How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 77

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! The closing of a crisis coaching encounter is ideally initiated by the survivor. Nolan pointed out that a reference interview may be closed by either the reference librarian or the patron, or both simultaneously. He recommended that a librarian encourage the patron to come back for more help if necessary. It may appear that in this situation the lib rarian is closing the interview, but in actuality he or she is leaving it open to continue at a time of the patron’s choosing. TAASA also recommends that the crisis coach let the survivor know that calling the hotline was the right thing to do and that it is the first step in the healing process. Eidson recommended a similar approach, but at the beginning of the reference interview. He suggested affirming that the patron has come to the right place and the librarian is open, available and ready to help. This approach is well-placed at either end of the interview with a survivor. At the beginning of the interview, it may encourage the survivor to relax and be more willing to ask questions openly, knowing that she will be heard and respected. At the end of the interview, such an approach may make the survivor feel comfortable returning to the library and working with its staff. It may also make her feel that if the librarian is kind, encouraging and affirming, there may be others who are the same way. This might encourage her to seek the assistance of counseling professionals. Follow-up is defined as summarizing the encounter, encouraging the survivor to call the crisis center anytime and saying goodbye. This leaves the decision of whether to have any more contact with the crisis couach in the survivor’s hands. Nolan takes much the same position. In a crisis intervention situation, it might be helpful to offer to call the survivor a few days later in order to offer additional help. A follow-up call, of course, should only be made with the survivor’s permission. This is an excellent practice for librarians, too. A reference librarian may need to contact a patron to offer additional information found after the patron has left or for related purposes. If the patron is currently in an abusive relationship or does not want the people in her household to know that she has been assaulted, a call from a librarian may raise suspicions. If a patron does not give permission, it is best to wait for the patron to come back or call. Qualities for empowering family advocacy (Amended from Marie Sherrett) Which Type of Advocate Are You? Defender Protector Promoter Enabler Investigator Mediator Supporter Monitor Teacher Fights for the rights of individuals, children and families Works to keep individuals, children and families from physical or psychological harm Works to cause something to happen Provides individuals, children & families with the resources needed to achieve their goals Searches for facts and information Listens to and understands all points of view and remains objective Listens to and gives acknowledgement to feelings, and needs without passing judgment Checks in periodically to see if things are going according to the plan Assists in trying to decide the best possible approach to the situation. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 77