i. Describe the reasons why the competency is so important to the role of a Rehabilitation Practitioner.
The reasons why the competency of “Listening” is so important to the role of a Rehabilitation Practitioner is because it helps the person seeking assistance feel like their concerns are valid, that somebody cares enough to help them and it aids the process of rapport building between the caregiver and the person seeking help. When the caregiver gives the person their full attention it helps to build trust and allows the person to express their feelings more freely, helping the recovery process by allowing the necessary information to be exposed so that a possible care plan can be created with the individual’s help. Active and empathetic listening by the counselor helps the person feel appreciated and respected.
ii. The factors that enable the counselor to listen effectively are:
Give the person your undivided attention. Turn off the cell phone, find a quiet room with no distractions and reassure the person, your only focus is them for the period of the discussion or meeting. (Lifehack, 2017)
Provide appropriate feedback, repeat and paraphrase important points from the person’s conversation back to them, asking the person questions such as what I am hearing you say is….? or sounds like you're saying this…….? (Mindtools.com, 2017)
Be non-Judgemental, try to show a relax demeanor (body language is open, relax, listener, is seated vs arms folded and tense or stress body
Positive body language and gestures are important too and being on their level allowing them the opportunity to see they have your full attention.
Keep your body language open. Face the person you are talking with, smile, nod and use open-handed gestures. Understand different tones of voice and whether someone is able to maintain eye contact. These signs will help you to understand the person’s attitude and build a relationship with them more effectively.
* Try to make sure that you will not be disturbed or distracted and will not have to leave the person alone.
We have recently contacted you by mail to inform that your case has been released from the waiting list. Please note that is imperative that you contact the office of Vocational Rehabilitation at 239.593.2543 ext. 104 to schedule your next appointment. The next step is the psychological evaluation discussion and employment planning, once this has taken place you will be ready to obtain services. If your call is not received by January 13th, 2016 the case may be closed. Best
First, mindful listening is important in communication just hearing what someone says is not enough we need to listen to who were are communicating with and give them our full attention. “To listen well, we rely on our ears, minds, and hearts” (Wood, 2016, p. 163). I have a problem with selective listening and I have worked on this to become a better listener throughout class with my family.
Watch the person as they talk. After speaking, allow them plenty of time to respond. If they feel rushed or pressured to speak, they may become anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate. Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting any errors in their language as this may cause resentment and frustration. Ask what the person prefers. If you do not understand what they are trying to communicate, do not pretend you understand. They may find this patronising and upsetting. It's always best to be honest about your lack of understanding. You could ask for clarification by asking yes/no questions or paraphrasing.
Body language plays an important part, for example folded arms can indicate you are being defensive or not open to suggestions, whereas slouching, hands on hips, rolling of eyes and huffing can seem rude and disrespectful.
1.2From my own practice I can judge if an individual is struggling to hear or understand what I am saying, if so then I will see how I can make things easier by talking slower, clearer make eye contact make sure they can see my lips move maybe sit closer but not too close to invade their own space.
| Speaking clearly and keeping eye contact. Making sure that if hearing aids are used that they are working and that they are used. Making sure that the environment that we are talking in is quieter so there are no noises that will be interfering with what they are trying to hear.
Give them your full attention, by making eye contact you are showing you are actively listening and are interested in what they are saying. Sometimes this may mean you need to find a quiet space with no distractions.
Active listening do their response make sense or do you need to ask questions to clarify. Sometimes when it’s appropriate, you may re-phrase what they've said and repeat it back to them.
Face the person you are speaking to. Stay in their field of vision. Speak a little louder than usual. Do not shout, as this distorts the voice and lip patterns. Speak a little more slowly than usual but not so slowly as to destroy the speech rhythm. If something is not understood, rephrase rather than repeat. Avoid distracting clothes or dangly earrings, or a beard if you are male, as this may cover the lips.
I sat with an open posture, while leaning in to show I was interested. I showed the clients that what was being said was important by making good eye contact and showing genuine interest.
Determine the talker's needs during the interaction. At the beginning of a conversation, the talker may be tentative and not say what he or she means. Whether he or she continues often depends on the listener's initial response. Stay neutral and try to listen objectively. Direct, clear communication rarely occurs when information flows one way. Listening blocks are obstacles that interfere with our listening they
Rehabilitation depends on a combination of support from a range of health professionals, social services, financial support, and help from family and carers.