Therapeutic Communication Skills Flashcards

Non-verbal communication in therapy includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Word choice

Word choice is a verbal element; eye contact, facial expressions, and posture are non-verbal channels of communication.

A client from a culture where direct eye contact is considered disrespectful begins looking away during sessions. The BHT should:

Answer: Respect the behavior as a cultural norm and adapt accordingly

Cultural competence requires BHTs to recognize that non-verbal norms vary across cultures and to adapt their approach accordingly.

Which type of question is MOST effective for gathering detailed information from a client?

Answer: Open-ended

Open-ended questions invite clients to respond with more than yes or no, eliciting richer information about their experiences.

A BHT notices their own frustration rising while a client repeats the same complaint. The MOST appropriate action is to:

Answer: Practice self-regulation and continue listening attentively

Self-awareness and self-regulation are critical; a BHT must manage personal emotions to stay therapeutically present.

The primary purpose of summarizing at the end of a therapy session is to:

Answer: Consolidate key themes and confirm mutual understanding

Summarizing closes the session by highlighting main points and ensures both parties share the same understanding of what was discussed.

Congruence in therapeutic communication means:

Answer: The BHT's words, tone, and body language all match

Congruence refers to alignment between verbal and non-verbal messages, which builds trust and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.

When a BHT says, 'It sounds like you felt powerless in that situation,' this is an example of:

Answer: Reflection of feeling

Reflection of feeling names the emotion implied by the client's words, demonstrating empathetic understanding.