FRHD 3400 Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Attending Behaviour

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Family Relations and Human Development
• Course: FRHD 3400
• Professor: John Beaton

Document Summary

Attending behavior is defined as supporting your client with individually and culturally appropriate verbal following, visuals, vocal quality and body language. When using attending behavior clients will talk more freely, especially about topics that you give attention. Listening is the central skill of attending behavior and is core to developing a relationship and making real contact with our clients. Certain brain areas actually light up when listening in both the client and the counsellor. Attention is the connective force of conversations and of empathetic listening. Attending behaviour is the first and most critical skill of listening and empathy. Sometimes listening carefully is enough to produce change listening allows you to view your client"s verbal and nonverbal behaviour. Note their pattern of eye contact, their changing vocal tone, their body language, and the topics they attend or avoid. With eye contact, be sure to observe breaks both by client and self.