PREPARATION THROUGH HISTORY TAKING 1. The history should be taken in the first interview.

This enables the therapist to understand, whether PLRT is appropriate for the client at that point of time or not. If it is found to be appropriate, the history can help to identify characteristics of the client that enable the therapist to fine-time the process to suit the client. The characteristics are as follows: The physical condition of the client The mental condition of the client The emotional state of the client The spiritual stance of the client 2. Psychosocial data collection is important because this assessment is part of the basis of the entire therapeutic process. If the psychosocial data is complete and accurate, the treatment and therapeutic planning will be appropriate. Psychosocial assessment is the gathering of data about emotional, spiritual, behavioral, mental, environmental, and interactional processes. The following are some of the most important elements in a psychosocial history. a. Demographic data b. Family History 1. Family: Nuclear family or extended family? 2. Parents: Details of parents. Relationship of parents with each other. Are they biological parents? Is the client an adopted child? Are the parents divorced? 3. Position of the client in the family and his/her relationship with siblings, other family members (including extended family) 4. Belief systems that the client has grown up with as child c. Cultural History 1. Cultural background 2. Racial background 3. Religious/Spiritual background d. Emotional state e. Mental condition 1. Evaluate presence of absence of common psychological disorders, i.e., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, post traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, Life situation, functioning. 2. Previous treatment including traditional therapy as well as past life therapy f. Occupational g. Marital h. Sexual including functioning, preference, history of abuse (including possible child sexual abuse), possibility of pregnancy i. Education j. Financial situation k. Life cycle issues l. Support systems m. Sleep patterns n. Life traumas (e.g. rape, deaths in family, sexual abuse in childhood, etc.) Presenting problem(s)

3. Details to be obtained in the history taking: 1. Problem/ Issue history a. When did the problem/issue begin? b. How is the problem manifested? c. What (according to the client) has caused the problem(s) d. Detailed History of prior therapy undergone 2. Adult life History of the client a. Physical health history, hospitalization, surgeries, major illnesses b. Job history, educational background c. Marriages, children, divorce, etc.. 3. Other Characteristics: a. Psychic experiences b. Recurring patterns, works often repeated by the client. These can give vital clues about the problem that he/she is going through and are key words for transition during PLRT c. Words or phrases that are often repeated by the client. d. Fears or Phobias e. Escapism/Avoidance of all types including use of drugs/alcohol f. Unrealistic expectations without taking responsibly for oneself