Tonda is discussing her need for help with a depression that, she says, started several months ago. She talks about the amount of time she has missed at work and how it has reached a point where she sleeps most of the day. The worker says, “Tell me a little bit about what was going on when this all started.” Can Tonda continue to discuss her depression with this worker?

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.