- Ask them what they enjoy.
When you first start meeting with a client it's important to get to know them before jumping straight into whatever care plan or report you have for them. I know as professionals we are often short on time but allowing for a natural bond to develop is essential to the relationship. Allow them to speak freely for at least ten minutes about who they are and what their life is like. Not all clients will be willing to share so freely, but I always make sure I give them an opportunity.
- Use context clues.
This pertains mainly to those of us that are conducting home visits, but it can be used no matter where you meet with your clients. Using this method requires paying attention not only to what the client is saying but their body language, facial expressions and the physical items around them. The most obvious example I can give is when a client has a piano in their home, I will ask if they like to play, and typically the client lights up because they get the chance to talk about something they love. Ask yourself, what does the client value? This builds trust between you and the client when they know that you care about what's important to them.
- Keep them talking.
Having a client stonewall you is the best way to get nowhere. In order to keep them talking, often times you need to start off slow before diving into the more serious, sensitive topics. I’ve found that if I can keep a conversation going that even the most difficult client is willing to let me in.
- Ask them what they want.
While we may have an idea of what we want our clients to do, it's really important to ask and to actually listen to what they want. One question I like to ask is “If you could have your ideal life or outcome for _ situation, what would it look like?” While we have benchmarks or topics we need to get to as professionals, try to work them into the conversation as naturally as possible. Make sure to have the client actively contributing to their service plan.
- Tell them when they’ll hear from you again.
And make sure you follow up. Oftentimes we are meeting with clients in a difficult season of their lives which can lead to increased anxiety. Letting them know when and how often they can expect to speak with you or meet with you in person can help decrease their anxiety and set clear expectations and boundaries regarding how often you are available.
Thanks for reading. Comment down below or shoot me an email at contact@mckenziejohnston.com.
Check out my Youtube Channel for more content: McKenzie Johnston - YouTube
How I got started in social work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhcGXKNMaCY&t=9s
5 Things you should never say to clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I24ygQBQ17c
Unboxing the Microsoft laptop go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6wLjNSfXdc
5 Tips for building rapport with clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpFKBGKvo8M&t=35s
