CONFRONTATIONCOMMUNICATING FEELINGSSELF-DISCLOSUREPSYCHOLOGY 360Siena Heights University

CONFRONTATION• Def – a high level skill where the client’s attention is drawn to the

discrepant aspects of the client’s verbal or non-verbal communication (not punitive in nature).

• Why don’t we confront?

CONFRONTATION (CONT.)• When & Why?

• To show contradictions and how to recognize them.• To help the person resolve discrepancies• When the person has unrealistic goals• When incongruous behavior patterns emerge• When a behavior becomes a threat to the person or to others.• Once a relationship has been established

• How?• Be tentative• Be prepared to encourage exploration of the discrepancy• Focused on observed discrepancies v. implied or assumed ones• In a non-judgmental fashion and without identifying your own solution

CONFRONTATION ACTIVITY• Select a discrepancy, any discrepancy:

• A person who promises to change something but who has not made any progress in that area.

• Someone who has just succeeded in something but negates that it has value.• A person who claims to be one way (i.e. nice, caring, concerned, funny) but

who describes or demonstrates acting in a way contrary to that.• An employee who states that they hate a co-worker who talks about

everyone behind their backs.

• How might you word your confrontation with them?

COMMUNICATING IMMEDIACY & FEELING • Def – Immediacy involves identifying and attending to issues within the

current communication which could, if left unresolved or ignored, could interfere with the relationship or the progress of the interview.

COMMUNICATING CONCERNS OR FEELINGS

• Why should we do this?• Resolve immediate tensions & discomforts• Clarify current issues• Promote direct mutual communication• In order to act as an appropriate model• To demonstrate appropriate empathy

• When should we refrain from doing this?• When it is done out of anger or frustration• When it is done to serve our own needs only• When it takes focus off of the main or primary issue(s)• When we are feeling defensive• To minimize another person’s experience

COMMUNICATING CONCERNS OR FEELINGS

• How do we do this?• Maintaining appropriate eye contact and a relaxed & professional posture.• Using only items or information relevant to the current topic of discussion.• With a caring or concerned attitude.

• Examples:• I am concerned…• I find myself wondering….• It seems you might be wondering…• It appears you might have questions…

SELF-DISCLOSURE• Def – the intentional disclosure of personal

information to a client in the hopes of assisting the client. If done correctly, it can create trust, instill hope and provide support and empathy.

• If done incorrectly it appears the self-centered or questions who needs the help.

• When and why do you self-disclose?• To assist the client in focusing on the current issues• When your response will not negate or over-shadow the client’s• To increase trust• To enhance the client’s ability to disclose• To encourage the client’s willingness to discuss personal information• In moderation• Once a good relationship has been established

• When shouldn’t you self-disclose?