Communication Techniques

Question 1

Reflection

Answer 1

Acknowledging the client’s feelings. Ex: client- “I don’t know where to begin, there is too much going on in my life.” Therapist, “you seem overwhelmed.” “Reflecting” the clients feelings back to them.

Question 2

Exploring Silence

Answer 2

Being attentive and remaining silent when the client is silent. Silence= silence

Question 3

Partialization

Answer 3

Taking overwhelming problems and breaking them up into smaller manageable parts. Prioritize problems.

Question 4

Confrontation

Answer 4

Challenge an established client to think about behaviors, can be used with addicts or perpetrators. those who show “resistance to change treatment” (changes subject and always late). Confrontation is NOT aggressive.

Question 5

Clarification

Answer 5

Asking the client questions to help understand what they are saying. Client: “I don’t want to give up the baby. I want to find him a family that can give him everything he wants.” SW: “Are you saying that you want to keep the baby, but you don’t think you can afford to?”

Question 6

Active listening

Answer 6

A technique focused on both verbal and nonverbal communications. Ex: Nodding head, saying, go on.

Question 7

Paraphrasing

Answer 7

Explaining the client’s issues in your own words. Client: “Whenever I visit my mother in the nursing home, I start to cry, and I feel horrible.” SW: “It sounds like you are saying that having your mother in a nursing home is difficult for you to deal with.