Attending Skills and Concepts in Therapy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, physical and psychological dimensions, core skills, and key objectives of attending to a client.

Attending (Prestar atención)

Being present at one's maximum expression with the client, both physically and psychologically.

Physical Attending

Manifesting through body language the interviewer's interest and readiness to listen to the client's narrative, while developing a relationship that facilitates the interview.

Psychological Attending

Setting aside the therapist's personal distractions and concerns to give full attention to the client's feelings.

Discipline in Attending

Preventing memories or emotions evoked by client stories from interfering or distracting, and explaining the reason to the client if external environment causes distraction.

Eye Contact (Contacto visual)

Looking at the person in a natural and relaxed manner to convey the message that you are attending and wish to listen.

Body Posture (Postura corporal)

Sitting facing front and slightly leaning forward, ensuring non-verbal behavior does not interfere with attending to the client.

Vocal Qualities (Cualidades vocales)

Being conscious of tone and speed when speaking, as well as the message intended to be communicated.

Verbal Tracking (Cotejo verbal)

Refraining from changing the topic on the client—which indicates distraction—and showing interest by referring directly to the topic brought up by the client.

Objectives of Attending (Rivero, 2014)

Communicating to the client that you accompany them in the process, acting as a reinforcement to stimulate idea verbalization, and allowing them to explore thoughts freely.