[Basic communication skills]

Communication skills comprises components of interpersonal activities which have as a rule are favourably affected. They include listening, which means to perceive sensitively all components of the patient's verbal manifestations; the ability of empathy is very important. We characterize it in Rogers sense i.e. trying to understand the mental state of the other subjects. The fundamental communication skill of the doctor is manifested understanding. Some skills are to a certain extent non-verbal such as interest in the patient or respect of him. Finally the author deals with the role of specific advice given to the patient when psychological problems have to be resolved.