What is the primary focus of "attending" in counseling?

The primary focus of "attending" in counseling is indeed on focused listening and perception of messages. Attending is a fundamental skill in the counseling process that involves being fully present with the client. This means not only hearing the words being spoken, but also understanding the emotions, nuances, and non-verbal cues that accompany those words. Effective attending helps establish a strong therapeutic alliance, as clients feel heard and validated. It requires the counselor to engage actively, using techniques such as eye contact, body language, and reflective listening to convey to the client that their thoughts and feelings are important.

By honing in on focused listening, the counselor can better grasp the underlying issues, thoughts, and feelings being expressed, allowing for a deeper exploration of the client's concerns. This approach fosters a safe environment for clients to open up and share personal experiences, which is essential for effective counseling outcomes.