What skill helps build rapport between a counselor and a member?

Building rapport between a counselor and a member is essential for effective counseling. Pacing is a skill that involves matching the member’s tone, body language, and speaking style. This technique helps create a comfortable and relatable environment, making the member feel understood and supported. By adapting to the member's communication style, the counselor can foster a sense of connection and trust, which is vital for a productive counseling relationship.

While assessing progress, expressing empathy, and offering confidentiality are also important in the counseling process, they come into play after the initial rapport is established. Expressing empathy, for instance, involves understanding and sharing in the member's feelings, which can strengthen relationships but is often more effective when rapport has already been formed. Pacing, on the other hand, directly contributes to creating that initial bond, making it a key skill in building rapport.