Effective interpersonal communication skills can support the building, development, and maintenance of therapeutic relationships. Listening, demonstrating positive regard, building rapport, displaying empathy, and minimizing distractions are all techniques that can build and create a caring, safe, and supportive therapeutic environment.

Read the following scenario:

A client comes to your office without an appointment. The client, a 40-year-old female, has been working to gain custody of her two, school-aged children. She is visibly upset, crying and yelling on her phone.

She enters your office, indicating the court hearing for her children has been rescheduled due to her missing an important home visit. She has asked you contact the courts to advocate on her behalf.

Although this is outside the realm of your role, you would like to show the client you are interested in supporting her concerns.

This assignment has two parts:

Part 1: Script

Write a 700- to 1,050-word response to your client that demonstrates positive regard, empathy, and listening skills.

Use what you have learned to identify how to gain her full attention, show interest, and minimize distractions.

Include in your paper a script of how you would respond to the scenario. The script is NOT the entire paper, include other information about interviewing using research. Cite and reference all research in correct APA format.

Focus your discussion on how you will show your client the following concepts:

Positive regard

Consider the value of positive regard and empathy in building rapport

Building rapport and displaying empathy

Listening for comprehension and gaining information

Gaining attention and showing interest

Minimizing distractions and barriers

Importance of note taking

NO PLAGRISM