Counseling Microskills

Question 1

What is rapport?

Answer 1

a harmonious, empathetic relationship between counselor and client

Question 2

Following validation and education, clients ranked _______, _______, and _________ as the most important alliance building factors.

Answer 2

• nonverbal gestures
• presentation
• body language

Question 3

What is verbal underlining?

Answer 3

• Using increased vocal emphasis with certain words or short phrases – helps convey a sense of empathic understanding.

Question 4

Describe open questions.

Answer 4

Questions that encourage the client to talk more, usually eliciting fuller and more meaningful responses.

Question 5

Open questions typically begin with:

Answer 5

• what
• how
• could
• why

Question 6

What should you be aware of when asking “why” questions?

Answer 6

Questions that begin with “why” often:

• Causes the client to rationalize or intellectualize their problems, when we REALLY want them to explore the deeper meanings and feelings behind their issues
• Cause the client to feel defense and “put on the spot”

Question 7

Why should you lookout for your propensity to ask Leading Questions?

Answer 7

Leading questions often contain a hidden agenda that pushes the client toward a pre-determined direction.

Question 8

When are Closed Questions used?

Answer 8

Closed questions are used when you need to gather specific, concrete information form the client.

Question 9

What kinds of responses do Closed Questions usually illicit?

Answer 9

short, factual, or , yes/no responses

Question 10

Why can it be problematic to asks too many closed questions?

Answer 10

This can cause the client to shut down and become passive.

Question 11

How should you use closed and open questions together during sessions?

Answer 11

• Begin with open questions
• Use combination of open and closed questions to obtain specific details important for the assessment and intervention plan.

Question 12

A summary may be appropriate in what instances?

Answer 12

• Client is rambling, confused, or overly lengthy in comments
• When client presents several unrelated ideas
• To provide direction to the session
• To help move from one phase of the interview to the next
• To end the session
• To begin a session by summing up the prior session

Question 13

Describe the 3 types of summaries:

Answer 13

• Focusing summaries (used to begin a new session. Pulls together prior information to provide focus to the current session)
• Signal summaries (used to “signal” the client that you have understood the essence of their topic to help move the session to the next area of concern)
• Planning summaries (used to provide closure and recap progress)