Katy Norris
BSHS/385
July 20, 2015
Audra Stinson
Effective Listening Skills “Active Listening Skills” was the first article I found interesting. The article delivered a lot of very useful information that will help with assisting clients and develop a strong relationship. It is important that the client knows the person listening is paying attention and cares about what is being said. The article shows how important listening is and how to get the client to respond and freely and open up about very personal topics. As a professional, we must contribute to the conversation by facing the client, keeping eye contact, listening actively, and respond suitably. This article says we should use reflective listening, this will help get the client to respond more in depth.
Repeating what the client has said, will show them we are listening. The client will feel more comfortable in knowing you are listening to the message being said. When speaking with a client, we must avoid any outside distractions. A calm and quiet location is best when trying to counsel a client. While reading through this article, I realized a few common strategies when dealing with a client. Leaning toward the client, will show them we are attentive. Eye contact will let the client know we are interested in what is being said, and acknowledging what they are saying. I’ve learned that outside distraction should be avoid at all cost, so the client knows I am only focusing on them. All these strategies will be used when entering this field, because I want to do what is best for my clients and help assist them the best I can.
The second article I read was “Timely Advising: Incorporating Counseling Skills into the Advising Appointment”. This article is about a student who comes into the financial aid office for some assistance. The student is running late and is not familiar with the appropriate steps. There is also a good chance she is upset and impatient. The
References: Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2010). Intentional interviewing and counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Martin, A (2013), Active listening skills. Retrieved from http://www.thecounsellorsguide.co.uk/activelisteningskills.html Qualities of a good counselor.(n.d). Retrieved from http://www.cerafrica.org/ Ftpfolder/website%20materials/health/KCN-Health-CER/Unit3/004.html