Engagement In Non-Clinical Setting Yau Tat-yu, Ivan

P-P-C Model in Engagement Three useful dimensions for preparing our engagement: - Purposes, Persons and Context Purposes – general and specific Persons – characteristics, possible concerns and reasons for resistance,… Context – prescribed and negotiated rules for communication

P-P-C Model in Engagement

General Purposes Getting acquaintances with potential target in a non-threatening way Cultivating a caring relationship Preparing them for intervention in later stage Having ongoing assessment on needs, potential risk, strengths and resources

Specific Purposes Focus on limited encounters Gradually evolving Concrete and specific outcomes within a specific time frame Preparing to handle possible resistance / rejection / testing-out behaviors

Persons Paying attention to the followings: - Language and ways of relating - Possible perception on worker’s role and intervention - Testing-out responses

Context Rules / roles as defined by context – observe and follow these first. Limit and boundary of the context – should be observed and could be broken! Ambiguous and new interaction evolving out of the context – an ongoing negotiation with the persons involved.

Risk Assessment Behavioral patterns with undesirable consequences in the long run, and always without no motivation for change - abusive behavior, taking drugs, casual sex, … Being affected by adverse environment - being oppressed, associating with dubious peers, socially isolated, …

Tips for Engagement Short and frequent greetings Starting with socially non-threatening topic / making use of immediate environment Progress self-disclosure and note the personal boundary Use of free information: opening up yourself for engagement (worker), cues for engagement and assessment for readiness / lack of skills (target)

Tips for Engagement Paying unique attention to the engaged target, and letting him beware of this!! Preparing varied versions of self- introduction Making yourself available for future help Providing some useful information which address their needs and concerns Ensuring future contacts be possible

Testing-out / Resistant Behavior These behaviors are often expected in initial contacts. Handling these behaviors effectively can enhance trustful relationship. Different reasons of testing-out / resistant behaviors come from different targets and context. Possible reasons are: ……?

Some Possible Reasons Lack of skills to maintain the encounters Self-protection for lack of trust / sense of insecurity Making attempts to build up relationship Attention seeking Power struggle and challenge worker’s bottom-line Avoid labeling of social service recipients

Handling Beware of rules / regulation of the setting Responding to trust issue directly or subtly Setting limit and providing other alternatives for engagement Useful Skill: Follow and Turn

Follow and Turn Basic Logic – follow the immediate response and further elaborate (logical extension), and turn the focus accordingly Some considerations: 1. From teasing to care and concerns 2. From self to yours / ours 3. Others…