| Supporting
Clients in Transition Article
One of the insights that comes up in each of
my Seasons of Change training groups is the awareness
that transitions can only be interpreted through the
eye of the beholder.
As Transition Professionals, we often
have ideas about which transitions are most impactful,
how a person is likely to be affected emotionally by
a life change, and how various transitions unfold. If
we aren't careful, we may overlay our ideas and
assumptions over our client's experience. I know, we
are trained to avoid taking such an invasive approach,
but our experience, both professional and personal,
leads us to believe that certain things are true.
In the first week of The Seasons
of Change training course, I have each participant
talk with a couple people in transition using worksheets
and questions as an interview guide. Inevitably, one
or more of the Transition Professionals returns with
a story like this one.
'The person I talked to is going
through a couple of transitions. I assumed
they'd be having a difficult time of it. I was very
surprised that they weren't that thrown by the events.
The transition I thought would be impacting them the
most, doesn't seem to be the main issue. What I realize
is that I need to listen to my client's perception of
her own transitions before I make decisions about what
questions I'll ask next.
I've had this happen to me as
well. When ever you are talking with a client
in transition, put your own assumptions aside and listen.
Pay attention to your client's tone of voice, non verbals
(if you meet in person), what they are leaving out,
and
what seems most salient them. Ask questions to surface
issues that may not have been addressed during the first
part of your conversation.
Just focusing on their perception
of their situation can open up a number of great avenues
for further conversation.
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