ARAFMI Tasmania

An Association of Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill (Tasmania) Incorporated

We need to balance support, care and kindness (Section A)

with firmness, limits and boundaries, to provide ‘better’ care (Section B).

 

Support & Kindness

 

When they talk to us, or if we read their body language as being ready to communicate, we practice:

Non-judgmental listening

Listening without interruption

Acknowledging rather than correcting their feelings.

Occasionally summarize & feedback their feelings:

 

                                                                               “Part of you is feeling sad about….”

                                                                               “Looks like part of you is worried …”

                                                                               “Part of you seems upset with my behaviour …”

 

Accept their feelings without pointing out the inappropriateness of such feelings.

                                                                              “I would feel that way if that was happening to me”

This provides emotional support for them.  This is called Empathy (putting yourself in their shoes) and it’s a great gift you give to the other person.­

Empathy lets the other person know that:

You’re trying to understand

You are not judging them, and

It’s OK for them to feel this way (because we probably would too given the circumstances).