Other-Guided Interaction
Intention:
Counselors and therapists stress the importance of allowing patients to guide certain interactions. This makes it easier for them to feel recognized, accepted, and valued, which leads to them expressing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more openly. In addition, allowing people to guide certain encounters while one listens and responds attentively communicate interest and respect, fostering the development of close and meaningful relationships.
This exercise invites you to practice the skills of observing, listening, and responding attentively to another person for a specified period of time. It is recommended that it be practiced with each person individually, so that full attention can be offered to one person at a time.
Instruction:
Choose a comfortable place where you can meet the person without interruptions. Art and craft supplies or games may be available. Spend at least 15-20 minutes following the other person's preferences and inclinations. Let the person choose what to do and what to talk about, as you join in by observing, listening, and responding attentively.
Shortly after the meeting, write about the experience in the space provided.
Inspection:
· How did you feel during the interaction in which you deliberately and consistently allowed the other person to take the lead?
· What did you learn about this person?
· What did you recognize or learn about yourself?
· What became easier and more difficult for you as you allowed the other person to guide the interaction?
· How could this exercise help you in building new relationships?
· How could this exercise help you in your daily relationships?
OTHER-GUIDED INTERACTION
Name of Person
Gender Age Ethnicity
Place and materials
Sequence of activities and conversation topics
Behaviors (what they did and what they talked about)
Thoughts (your ideas, associations, memories)
Emotions (your feelings, reactions, impulses)
