You have been assigned as a Job Skills Trainer to Mary, who has Cerebral Palsy. What technique can you use to better understand her?

The technique of reflective listening is particularly effective when working with individuals, such as Mary, who may have specific communication needs due to conditions like Cerebral Palsy. Reflective listening involves actively paying attention to what the individual is saying, both verbally and non-verbally, and responding in a way that shows understanding and acknowledgment of their feelings and messages.

By paraphrasing or summarizing what Mary expresses, you can ensure that you capture the essence of her thoughts and concerns accurately. This not only helps build rapport but also encourages her to elaborate more on her experiences and needs. This approach fosters a supportive environment where she feels heard and valued, which is vital for effective communication and training.

While other techniques like intuitive thinking, active questioning, and summarizing can also play roles in conversation and understanding, reflective listening stands out as it emphasizes the importance of validating the speaker's perspective, which is crucial when working with individuals who might face challenges in expressing themselves due to physical or cognitive barriers.