8. Avoid calling out peopleās existing coping behaviours
People arrive at mental health treatment with various life experiences and adverse events.
Along the way, some adopt some coping skills or behaviour patterns that professionals can recognize as maladaptive or flawed.
Rather than calling out these patterns, itās helpful to emphasize the value of new, more appropriate coping skills.
Cautionary example
Avoid judgemental language like āunhealthyā when describing current behaviours or diet.
You can use language instead, like a āless nutrient-dense diet,ā as this is a more factual statement. More positively, to reframe towards a āmore nutrient-dense diet.ā
Suggested approach
Emphasize the value of new, more appropriate coping skills rather than judging, which can make someone feel responsible for their trauma.
Putting it into action
1ļøā£ Self-reflection: Does this language judge peopleās coping mechanisms?
2ļøā£ Reframe and direct clients toward positive behaviours
3ļøā£ Highlight the benefits of adopting new coping skills