On a serious note.
As you are going for a walk I presume the journey to the start of it from your meeting place will be taken up with chit chat of the so you are soandso type. Following this I would use the things you see as an icebreaker and conversation starter. Not knowing the problems of your client I can't really think of any further guidance. Presumably your first outings will simply be getting to know you and skirting around any issues they will be comfortable discussing.

Good luck with your undertaking.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 10:20, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

We'll be walking through town to get out into the open
so chit-chat will be the order of the day. I'm not looking to get her to open up in particular because this is the first of probably six walks we'll do over the next twelve weeks so there's plenty of time to get to the nitty gritty. I don't really want to be offering advice either - I'm not a trained counsellor - more guide people to find help if they need it.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 10:30, Reply)

Tell her to try the internet.
All her problems can be solved on here.
( girlinthehole, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 10:32, Reply)

Whether you want her to or not
She just might. Your hardest job might be getting her to shut up!
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 10:35, Reply)

Like I said, fortunately I'm a listener.

( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 10:41, Reply)