connection and understanding necessary to begin the therapeutic relationship. Creating a treatment plan is also vital, but this process usually occurs after establishing rapport and conducting assessments, as it needs to be informed by the client's history and their expressed needs.

In summary, while all elements mentioned are significant for effective treatment, establishing rapport is the foundational step that influences the success of subsequent stages in the intake process.