Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What does attending in counseling entail?

1. Preparing documentation for treatment milestones

2. Showing interest through body language and eye contact

3. Offering solutions before understanding the client's issues

4. Conducting assessments and making referrals

The correct answer is: Showing interest through body language and eye contact

Attending in counseling refers to the ability of a counselor to show genuine interest and engagement with their client, primarily demonstrated through nonverbal communication. This includes using appropriate body language, maintaining eye contact, and focusing attentively on the client during sessions. Such behaviors create a supportive and empathetic environment, which helps clients feel heard, understood, and valued. In this context, effective attending is crucial because it fosters a stronger therapeutic alliance and encourages clients to open up about their experiences. This element of connection can significantly enhance the counseling process and the client's willingness to engage with their issues. While the other choices mention important aspects of the counseling process, they do not encapsulate the concept of attending. Preparing documentation, offering preemptive solutions, and conducting assessments are all essential elements of a counselor's role, but they do not specifically address the interpersonal skills associated with attending that facilitate effective communication and trust in the therapeutic relationship.