Counseling Skills & Techniques Flashcards

Which response best demonstrates **active listening** during a lactation counseling session?

Answer: "I understand you feel frustrated. So, you're saying the baby latches but then lets go?"

This response demonstrates active listening by first acknowledging the parent's emotion, showing empathy. It then uses a clarifying or summarizing statement to ensure understanding of the factual information shared. This combination confirms the counselor is fully engaged and processing both the emotional and informational content of the parent's message, inviting correction if needed.

Motivational Interviewing primarily helps parents by:

Answer: Exploring ambivalence and fostering self‑efficacy

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered approach focused on helping individuals resolve their ambivalence about change. It empowers parents by exploring their mixed feelings regarding a behavior and strengthening their belief in their own ability to succeed (self-efficacy). This process fosters intrinsic motivation, leading to more sustainable behavioral changes.

When setting feeding goals, which method ensures they are clear and achievable?

Answer: SMART framework

The SMART framework ensures goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Applying this to feeding goals helps parents and counselors create clear, quantifiable, and realistic objectives. This structure facilitates effective planning, progress tracking, and increases the likelihood of successfully achieving the desired feeding outcomes.

Which is an **open‑ended** question appropriate for assessing breastfeeding challenges?

Answer: "Can you describe what feeding has been like for you so far?"

An open-ended question encourages a detailed and personal response, allowing the parent to share their experiences in their own words without being limited to a 'yes' or 'no.' This provides rich, qualitative information about their perceptions, challenges, and successes. Such comprehensive insights are crucial for a thorough assessment of breastfeeding issues.

A counselor says, "Many parents find the first weeks challenging." This is an example of:

Answer: Normalizing

Normalizing involves reassuring parents that their experiences, feelings, or challenges are common and not unusual. By stating that 'Many parents find the first weeks challenging,' the counselor validates the parent's potential struggles and reduces feelings of isolation or inadequacy. This technique helps build rapport, reduces anxiety, and creates a supportive environment for discussion.

Which non‑verbal cue from a counselor most effectively conveys empathy?

Answer: Leaning slightly forward and nodding

Leaning slightly forward signals engagement and interest, while nodding indicates active listening and understanding. These non-verbal cues convey to the parent that the counselor is attentive, receptive, and empathetic to their message. This helps build rapport and trust, which are essential for effective counseling.

The **teach‑back** technique is used to:

Answer: Confirm parent comprehension of instructions

The teach-back technique involves asking the parent to explain in their own words what they have understood about the information or instructions provided. This method is a powerful way to assess comprehension, identify any misunderstandings, and clarify information. It ensures that parents feel confident and capable of following advice, promoting better health outcomes.

Cultural humility in lactation counseling involves:

Answer: Self‑reflection and respectful inquiry about beliefs

Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and self-critique, recognizing one's own biases and limitations in understanding other cultures. It involves approaching each parent with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn about their unique cultural beliefs and practices related to feeding. This respectful inquiry ensures individualized, culturally sensitive care rather than making assumptions.

When encountering resistance to advice, an effective counselor should first:

Answer: Explore the parent's concerns and perspective

When a parent shows resistance, it's crucial for the counselor to understand the underlying reasons rather than pushing harder. Exploring their concerns, fears, or alternative perspectives demonstrates empathy and respect, and helps identify barriers to change. This approach fosters trust and allows for collaborative problem-solving, which is more effective than simply restating advice.