Tips from ODSW February 2016: Sibling's Guide to Psychosis | Page 17

How to communicate well

Active Listening
It requires us to pay full attention to our siblings when they
are expressing themselves. Listening is the most
fundamental component of interpersonal
communication skills. It shows the other party that we are
concern and is willing to listen to them.
Although it is useful to know what you can do as a sibling, it is
also very important to know your limitations. Don’t neglect
your personal life and talk to your family about what you can
and cannot do to support your brother or sister.

Practice Active Listening by :

1

Acknowledge what your sibling say with words like, “I
see”, “I understand”, “Mm hmm”

2

Being aware of their eye contact, body language, hand
gestures and tone of voice.

3

Concentrate on what they are saying

Try to AVOID :

1

Interrupting them, for example finishing their sentences,
as they may need more time expressing themselves.

2

Assuming what they wish to say before they complete
their sentences.

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