What does 'attending' refer to in a therapeutic context?

In a therapeutic context, 'attending' refers to the practice of focusing on a patient’s verbal and non-verbal cues. This skill involves being fully present in the moment during interactions, which helps the therapist to understand the client’s feelings, thoughts, and underlying issues more profoundly. By paying attention to both what the client says (verbal communication) and how they express themselves through body language, facial expressions, and tone (non-verbal communication), the therapist can create a supportive and empathetic environment. This attentiveness fosters a strong therapeutic alliance, allowing for more effective communication and understanding, which are crucial for successful therapy outcomes.

Other approaches, such as structured questioning or feedback, play important roles in therapy but are not synonymous with attending. Attending is specifically about being fully engaged with the patient, demonstrating genuine interest, and accurately interpreting the wide range of signals they present.