Question:

A 28-year-old man seeks treatment from a social worker. He reports being dissatisfied with his career but cannot identify why or what he would like to be different. He also states that he’s unhappy about his current relationship, wishes he was in better shape, and can’t seem to find a way to change. He says, “Every time I try to change something, I get overwhelmed and end up right back where I started . . . or worse.” The social worker should first _________.