A520.3.5.RB - Supportive Communication

This post will discuss how I can integrate supportive communication into my present position. This is an interesting topic as my present position requires me to be a coach, mentor, criticizer, cheerleader, and whipping boy usually in the span of about ten minutes. Ehow has a concise definition of supportive communication here. If you are unfamiliar give it a read...I'll wait.

All done? Okay! moving on.

In my role it is important that supportive communication be the norm rather than the exception. No one lands at my desk if their lives are going well. People usually accept my service after they've reached a sort of crisis point in their lives and careers. This can lead to tension rather quickly if they perceive I am lecturing from a pedestal or if I am making their problems into personal failures. As the case manager/client relationship matures it becomes even more important that supportive communication permeate all of our meetings.


When working with people that have addictions or a history of self-destructive behavior you can expect relapses. This isn't to say that everyone relapses but the odds are good you will get one or two relapses over the course of a year or two. Often times this leads to shame and guilt on behalf of the addict, it is CRUCIAL that you are supportive yet assertive as you move them onto the next challenge. This may mean starting from square one in the process but you can't let that color your language or approach. Everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see, be kind...always.

This means being aware of your language, your posture, you eye contact, gestures, and even how you arrange furniture in counseling sessions. Use barriers like desks or tables judiciously and understand that those barriers can give you an air of authority but can also distance you from the person needing help. Make sure that your words match your actions and that you communicate feelings clearly. This will be tough once your emotional responses take over, be aware that in supportive communication it isn't about how YOU feel, it is about how you BOTH feel regarding a situation. Lastly, focus on solutions and let the other person be a part of the solution process. This will enhance outcomes.

Supportive communication is exhausting at first but becomes easier with practice. Once again you will have to develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence to move into true supportive communication but if you're a regular reader of this blog you should already have those tools. Until next week.