Question regarding good communications strategies when conversing with someone exhibiting paranoia a
Hi,
I have recently begun volunteering at a new homeless shelter facility. I have been conversing with a homeless man who resides at the shelter on my volunteer days. He is about 35 years of age and looks to be in good physical health. He is unable to complete most sentences he is attempting to articulate without inserting random words. However, the random words will typically fall under a goup of topics that he also has in his mind and that he appears to be distracted by. It appears that this man at one time was likely a very high functioning individual. He is paranoid and delusional and appears to get frustrated with his inability to communicate in a concise way. He does exhibit some really good recall. He also says things that communicate that he would like me to understand that he is intelligent, though I am careful and thoughtful in attempting to help him feel at ease and that I am there to listen and am not making judgments. He does not appear to have a capacity for humor. He seems to have great need to ascertain and ensure that I mean him no harm. He also will make remarks about how his intent is not to harm me or others. He appears withdrawn, but will still engage. He has a difficult time allowing me to respond to his communication and allowing me to ask him questions. I am trying to establish a healthy report; one that brings him some sense of peace as he engages in conversation. Can you recommend a conversation technique that might address this within the limitations of his mental health challenges?
Thank You,
Patti
-
- Ranked Helpful (1)
- Report Abuse
Hi Songbird,
We need more kindhearted folk volunteering at homeless shelters as you do. I want to say I admire the work you are doing and I know it must give you a good feeling to help out the people living at the shelter.
About a year ago I wrote a SharePost here on understanding delusions so have a read and see if this might help you understand the words related to the topics in his head.
Something that comes to mind is that maybe you don't want to ask him direct questions which could seem threatening to him, come about inquiring in a softer way if you feel you must ask questions.
People who are homeless often have vital skills that allow them to function in the world, even though a lot of them (especially women) often wind up abused while on the street. So understand he may be using a coping skill or two in his interaction with you so that he can compensate for what he may feel are his limitations.
As I've said in here before to others who want to help people with symptoms of schizophrenia, sometimes all it takes is sitting next to them for an hour without saying a word, just to let them know you are there. They will appreciate this in their own way wherever they are in their life at that moment.
Of course as the volunteer you may have certain responsbilities, such as eliciting from him what his needs are or if he is doing okay at that moment. You may also want to engage him in conversation because it is the human thing to do.
Like the other person told you before I commented, it is going to be trial-and-error for you to come up with a strategy so do not get down on yourself if at first your attempts to communicate don't seem to go over well.
One thing I can suggest is that you try employing the "mirroring" technique, whereby when he express something, you feed back what he's said in his own words or similar words to show you have been listening.
As with any conversation, the key to rapport is active listening. The more you can communicate to him that you are listening, he will feel understood, even if you yourself aren't so sure you always understand him.
You already have a ton of insight about this guy. Maybe even putting yourself in his shoes and asking yourself, if I were him, what kinds of help do I think I would need.
Or better yet: Let him know you're there to listen and to support him, and ask him how he thinks you could best help him. Ask in a gentle way.
Once again I admire your ethic of volunteerism.
Best regards,
Christina
-
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
I very much admire your commitment. Christina's response is very nicely crafted and well considered. Well done and good luck.
-
- Ranked Helpful (1)
- Report Abuse
