Which statement lists the six core empowering interactions?

• A. Listen, Validate Strengths, Reflective Statements, Relating Statements and Empathy, Permission Question, Open-Ended Questions
• B. The six core interactions are not: Listening and Reflection only
• C. Listening and Empathy
• D. Reflective Statements only

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowledge of the six empowering interactions used in Rhode Island CPS practice. These interactions guide how a peer specialist communicates to support autonomy, respect, and partnership.

Listen establishes presence and makes the person feel heard. Validate strengths highlights what the individual can do and resources they bring, boosting self-efficacy. Reflective statements help ensure understanding by paraphrasing what was said and confirming accuracy. Relating statements and empathy build connection through shared experience and genuine understanding. Permission questions invite consent and choice, honoring the person’s autonomy. Open-ended questions encourage deeper exploration and self-discovery rather than yes/no answers.

The option that lists all six items—Listen, Validate Strengths, Reflective Statements, Relating Statements and Empathy, Permission Question, Open-Ended Questions—best represents the approach, because it covers the full range of ways to engage empoweringly. The other choices omit essential components or reduce the approach to only a subset, which misses key elements of empowering interaction.