What does attending in counseling demonstrate?

Attending in counseling involves the counselor actively showing engagement and responsiveness to the client’s needs and feelings. This practice underscores the counselor's concern and interest in what the client is expressing. By demonstrating attending behaviors—such as maintaining eye contact, using appropriate body language, and verbally affirming the client's experiences—the counselor fosters a safe and supportive environment. This encourages the client to open up further about their thoughts and feelings, promoting a deeper therapeutic relationship.

This approach is crucial since it helps to validate the client's experiences and emotions, making them feel heard and understood. The essence of attending goes beyond just listening; it involves being emotionally present with the client, which can significantly enhance the therapeutic process.