Final answer:
Effective communication with clients and families involves attending to verbal and nonverbal behaviors, using silence strategically, actively seeking feedback, and discussing both comfortable and difficult topics respectfully.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effective communication with clients and families is based on attending to verbal and nonverbal behaviors. It involves being attentive to both what is being said and how it is being expressed through body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Using silence can be a helpful communication tool, but it should not be used to avoid difficult or unpleasant topics. Instead, it can be used strategically to allow the client or family member to process information or gather their thoughts.
Requiring the client to ask for feedback is not an effective approach to communication. Instead, it is important for the practitioner to actively seek feedback and ensure that the client understands and is comfortable with the information being shared.
Discussing topics that the client feels comfortable talking about is important for building trust and rapport. However, it is also necessary to address difficult or sensitive topics in a respectful and empathetic manner.