Minimal Encouragements

Minimal encouragements indicate that you are interested and are listening. Include non-verbal encouragements, nodding, and making eye contact and observe the persons body orientation to the speaker. Use verbal encouragements such as “yes” and “go on”. Affirmations are statements that instill hope, confidence and reassurance,” i.e., “I’m glad you called, this is really hard to deal with all alone.” Body language is also important; could the crisis responder have used more appropriate body language?

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