Competency 4: Prevention
Issues Related to Professional Values and Ethics, Continued
Compassion, Honesty, and Integrity in Relationships
Communicating openly, sensitively, and honestly is essential to developing a trusting relationship. Women with addiction disorders are particularly vulnerable. They may judge themselves harshly or face judgment from family, friends, and community members. The following are some tips for effective and respectful communication:
- Use language that is clear and free of judgments.
- Be specific—avoid generalization.
- Use language that is definable and not subject to multiple interpretations.
- Do not use psychiatric diagnoses as metaphors for other descriptions (e.g., using “schizophrenic” or “manic” to describe behavior).
- Use language that is specific to the issue.
- Use language that does not categorize people into generalized groups.
- Use objective language.
- Use language that is not open to interpretation, such as slang.
- Use language that individuals who are not in the mental health field can understand.
- Keep humor focused away from individuals. Joking is okay, but not at the expense of an individual.
- Use inclusive language, such as "we" (not "you").
- Use language that does not separate groups by diagnoses or character traits.
- Use body movement and expression that connote inclusion and equality (e.g., avoid crossed arms).
- Check your voice for any unintended communication barriers, such as condescending tones, pitch, and volume.
- Check your own belief in what you are saying. If one uses “politically correct” words, but doesn’t believe in the message, the body will convey the real belief.
Remember to remain truthful and respectful. Focus on positive messages, such as those that convey hope, responsibility, gratitude, and solutions. Be persistent in your efforts, recognizing that attitude and behavior changes occur gradually over time.
