When a client's tone of voice and body language say one thing, but her words say another, the best way a doula can achieve understanding is to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By asking an open-ended question that tries to identify the speaker's feelings, the conversation can be clarified and understanding more fully achieved. For instance, using the format "You seem ______ that _______. What would happen if...," the client will not feel judged, but rather truly heard, and she will either agree with your assessment or she will add more information so you can more fully appreciate her emotions. While commiserating does inject empathy or sympathy into the conversation, it is not as effective as active listening. Ignoring the client's emotions closes the conversation and limits understanding.

When a Client's Tone of Voice and Body Language Say