PART II CHAPTER IV ATTENDING SKILLS

ATTENDING SKILLS are nonverbal communication and listening skills. Research tells us; people never pay full attention to their own communication, nor to their partner’s communication. Nonverbal Communication: There are 2 different types; 1. The nonverbal communication expressed by the client and picked up by the clinician i.e., sad affect. 2. Nonverbal communication used by the clinicians for therapeutic goals i.e., nodding head, being open and available to client.

ATTENDING SKILLS Interaction of verbal and nonverbal communication According to Knapp (1978) there are 6 ways which verbal and nonverbal communication interact. 1. Repetition 2. Contradiction 3. Substitution 4. Complementation 5. Accenting (to stress or emphasize on something) 6. Regulation (see table 4.1 handout)

ATTENDING SKILLS Components of Non verbal Communication All nonverbal communication consists of one or more of these 5 components. 1.Physical Appearance: 2.Kinesics: 3.Paralinguistic: 4.Use of Space: 5.Timing

Components of Non verbal Communication 1.Physical Appearance: Refers to: height, weight, hygiene, complexion, and style of dress, your posture is also important. 2. Kinesics: is body language or communication by gestures, movement and body positions. See table 4.2

Components of Non verbal Communication 3. Paralinguistic: meaning nonlinguistic aspect of speech i.e., very high volume-- >anger very low volume-  sadness fast rate—>manic Slow rate  depressed Sighing-  relief or discouragement Pressured in speech –---  excitement or anxiety 4. Use of Space: Distance and positioning 5. Timing: or or 75-80

Helpful hints for nonverbal communications: 1. Congruence -  being genuine see table Sensitivity  Understanding the client’s nonverbal as well as verbal communications. Nonverbal such as kinesics and paralinguistic And verbal such as contradiction, complementation, substitution, accenting, repetition, and regulation.

Helpful hints for nonverbal communications: 3. Synchrony  Meaning match your voice with the client’s tone of voice to create an empathic atmosphere. See table 4.3 for pitfalls in nonverbal expression.

Listening Skills: Listening skills are another aspects of attending skills. Use active listening and do not interrupt the client. See p.118 Road blocks to listening: See table 4.5

Essential skills for good listening: Always pay attention and listen to your clients. Also, listen to your own immediate personal reactions to the client. See table 4.6 for helpful skills for active listening.