Elvita has decided to leave an abusive relationship, but she feels guilty leaving her abuser’s children behind. She talks about how she knows that once she leaves, she cannot have any more contact with the children; and she is worried about how that will affect these children whom she has come to love and wants to protect. The worker asks, “Just when did you start to think of these children as if they were your own?” Can Elvita continue to discuss her concerns about her abuser’s children?

Enhanced Blocked

Above are various scenarios illustrating workers’ responses in a variety of situations. Examine the responses in each case and decide whether the worker is blocking communication or enhancing it. Do the worker’s responses cut off further communication from the other person or seem to encourage the person to continue? Circle your answer after each vignette.