In this second episode, we discuss how to get alongside someone in distress and avoid trying to fix the challenge or issue. We learn how to stay curious, show that we are listening and learn to ask question to understand the other's perspective. By learning how to listen, the other can feel heard, accepted and valued.
Reassuring, finding quick solutions or distractions are not helping the person in distress. They tell that their emotions are not welcome here and need to be fixed.
Listen to understand not to reply. Don't focus on formulating consoling things to say but on what the other is telling you.
Remain curious and ask open-ended questions to understand the teller’s perspective. Questions like: “How do you feel about that? Can you tell me more about …? I’d like to hear more about…? How, what, when, where?”
Don’t be afraid of silences. Use phrases like: "Take your time. This is hard. I am sorry this is so sad for you. I am here"
Check your understanding through questions and summaries; Can I check, do you mean ... ? What you have told me so far is ..., have i got that right?The key questions to reflect upon are:
Think about a situation where you were searching for ways to fix someone else's issue? How did this make you feel? How did this solution providing and searching for reassurance make the other feel? Now that we examined the current situation and both have a clear of the understanding we can search for ways how to move forward through distress in the next episode.