THE IMPORTANCE OF QUESTIONING AND LISTENING
Regarding
the Questions and working with them:
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: If you are helping someone and they don't want to talk, that's ok too! Everyone has their own comfort level. Some people have already worked these things out! I have found people in self-reflective groups, like AA and NA have worked through many of these questions already. Always leave the door open to conversation but never force it.
NON JUDGEMENTAL LISTENING:
If you’re working with someone who is facing
end of life, make sure you ask YOURSELF these all of these questions as
well. Practice non judgmental listening on yourself and on others. Do not have
an agenda with anyone you are helping, except to find out what they want and
how you can help. If you, or anyone is uncomfortable with the questions, skip
them and come back later if you feel like it.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: (TRY NOT TO DO THESE THINGS)
Do I have a bias I about these questions?
Do I have an agenda?
Am I trying to convince them of something?
Am I jumping to conclusions?
Am I thinking about my response before the person has finished talking?
Am I interrupting with questions, or
finishing their sentences?
Do I hear what I want to hear and am I
close-minded to what disturbs me?
Am I trying to solve their problem?
Am I
trying to change their mind?
Am I thinking about other things while
listening?
Am I fidgeting?
Am I playing with my cell
phone? Am I texting? Am I multi-tasking?
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Marcie Vallette