Name a technique that addresses resistance and defensiveness by validating feelings in a potentially tense situation.

A technique that addresses resistance and defensiveness by validating feelings in a potentially tense situation is reflective listening with emotional labeling. This technique involves actively listening to the other person's concerns and then reflecting back to them the emotions you perceive them to be experiencing, using specific emotional labels. For example, instead of saying 'I understand' (which can sound dismissive), you might say 'It sounds like you're feeling frustrated because...' or 'It seems like you're angry about...'. By naming the emotion, you are validating the person's experience and demonstrating that you are paying attention to more than just the content of their words. This can help to de-escalate the situation by making the other person feel heard and understood, which reduces the need for them to defend their position. Reflective listening also provides an opportunity for the other person to correct your perception if you have mislabeled their emotions, further clarifying their feelings and promoting mutual understanding. Once the emotions have been acknowledged and validated, it becomes easier to move towards a more rational and constructive discussion of the underlying issues.