COSIG CONFERENCE BROCHURE.pdf - Drexel University College ...

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O.A.R.S.
O- for Open-Ended Questions. Open ended questions are therapist questions that patients cannot
answer with a yes or no. Open-Ended questions create the forward momentum important to the task
of creating an environment that will move the patient in the direction of behavior change.
A- for Affirmations. Affirmations provide patients with positive reinforcement for observed and selfreported
client strengths. By focusing on prior patient success with behavior change, and by providing
genuine positive feedback regarding these efforts, the therapist builds both rapport and helps patients
feel that change is possible.
R- for Reflective listening. Reflective listening is actively providing feedback to patients about your
understanding of what they are trying to convey. However, unlike traditional client-centered
therapists, you will actively guide the patient toward certain topics. You will focus on and provide
positive feedback for “change talk” and provide negligible attention and feedback for “non-change”
talk.
S- for Summaries. Summaries are a specialized form of reflective listening. They are an effective
way to pull together the information you hear, communicate interest, build rapport, and call attention to
salient and motivational elements of the discussion, and shift focus and direction as necessary.