Ch 4: Observation Skills Flashcards
What are observation skills?
Observation skills are a critical tool in determining how the client interprets the world (verbal and nonverbal)
Importance of Observation (2)
Observations provide specific data validating or invalidating what is happening in the session.
They provide guidance for the use of various microskills and strategies.
What is the anticipated client response to utilizing observation skills?
Observations: Validate or invalidate session events.
Smooth session: Movement symmetry or complementarity.
Movement dyssynchrony: Indicates misalignment with the client.
What is the importance of nonverbal behaviour?
Nonverbal behavior is often the first clue to what clients are feeling underneath the language they use.
What are the nonverbal behaviours to look out for as a SSW?
Facial expressions
Acculturation
Vocal qualities
Body language
Mirroring
True or false: Your ability to observe nonverbal behaviours will help you anticipate and understand what is happening with your client.
True
Shifts and changes in nonverbal behaviour may be indicative of client interest or discomfort. What are some examples? (3)
A client may lean forward, indicating excitement about an idea, or cross their arms to close it off.
Facial clues (brow furrowing, lip tightening or loosening, flushing, pulse rate visible at temples) are especially important.
Larger-scale body movements may indicate shifts in reactions, thoughts, or the topic.
What are some key facial expressions to consider?
Smiling -> Sign of warmth and caring, vital for relationship-building.
Eye contact
**Cultural Differences: – Smiling may indicate warmth or discomfort, depending on culture.
- Eye contact varies across cultures.
People who are communicating well often “mirror” each other’s body language. What is this known as?
This is known as movement synchrony.
What is Deliberate Mirroring?
Matching body language and key words can enhance understanding.
What is Movement Complementarity?
Paired, harmonious but not identical movements.
What is Movement Dyssynchrony?
Lack of harmony, signals poor communication or conflict.
- may appear as body shifts, jerks, pulling away or a sudden change in posture
Counselors sometimes mirror their clients deliberatively. Why is that?
Matching body language, breathing rates, and key words of the client can enhance the counselor’s understanding of how the client perceives and experiences the world.
What is acculturation?
It’s the degree to which an individual has adapted to the norms or standard way of behaving in a given culture.
What is something to keep in mind regarding acculturation? (2)
No two people are alike: Acculturation varies by individual.
Avoid stereotyping: Respect cultural differences and be cautious of assumptions.
What are the 3 dimensions useful for direct verbal observation?
1) Key words
2) Concreteness vs abstractions
3) “I” statements versus “other” statements
Why is verbal tracking important in verbal observation?
Pay attention to topic shifts and who initiates them.
What are key words in regards to verbal observation?
Client’s Key Words: Reveal the meaning and feelings behind their language.
Join Clients: Use their words to enhance understanding and communication.
What is concreteness versus abstractions?
Abstract/Formal Operational Clients:
- Tend to analyze without offering concrete examples.
- Help them become more concrete -> Ex: “Could you give me an example?”
** don’t use this for kids
Concrete Clients:
- Provide specific examples but may struggle with self-reflection.
- Encourage abstract thinking -> Ex: “What does that look like?”
- Great way to gather more info on a situation
“I” vs. “Other” Statements
Ownership and Responsibility: “I” statements show self-responsibility, while “Other” statements place blame externally.
Cultural Considerations: The use of “I” may differ across languages and cultures (e.g., Vietnamese does not have a direct equivalent of “I”).
What are discrepancies?
Contradictions in verbal/nonverbal behavior, goals, and interpersonal conflicts.
What are the 6 types of discrepancies?
1) Discrepancies in Verbal Statements: In a single sentence, a client may express two contradictory ideas.
- Aid the client in understanding their ambivalence.
2) Discrepancies Between Statements and Nonverbal Behavior: Discrepancies between what one says and what one does are very important.
- Ex: “I’m not angry” but they are crossing arms and look upset
3) Discrepancies and Conflict Between People: Noting interpersonal conflict is a key task of the counselor or psychotherapist.
- Ex: “I cannot tolerate my neighbors.”
4) Discrepancies Between a Client and a Situation: In such situations, the client’s ideal world is often incongruent with reality.
- Discrimination, heterosexism, sexism, and ableism represent situational discrepancies.
5) Discrepancies in Goals: Goal setting is an important part of the empathic relationship-story and strengths-goals-restory-action model.
- You will often find that a client seeks incompatible goals.
6) Discrepancies Between You and the Client: Be aware when your perspective conflicts with that of your client.
- Ex: Ethnic/cultural experiences OR Learning/personality styles and approaches
