Communication Blocks

Question 1

False Reassurance or Reassuring Cliches

Answer 1

Indicating that there is no cause for worry

Ex: I’m sure everything will be alright

Question 2

Giving Advice

Answer 2

Telling the client what to do

Ex: I think you should have surgery

Question 3

Giving Approval or Agreeing

Answer 3

Sanctioning the client’s ideas or behavior

Question 4

Rejecting or disapproving

Answer 4

Denouncing the client’s behavior or ideas

Ex: That is a bad attitude

Question 5

Stereotyping Comments or Social Responses

Answer 5

“How are you?” without any feeling, eye contact

Question 6

Probing

Answer 6

Persistent questioning of the client in an area the client does not wish to discuss

Question 7

Defending

Answer 7

Attempting to protect someone or something from verbal attack
Ex: Dr. James is a jerk
He actually has a fine reputation

Question 8

Requesting an Explanation

Answer 8

Asking the client to provide the reasons for their feelings, behaviors, and events

Question 9

Belittling Feelings Expressed

Answer 9

Misjudging the degree of the client’s discomfort

Ex: Everyone feels that way sometimes

Question 10

Changing the Subject

Answer 10

Introducing an unrelated topic

Question 11

Interpreting

Answer 11

Seeking to make conscious that which is unconscious or telling the client the meaning of the experience
Ex: What you really mean is…

Question 12

Leading Subjects

Answer 12

Leading the client in to a response

Ex: You are not angry a the doctor anymore, are you?

Question 13

Multiple Questions

Answer 13

Asking too many questions at one time

Question 14

Assumptions

Answer 14

Assuming how the client thinks or feels

Question 15

Closed Questions

Answer 15

Yes/No answer questions