Task 14. Provide feedback to what your client is saying to become an active listener. Use the following patterns:
| Encouraging | Can you tell me more about… |
| Clarifying | What I am hearing is…; Sounds like you are saying that… What do you mean when you say…? Is this what you mean? Are you saying …? What does that look like? |
| Restating | I thought I heard you say… We may need to check this out further |
| Reflecting | You seem quite passionate about the idea… |
| Summarizing | These seem to be the key ideas you have expressed… What I hear you saying is… Is it about…? Let me make sure that I understand you… |
| Validating | I think I understand why you are so confused. |
Client 1. My parents are always away and no one seems to care about me.
Client 2. My children are very busy so I am going to be a heavy burden to them.
Client 3. I have tried all possible means to overcome the addiction so there’s no other way than giving up.
Client 4. I don’t have any friends. I know so few people. I try not to care. People just aren’t dependable, everyone is out for himself/herself.
Client 5. The test results will be ready tomorrow. I am afraid I can’t face it if something goes wrong again.
Client 6. If my brother had done it, my dad wouldn’t have asked a question. It’s always been like that.
Client 7. My maths teacher is always trying to find fault with me no matter how hard I try to be diligent and obedient.
Client 8. I am the most experienced worker but I was fired after all those years. I have no idea what to do.
Client 9. I find my present job boring. I think I will quit it.
Client 10. If my parents are divorced I will have to stay with one of them and I am afraid it is their interests only what will count.
Task 15. One of the most effective humanistic techniques is asking open-ended questions which help the client to find their own solution. Remember, that open-ended questions typically begin with words such as "Why" and "How", or phrases such as "Tell me about...".
A. Translate each of the following “yes-no” questions into an “open-ended” one. Some examples are provided for you.
E. g. How does that make you feel?" or "What do you think you need to do to resolve the situation?"
1. (A doctor to a patient…) “Have you been taking your medication?
Your open-ended version:
2. (On talking with a person who looks disappointed…) “So you didn’t like that, huh?”
Your open-ended version:
3. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Don’t you think it would be better if you receive the drug therapy first?
Your open-ended version:
4. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Do you know how to cope with this problem?”
Your open-ended version:
5. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Is it OK with you if we discuss the feelings you had at that time?)
Your open-ended version:
6. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Did you have a good relationship with your parents”
Your open-ended version:
7. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Did you like your pervious counselor?”
Your open-ended version:
8. (A psychotherapist to a client…) “Do you care about your health?””
Your open-ended version:
Key:4. 5. What do you think about discussing the feelings…; 6. Tell me about your relationship with you parents.
B. Respond to the client’s words using open-ended questions:
1. Client: I had already sought therapy before.
Psychotherapist:
2. Client: I was a neglected child.
Psychotherapist:
3. Client: I feel very lonely.
Psychotherapist:
4. Client: I was divorced the same year.
Psychotherapist:
5. Client: My 16-year old daughter is pregnant.
Psychotherapist:
6. Client: My previous therapist couldn’t find a way with me.
Psychotherapist:
7. Client: I feel guilty for what has happened.
Psychotherapist:
8. Client: I was overwhelmed with fear when they announced the diagnosis to me.
Psychotherapist:
9. Client: My husband hasn’t shown me any love lately.
Psychotherapist:
10. Client: All my friends seem to avoid my company.
Psychotherapist: