PART IICHAPTER IV

ATTENDING SKILLS

ATTENDING SKILLS

• ATTENDING SKILLS are nonverbal communication and listening skills.

• Research tells us; people never pay full attention to their own communication, nor to their partner’s communication.

• Nonverbal Communication: There are 2 different types; 1. The nonverbal communication expressed by the client and picked up by the clinician i.e., sad affect.

• 2. Nonverbal communication used by the clinicians for therapeutic goals i.e., nodding head, being open and available to client.

ATTENDING SKILLS

• Interaction of verbal and nonverbal communication According to Knapp (1978) there are 6 ways which verbal and nonverbal communication interact.

• 1. Repetition 2. Contradiction 3. Substitution 4. Complementation 5. Accenting (to stress or emphasize on something) 6. Regulation

• (see table 4.1 handout)

ATTENDING SKILLS

• Components of Non verbal Communication All nonverbal communication consists of one

or more of these 5 components.1. Physical Appearance:2. Kinesics:3. Paralinguistic:4. Use of Space:5. Timing

Components of Non verbal Communication

1. Physical Appearance: Refers to: height, weight, hygiene, complexion, and style of dress, your posture is also important.

2. Kinesics: is body language or communication by gestures , movement and body positions.

See table 4.2

Components of Non verbal Communication

3. Paralinguistic: meaning nonlinguistic aspect of speech i.e., very high volume-- >anger

very low volume-sadness fast rate—>manicSlow rate depressedSighing-relief or discouragementPressured in speech –--- excitement or anxiety4. Use of Space: Distance and positioning5. Timing: 20-25 or 45-55 or 75-80

Helpful hints for nonverbal communications:

• 1. Congruence -being genuine see table 4.4• 2. Sensitivity Understanding the client’s

nonverbal as well as verbal communications. Nonverbal such as kinesics and paralinguistic

• And verbal such as contradiction, complementation, substitution, accenting, repetition, and regulation.

Helpful hints for nonverbal communications:

• 3. Synchrony Meaning match your voice with the client’s tone of voice to create an empathic atmosphere. See table 4.3 for pitfalls in nonverbal expression.

Listening Skills:

• Listening skills are another aspects of attending skills. Use active listening and do not interrupt the client. See p.118

• Road blocks to listening:• See table 4.5

Essential skills for good listening:

• Essential skills for good listening:• Always pay attention and listen to your clients.• Also, listen to your own immediate personal

reactions to the client. See table 4.6 for helpful skills for active listening.