The programs in this series present specific techniques and concrete skills that lead to effective communication. Students and professionals alike will readily see the value of applying these techniques in both clinical settings and in their personal relationships. The three 20-minute programs are:

BASIC COMPONENTS, HELPER QUALITIES, AND ATTENDING
Illustrates effective attending skills including body position, eye contact, observation, and active listening. Discusses warmth, genuineness, openness and empathy as necessary interviewing qualities. Presents the need for client respect and autonomy.

OPENING, QUESTIONING, AND USE OF SILENCE
Demonstrates techniques for handling the client-initiated interview and the professional - initiated interview. Illustrates common pitfalls in questioning and gives examples of helpful questions. Discusses causes of silence and presents therapeutic ways of handling it.

RESPONDING AND CLOSING
Discusses the concepts of selective responding and focusing. Illustrates specific skills such as minimal encouraging, paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, and summarizing. Examines the problems caused by distortion. Describes specific ways to close the helping interview.

*Instructors Guides available