When a group member is speaking, it is best for the counselor to

• A. not face the group member, as this does not appear genuine in a group setting.
• B. try to face the group member.
• C. smile while listening.
• D. suppress genuine emotion.

Answer: (B)

Facing the group member who is speaking shows you are fully attending to them. In group work, where members rely on the counselor’s attention to feel safe and heard, orienting your body toward the speaker communicates respect, interest, and immediacy. This nonverbal stance helps the speaker feel seen, invites continued sharing, and allows you to pick up both verbal and nonverbal cues that deepen understanding. Turning away or not facing can create distance and signal disengagement, which can hinder trust and openness. While smiling is a positive warmth cue, it doesn’t by itself ensure you are truly attuned; authenticity matters, and facing the speaker best conveys that. Suppressing genuine emotion undermines trust, so the recommended approach is to face the group member to demonstrate engagement and support.