Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

In the context of counseling, what does 'attending' refer to?

1. Listening attentively while maintaining eye contact

2. Summarizing a client's experience

3. Formulating questions to clarify understanding

4. Reflecting back the client's emotions

The correct answer is: Listening attentively while maintaining eye contact

Attending in the context of counseling primarily refers to the act of listening attentively while maintaining eye contact, which is crucial for effective communication. This practice involves being fully present with the client, both verbally and non-verbally. When a counselor attends to a client, they demonstrate their engagement and interest in what the client is saying, which helps to build a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. Attending is not just about hearing the words being spoken; it encompasses the counselor's ability to note body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of the client’s message. By maintaining eye contact and using active listening skills, a counselor can show the client that they are valued and that their thoughts and feelings are important, creating an environment conducive to open communication and exploration. The other options, while important to the counseling process, refer to different skills. Summarizing a client's experience is about condensing and clarifying what has been said, formulating questions to clarify understanding involves seeking more information for deeper insight, and reflecting back a client's emotions focuses on acknowledging and validating their feelings. Each of these skills is vital, but they do not encapsulate the concept of attending directly, which is centered specifically on the