Said With Courage

Tag: Crisis Support

  • Reframes Part 7 – Recap

    Reframes Part 7 – Recap

    Over the last week we’ve covered a whole range of micro and macro topics around reframes. Here’s the summary. The experience was hard come by (?) and I hope it helps you help others! 1 >> Stand close. If your perspective is too positive or upbeat, I can’t relate to what you’re saying. Try to…

  • Reframes Part 6 – Examples Of Reframes Under The Microscope

    Reframes Part 6 – Examples Of Reframes Under The Microscope

    Imagine the following scenario. You and I have been chatting for some time. I tell you about the anxiety I have seeing the bridge outside… again. The chat feels like it’s gone in multiple circles, you’ve tried a few things. Now you try reframing my perspective. Three examples of attempts to reframe my anxiety. 1…

  • Reframes Part 5 – 3 Principles Of High Quality Listening

    Reframes Part 5 – 3 Principles Of High Quality Listening

    When I first started in suicide prevention, one of my favourite things to do was listen to other supporters on the phone. I’d listen to their style, tone, pacing and so much more while I thought about one question: What makes good crisis support? Lets look at and unpack listening examples from earlier in this…

  • Reframes Part 4 – Learn This To Better Lift People’s Spirits

    Reframes Part 4 – Learn This To Better Lift People’s Spirits

    Years in crisis support and suicide prevention has shown me reframes are the most powerful and appropriate way to influence someone’s thinking. I had a pretty rude awakening when I started answering the phones. At first it was really weird and uncomfortable to learn non-judgement. Why wasn’t I allowed to give my thoughts and opinions?…

  • Reframes Part 3 – How Personal Agendas Interrupt Listening

    Reframes Part 3 – How Personal Agendas Interrupt Listening

    Examples of listening interrupted by personal agendas. Firstly I tell you what I see: ‘This old rope bridge. It’s rickety and flimsy, hanging over a dangerous gorge. It gives me anxiety to even look at it – but I can’t look away!’ ❌ With an agenda you reply: ‘It sounds like the bridge is really…

  • Reframes Part 2 – Grow A Mindset Of Letting Go

    Reframes Part 2 – Grow A Mindset Of Letting Go

    Last essay we defined toxic positivity. It’s an easy trap to fall into (this coming from a master of falling into traps ?), so be kind to yourself! Next up in building the reframe skillset… Define what to let go of in suicide prevention. It took me a year on the phones before I learned…

  • Reframes Part 1 – Here’s What You Want To Articulate About Toxic Positivity

    Reframes Part 1 – Here’s What You Want To Articulate About Toxic Positivity

    When I started out in crisis support I had to fight the instinct to blast people with positivity. This is how I think about what not to do after years of learning the hard way. If my view is too far away, yours doesn’t feel relatable. Imagine you’re talking to me on the phone about…

  • Compliments People In Crisis Can Actually Accept

    Compliments People In Crisis Can Actually Accept

    If the message isn’t landing, try tone it down. When I first started in crisis support work I used to blast people with compliments. I’d line up my reflections about them like I had a big fire-hose to douse the inferno of low self worth. Then I’d let them have it. Often this just fell…

  • Help People Decide What’s Best For Them Part 6 – Recap

    Help People Decide What’s Best For Them Part 6 – Recap

    It feels dreadful to think I could have done better for someone in their darkest hour. Hopefully this essay series helps you learn about offering referrals with a little less heartbreak. By letting go of my agenda to always give referrals, my support became much higher quality. I started listening more deeply and validating from…

  • Help People Decide What’s Best For Them Part 5 – SFTU

    Help People Decide What’s Best For Them Part 5 – SFTU

    SFTU = Seek first to understand! Not to be mistaken for another -very similar- acronym. ? There’s no ‘one size fits all’ in crisis support, because each conversation is as unique as the moment we’re in. So listen! Tune in to powerful info, stuff like; ✅ Tension between where someone is and where they want…