Relational Skills
Relational Skills
or relationship skills are the capacity to relate effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups and/or communities. As a psychologist, not only do you have to build rapport through conveyance of warmth, empathy, genuineness and respect; you also need to communicate effectively through verbal, nonverbal and written means, practice active listening, influence clients and community partners, provide constructive feedback and manage difficult conversations.
We want to focus on three core components of relational skills that will help you to succeed as a psychologist:
1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication is a core skill that is required at all levels of a psychologist’s work. You must be able to demonstrate communication skills – verbal, nonverbal and written skills - that result in effective information exchange and teaming with clients, their families and your team members.
2. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Interpersonal skills relate to a set of skills that would enable you to manage relationships efficiently and communicate with others effectively to achieve mutual consensus and outcomes.
3. AFFECTIVE SKILLS
The affective domain (Krathwohl, Bloom, Masia, 1973) includes the manner in which we deal with things emotionally, such as feelings, values, appreciation, enthusiasms, motivations, and attitudes.