2. • Core interpersonal skills for helping:
• Being a good observer – To observe is to notice all of the behaviors that
accompany communication. Communication is more than just the words that are
being used i.e breathing patterns, facial movements, gestures. What is the
emotion that is not being stated? What is your client’s body language telling you?
• In group settings – the group is your client and it is important to “scan” all
members.
3. • Core interpersonal skills for helping:
• Attending – To be completely focused on the client. The use of attending is the
foundation of any positive relationship. This means to be fully present with the
client, to have a readiness to be involved. Lean forward, have a relaxed body
position. What does this convey to a client? Do you think that there are culture
differences with this? Eye contact – what is your comfort level with this? Cultural
aspects to eye contact? Note of you are one to fidget when nervous or bored – if
you do not pick up on this, your client surely will.
4. • Core interpersonal skills for helping:
• Active listening – Focusing on what the other person is trying to say. Having a
conscious effort to understand the speaker. This is one of the biggest gifts that
we can give our client – our attention and focus. Focus on the client’s thinking
and not your own. This can be conveyed, both verbally and non-verbally, to the
client. This allows you to notice your client’s communication style and to respect
this. Ensure that there is nothing physical separating you from your client as this
can impact your ability to connect. Important for the practitioner to learn to
compartmentalize.
5. • Core interpersonal skills for helping:
• Expressing warmth – Convey a sense of caring as well as concern for their well-
being. This is conveyed through your demeanor. Attending and active listening
are ways of doing this. Warmth may be expressed by a handshake, facial
expressions, leaning in, tone of voice. Physical touch – thoughts on this?
6. • Non-verbal communication is one of the most important aspects of a therapeutic
relationship.
• How would you define the therapeutic relationship? Concerns or challenges when
thinking about non-verbal/verbal skills? What do you feel you would do well
with?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKvtvkB9Njg – video on therapeutic
relationship.
