Minimal encouragers, summaries, paraphrases

Question 1

What are minimal encouragers?

Answer 1

Encouragers are short responses used with intent to keep the client talking

Question 2

Examples of non-verbal encouragers

Answer 2

Head nods
smiling
gestures that encourage the person to keep talking

Question 3

Examples of verbal encouragers

Answer 3

Mm-hmm… 
I see… 
Ok… 
Sure… 
Right… 
Really… 
Go on…

Question 4

What can happen if you overuse?

Answer 4

They will become intrusive

Question 5

What can happen if you underuse?

Answer 5

Might lead the client to wonder if you are listening

Question 6

Other examples of Min encouragers

Answer 6

Repeating key words or short statments/restatement

Question 7

Example:
“And then it happened again. The grocery store clerk gave me a dirty look and I got angry. It reminded me of my last job, where I had so much trouble getting along. Why are they always after me?”

Answer 7

Key words (using a questioning tone of voice)
Angry? … Dirty look? … Trouble getting along? …Last job?

Restatement (an extended encourager using a phrase)
The clerk gave you a dirty look … You wonder why they are always after you?

Question 8

What is the purpose of a paraphrase

Answer 8

Paraphrases distil the essence of what the client has just said, often in 1 or 2 sentences
It includes key words and phrases