The Shared Humanness Model By Tracey Holley

What is Emotional Intelligence? EI Emotional Competence Basic emotional and social skills Self-awareness and insight Empathy The art of listening Knowing how to handle your own emotions and the emotions of others – not being afraid of them –knowing your own emotional boundaries: how to handle relationships; how to develop friendships; how to express feelings etc

Characteristics of Emotionally Intelligent people Ability to recognise feelings and building a vocabulary for them. Seeing the links between thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Knowing when thoughts and feelings are ruling a decision. Seeing the consequences of alternative choices. (D Goleman) Being fluent in the Language of emotion

Practical Applications of EI Humanist Approach over the Medical Model Humane Medicine and the use of EI in Emotional Care “Compassion is not mere hand holding. It is good medicine.” The Emotions and Health Link “the relationship between physician [nurse] and patient is itself a factor of significance” Incidentally, this quotation about compassion, was from an anonymous patient undergoing heart surgery – mental well being is everyone’s business and is not field specific.

Outcomes of Shared Humanness and Levelling the Playing Field Perceived power differentials Nurse and patient joining hands across the Sea of Humanity Mutual favourable outcomes

Appropriate Self Disclosure (ASD) within the Shared Humanness Model Using Emotional intelligence to judge what is appropriate The fear of Emotion by professionals Seeing the person not the illness ASK THEM TO WRITE DOWN A SITUATUION THEY FOUND THEMSELVES IN AND SHARE WITH PARTNER FOR 5 MINS. It’s about revealing your own humanity even within the role of professional, but at the same time realising it’s not all about you – you play a vital part within the interaction of one human being to another. It's about not being afraid to reveal your own failings as a person, or making an appropriate joke that is meaningful and appropriate to that individual at that time. It’s about knowing yourself so that you can have the confidence to act as a facilitator to help a vulnerable and lost person gain the skills to know themselves too and how they are feeling within their unruly sea of emotions. Metaphors and the language of emotions, including personal metaphors, are a big part of The Tidal Model

Breaking down Appropriate Boundaries Recognising which boundaries are necessary to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment is vital. Professionalism not based on power and containment, but Professionalism based on engagement and rapport. Rapport breaks down a patient’s wall of distrust and self-imposed alienation Patients still need to be safe and secure and the air of professionalism is no less important to mental health service users. It is a professionalism not based on power and containment, but based on engagement and rapport.

Indicators for ASD Situation………………… Level of distress……… The individual patient…………………… Assessment interview – semi formal A possible de-escalation technique Themes of self-disclosure; beware of negative triggers The semi-formal situation is a safe setting, not just in terms of risk assessment but also in making everyone feel comfortable within a professional environment

Shared Humanness and The Power of Making a Connection Rapport is the building block for making a difference to another human being. Without this connection you cannot earn trust. Without honesty there is no trust…. Limitations of the professional and client expectations Even within the fog of mental distress, we have the ability to recognise the good nurses and the bad as the last ditch plea for our emotional survival. The professional has to be honest about what they can and cannot do for the patient – for their fellow human in distress. Being honest about your limitations will only underline the shared commonality of the human condition. The patient will have faith in the professional’s capability because a connection has been made, which ,in turn, engenders trust – and the impact of having made a connection will override any doubt that the service user may have that they our safe in your hands. Acknowledgment of your limitations may be a powerful tool in your bid for a patient’s trust in you and their eventual compliance or rather engagement and concordance as part of the team to work towards a realistic resolution.

HOPE The most precious gift to give. Real hope not false hope. The common ground of shared humanness fosters hope. A facilitator for empowerment, recovery and ultimately independence. ASD and the common ground of shared humanness will foster hope, which will encourage empowerment – as we will know you are capable of ensuring our best interests. Showing belief in a person in such a way will facilitate their recovery. .This will involve a solution focused approach – seeing the person behind the illness. Leeper’s Lady

Shared Humanness and the Assessment Process Putting humanity back into assessment Making the connection between one human being and another… Within the bounds of vulnerability and professionalism Engaging a willingness to be involved as an informed and equal partner in their care plan Recovery starts with the assessment process!