Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What best describes "active" listening for a social worker?

1. Giving occasional nonverbal cues of involvement

2. Keeping the client directed toward material

3. Participating through verbal and nonverbal behavior

4. Communicating empathy through presence

The correct answer is: Communicating empathy through presence

Active listening for a social worker involves engaging fully with the client, demonstrating an understanding and validation of their experiences and feelings. Communicating empathy through presence embodies this concept as it emphasizes the importance of being fully attentive and supportive. When a social worker is truly present, they create a safe space where the client feels heard and valued. This involves not just hearing the words being spoken but also connecting with the client's emotional states and responding in a way that reflects understanding and empathy. This approach encourages deeper dialogue, fosters trust, and allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more freely. While giving occasional nonverbal cues and keeping the client directed towards material are peripheral components of effective communication, they do not encapsulate the depth and engagement required in active listening. Likewise, participating through verbal and nonverbal behavior focuses on the interaction itself rather than the empathic connection that active listening seeks to establish.