Action 2: Listen and communicate non-judgementally cont.
– Check your understanding of what is being said by restating what the young person has told you and asking clarifying questions such as: “Just to clarify, do you mean…?” or “Do you mean that…?“ – Ask how they could support themselves, as this can be empowering for a young person (even if they don’t know the answer, it may help to give them a sense of control over their health) – Ask open-ended questions, such as “Could you tell me more about …”, “How do you feel you could deal with that?”, or “What does that mean to you?” – Use minimal prompts such as “Mmm”, “Ah” or “I see” to keep the conversation going (98) Helpful non-verbal listening actions (body language) – Be attentive – Listen to the young person’s tone of voice and look at their body language – Keep eye contact comfortable (avoid staring or avoiding eye contact) – Keep an open body position (e.g., try not to cross your arms across your body) – Sit down even when the young person is standing – it will make you seem less threatening – Allow long pauses in the conversation – the young person may simply be thinking or be lost for words – Sit quietly and attentively through a period of silence – this will demonstrate that you value being with the young person (99)
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