What's important for me to know about you?
In the Assess section of the SafeSide Framework, we start with understanding a person’s strengths and protective factors. Listening for a person’s unique strengths and what makes them special is important in its own right because it can spark ideas for treatment and crisis planning.
But what if you or the person you’re working with is having trouble identifying strengths and things that make them unique or special? You can ask: “What’s important for me to know about you?”
This question allows for them to tell you about their special personality traits and you may also learn additional helpful information. They may share that they have had difficult experiences accessing support in the past, or have a strained relationship with a loved one, which can also help with creating their plan for care.
Another way to ask the question is to inquire about what other people would say is unique and special about them. You can ask:
“What would your best friend say about you?”
or
“I’ve heard you talk about your relationship with your aunt being important to you, how would they describe you?”
Using this approach may help you gain insight into who the person’s central supports are and what their available resources may be.