5 Tips- when dealing with distress
by RETS | October 25, 2021
Dealing with Distress
When a person is distressed about a situation you should endeavour to:
- give clear messages, about your role, what you can do, what you expect, what they expect, etc.
- understand and establish appropriate boundaries:
a) Physical - for example, not invading space without negotiation
b) Emotional - for example, making a client feel sorry for you because you have too much work to do
c) Structural - for example, being clear about the definition and limitations of your role
- offer empathy, not sympathy
- resource versus rescue
- respect clients' expertise and knowledge about themselves, respondent's circumstances, etc.
This is part of the communication unit in the NSW Certificate of Registration course- here.