Counseling & Communication Skills Flashcards

A mother says, "My baby is always hungry, I don't think I have enough milk." Which response best reflects her feelings before offering information?

Answer: "You're worried your baby isn't getting enough."

Reflecting feelings shows the mother she is heard before any information is given.

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?

Answer: "How are feedings going for you?"

Open-ended questions invite a detailed answer rather than yes or no.

A counselor nods, leans slightly forward, and keeps eye contact as a mother talks. These behaviors are examples of:

Answer: Nonverbal attending skills

Body posture, nods, and eye contact are nonverbal ways of showing attention.

Which phrase contains a judging word that a counselor should avoid?

Answer: "Is your baby feeding normally?"

Words like normal, enough, good, or properly can make a mother feel judged.

A mother has decided to give formula at night despite the counselor's information. The most appropriate counselor response is to:

Answer: Respect her decision and support her plan

Counseling respects the mother's right to make informed decisions for her family.

When telephone counseling, which skill becomes MORE important because nonverbal cues are limited?

Answer: Tone of voice and verbal acknowledgments like "mm-hm"

Without visual cues, tone and brief verbal responses show the counselor is listening.

Accepting what a mother thinks or feels means the counselor:

Answer: Responds neutrally without agreeing or disagreeing

Acceptance is a neutral response that neither agrees nor criticizes, keeping communication open.