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Affirm/Acknowledge
When someone asks a question or shares a feeling or experience, before providing relevant information, first acknowledge or affirm what they have said. This is a way of treating people not just as patients or clients, but as a fellow human with valid emotions and reasoning. It is key to note that the acknowledgement and affirmation must be genuine. There are different ways to show affirmation and acknowledgement. Below are some examples including empathy, pointing out strengths and positives, and validation.
Ways to Affirm or Acknowledge
Finding
Agreement
Outright disagreement can shut a person down during a conversation. Instead, try finding something true or that you agree with, identifying it, and then going from there. An example of this using the phrase "yes, AND..". This way people are more receptive to corrections or new information and rapport is not harmed.
Correcting Misinformation
It is normal to go online, to social media, or to a friend to get information. Although they may have encountered misinformation, seeking information about their health is a good thing. Try first complimenting their effort for taking initiative to improve their health before giving them more information or guiding them to a trusted resource like bedsider.org.
Many people have negative experiences or have heard upsetting stories about the side effects of contraception that has made them hesitant. By asking questions about current knowledge and attitudes it can provide a space to discuss more and potentially provide more clarifying information.
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