ACE the CASAC Counselling Domain 2026 – Unleash Your Inner Therapeutic Rockstar!

Attending is the set of behaviors that show the clinician is present and listening through cues. This includes nonverbal signals like eye contact, open and relaxed posture, leaning in slightly, nodding, and facial expressions, plus verbal back-channel responses such as "mm-hmm" or "I see" in a calm, supportive tone. These cues communicate to the client that their words are valued and that the clinician is fully focused on what they’re saying, which helps the client feel heard and safe to continue.

Probing, while important for gathering information, is about asking questions to elicit more detail rather than signaling listening. Concreteness aims to clarify and specify what’s being discussed, not to demonstrate listening. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the client’s feelings, a deeper relational response beyond simply signaling that you’re listening.