The therapist and client relationship is important in effective therapy. The therapeutic relationship must be built before a technique or theory is effective. Communicating real empathy and showing genuine interest in the client will provide 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 reviews and critiques an interview I recorded with a couple regarding the clutter accumulating around the house. The purpose of this activity was to research information using various questioning techniques and basic interview skills and then write an article critiquing that writer's performance. Basic Interviewing Skills Basic interviewing skills include the therapist assisting or joining the client. This behavior involves engaging physically and psychologically with the client. The therapist must practice these skills to develop the therapeutic relationship. A successful customer encounter begins with making the customer feel understood, respected and cared for by paying attention to what they are saying, acknowledging what is said by nodding and demonstrating a appropriate body language throughout the session. Membership must begin at the time of contact with the customer. The therapist should immediately make an effort to put the client at ease by listening and maintaining good eye contact. Successful adherence provides a good foundation for the therapeutic relationship. However, unsuccessful adherence may leave the client unable to confide or trust the therapist or the therapeutic relationship.......middle of article......1997). Ranking questions require the client to rank others, based on various qualities. And finally, the rating questions provide the therapist with an estimate of how the client perceives something on a scale of 1 to 10. This has been an informative lesson and a wonderful course. 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 throughout this course. Works CitedBrown, JE (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 first interview to completion (2 ed.). New York, New York: The Guilford Press.