Which counseling skill involves understanding the emotions of others?

Active listening is a counseling skill that focuses on fully understanding the speaker's emotions, thoughts, and messages. This skill goes beyond merely hearing the words being spoken; it requires the listener to engage with the speaker on an emotional level, recognizing and acknowledging their feelings. Active listening involves providing feedback, such as paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said, which shows that you are engaged and understand their emotional state.

By practicing active listening, one can build rapport and create a safe space for open communication, essential in counseling and supporting others. It allows the counselor to empathize with the client's experience, helping them feel validated and understood, which can significantly enhance the counseling process.

Other options may involve communication skills but do not specifically target the emotional understanding aspect that is central to active listening.