Download Welcome to Composition, I

Welcome to
Applied Skills in
Human Services
Michelle Henderson, MSW
Unit 1: Q & A
Are there any questions about unit 1
 Grading completed within 5 days
 Seminar Alternate Assignments- submit to
Dropbox by end of unit

Unit 2: Non-verbal Communication
Assignments due:
 Seminar
 Discussion Board
 Intake Project- Dropbox Questions?

Hands on Activity

What this video and look for non-verbal
body language between client and
therapist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCFcIe
LvE3U
Why Study Non-verbal Communication?
Clinical interviews are as much verbal as
non-verbal
 Messages sent and received are subject to
interpretation
 Non-verbal communication is largely
subconscious
 It affects both Clinician and Client

Why Study Non-verbal Communication?

Theorists such as Stack, Hill and
Hickson (1991, p. 43) suggest that up to
70 percent of the emotional meaning of
our communication is conveyed through
nonverbal channels although they
suggest that nonverbal communication
is a largely neglected aspect of what
occurs when people communicate.
Gender and Culture

Proxemics – Space

Kinesics – Body movement

Men, Women, Cultural differences?
Managing Non-verbal Behavior

Therapists and professionals must manage
their own non-verbal behavior. Why?

SOLER??

Squaring off, Open posture, Leaning
toward, Eye contact, & Relaxed
Attending Position
Square Off
 Even Gaze
 Limit Distractions
 Furniture and Barriers
 Head Nodding
 Facial Expressions

Attending Psychologically

Limiting internal dialogue about what to say next and about other
things on the interviewer’s mind

Steady breathing and relaxing into an attentive but comfortable
position

Focusing on psychological listening and observing

Giving full attention to the client and working at being interested in
this person

Listening to and considering the meaning of the client’s narrative

Considering what is being conveyed through voice tone, pace,
breathing of the client


Observing the client’s facial expressions, gestures, body positioning
Observing any other nonverbal behavior or body changes of the
client
Additional Points to Remember:


Eye behavior is about eye contact, eye gaze and intensity, eye direction
and eye movements
Facial expressions include smiles, frowns and raised eyebrows

Voice features means tonality of voice, volume, clarity, inflection, use of
silences, spaces between words, sighs and other vocalizations

Observable autonomic physiological responses include quickened or
more audible breathing, blushing, paleness, pupil dilation or observable
facial or body perspiration

Physical characteristics are about aspects of fitness, height, weight,
complexion, and attractiveness

Space refers to how close or far interviewer and client are from each
other

General appearance and presentation include grooming and dress. This
also includes perfume use and other body odors and/or breath smells
from halitosis, garlic, cigarettes or alcohol.