Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What is the primary focus of "attending and listening skills" in counseling?

1. Providing constant feedback to the client

2. Physical orientation and nonverbal communication toward the client

3. Asking multiple closed-ended questions

4. Engaging in lengthy conversations about personal experiences

The correct answer is: Physical orientation and nonverbal communication toward the client

The primary focus of attending and listening skills in counseling is indeed on physical orientation and nonverbal communication toward the client. These skills are fundamental in establishing a supportive and empathetic environment. By being physically oriented and using appropriate nonverbal cues, the counselor communicates attentiveness and respect, which helps to build rapport with the client. Effective attending involves maintaining eye contact, using body language that conveys interest, and demonstrating appropriate facial expressions. This approach allows clients to feel heard and validated, encouraging them to share more openly about their experiences and thoughts. Nonverbal communication often tells the client that the counselor is fully engaged in the conversation, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship. Other approaches, such as providing constant feedback, may disrupt the flow of the conversation and take focus away from the client's narrative. Asking multiple closed-ended questions can limit the client’s ability to express themselves fully, instead of facilitating a more in-depth dialogue. Engaging in lengthy conversations about the counselor’s personal experiences could divert attention from the client's needs and experiences, undermining the primary focus of the session. Thus, emphasizing physical orientation and nonverbal cues aligns best with the principles of effective counseling practice.