What is the purpose of using basic attending skills?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The purpose of using basic attending skills is to facilitate effective communication and build a strong rapport between a listener (often a counselor, therapist, social worker, or healthcare provider) and a speaker (the client or patient). These skills are essential in creating a supportive and understanding environment where the speaker feels heard, validated, and respected. The core attending skills typically include the following:

1. **Active Listening**: This involves fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. It requires the listener to pay attention not only to the words but also to the non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice.

2. **Eye Contact**: Making appropriate eye contact shows the speaker that the listener is engaged and interested in the conversation. It helps in building trust and conveying empathy.

3. **Body Language**: Adopting an open and relaxed posture can make the speaker feel more at ease. It is also important for the listener to be aware of their own non-verbal signals as well as those of the speaker.

4. **Verbal Tracking**: This involves using language that shows the listener is following along with the speaker's story or concerns. It may include summarizing what has been said, asking clarifying questions, or reflecting back key points.

5. **Empathy**: Demonstrating empathy means the listener is able to understand and share the feelings of the speaker. It is a crucial aspect of attending skills as it helps in establishing a deeper emotional connection and validates the speaker's experiences.

6. **Encouragers**: Simple verbal and non-verbal cues like nodding, saying "uh-huh," or "I see" encourage the speaker to continue sharing their thoughts and feelings.

7. **Respectful Silence**: Sometimes, allowing for moments of silence can give the speaker time to gather their thoughts or process their emotions. It can also demonstrate patience and respect for the speaker's pace.

8. **Paraphrasing and Summarizing**: This helps to ensure that the listener has accurately understood the speaker's message and also helps the speaker to hear their own thoughts reflected back, which can provide clarity and validation.

The use of these basic attending skills is crucial in various professional settings where effective communication is key to understanding and helping others. They are foundational to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy but are also valuable in healthcare, education, management, and any other field that involves interpersonal interaction and support.

What Is the Purpose of Using Basic Attending Skills