Chapter 4: Observation Skills

Practice flashcards based on the Chapter 4 lecture notes regarding observation skills, nonverbal behavior, verbal behavior, and identifying discrepancies.

What is the definition of observation in a counseling context?

Observation is the act of watching carefully and intentionally with the purpose of understanding behavior.

What is the anticipated client response when a counselor uses observation skills?

Observations provide specific data validating or invalidating what is happening in the session and provide guidance for the use of various microskills and strategies.

What does movement synchrony refer to?

Movement synchrony occurs when people who are communicating well mirror each other's body language.

How is movement complementarity defined?

It refers to paired movements that may not be identical but are still harmonious.

What does movement dyssynchrony indicate in a counseling session?

It refers to discrepancies in nonverbal behavior, such as a lack of harmony in movement, which is common between people who disagree or have subtle conflicts.

What is acculturation?

Acculturation is the degree to which an individual has adapted to the norms or standard way of behaving in a given culture.

What are the three dimensions useful for direct verbal observation in a session?

Key words, Concreteness versus abstractions, and "I" statements versus "other" statements.

How do clients who are high on the abstraction ladder typically communicate?

They tend to talk in a more reflective fashion, analyzing their thoughts and behaviors, but may not easily provide concrete examples.

How do clients with a concrete/situational style typically communicate?

They tend to provide specific examples and stories with considerable detail, focusing on what they see, hear, and feel.

What is a significant multicultural difference regarding the use of the word "I"?

English is one of the few languages in which "I" is capitalized, whereas Vietnamese has no reference to "I".

What are two examples of conflict internal to the client?

Discrepancies in verbal statements (expressing two contradictory ideas in one sentence) and discrepancies between statements and nonverbal behavior.

What are examples of situational discrepancies a client might face?

Discrimination, heterosexism, sexism, and ableism.