The therapist and client relationship is important for effective therapy. The therapeutic relationship must be built before any techniques and theories can be effective. Communicating true empathy and showing genuine interest in the client will form a solid therapeutic foundation. However, the therapist must “have the ability to remain outside the system while maintaining some emotional attachment to its members” (Patterson, Williams, Edwards, Chamow, & Grauf-Grounds, 2009, p. 107). This article examines and critiques an interview I recorded of a couple regarding the clutter that accumulates in their home. The objective of this activity was to seek information using various questioning techniques and basic interviewing skills, and then write a paper criticizing the writer's performance. Basic Interview Skills Basic interview skills include having the therapist participate or join with the client. This behavior includes orienting yourself physically and psychologically with the client. The therapist must practice these skills to build the therapeutic relationship. A successful connection with the client begins by making the client feel understood, respected and cared for by paying attention to what they say, acknowledging what is said by nodding their head and exhibiting appropriate body language during the session. Membership should begin at the time of contact with the customer. The therapist should immediately make an effort to put the client at ease by listening to them and maintaining good eye contact. A successful union gives the therapeutic relationship a good foundation. However, failed compliance can leave the client feeling unable to confide in or trust the therapist or the therapeutic relationship… (middle of paper… 1997). Ranking questions ask the client to rank others, based on various qualities. Finally, rating questions provide the therapist with an estimate of how the client perceives something based on a scale of 1 to 10. This was an informative lesson and a wonderful lesson. I learned so much about therapy and about myself. I look forward to working with others and putting into practice the skills I have learned on this course. Works CitedBrown, J.E. (1997, January 1997). The question cube: a model for developing a repertoire of questions in the training of couple and family therapists [Journal]. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 23(1), 27-40. Patterson, J., Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Chamow, L., & Grauf-Grounds, C. (2009). Essential skills in family therapy from the first interview to the conclusion (2 ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.