Abstract
Abstract
French
Within the first few seconds usually of meeting a new patient, the therapist has formed an impression of the likely diagnosis and difficulties that lie ahead during psychotherapy. There are many clues about a patient given by the person, if anyone, accompanying him or her; by the patient's style of greeting; dress and jewellery; type of voice, and so on. Many of these clues, and the inferences that are preconsciously or consciously made from them, are described and discussed. The first impression is probably correct and may correlate well with an assessment made after many hours’ work with a patient.