Communication
What I realized recently is that my communication to the client is just as equally important as them telling me what their needs are. I need to communicate what I think it is they want or else I won't get it.
I tend to try to do things on my own thinking in my head, yes this is what they want, and nearly 100% of the time I am dead wrong. So I have to go back and fix it to make it what they want. This whole debacle could have been avoided had I practiced responsively listening. Simple, but a time saver!
Listening
While communication entails listening to a client, I am talking about the art of really listening. I may be the closest to them on a daily basis. This means I am safe. For a while I thought I was getting taught a lesson when I had to listen to tough stories. Someone had to tell me though that because I am close, I am safe to tell things to.
Something awesome I learned is that I don't have to say a thing when I am listening. In fact it is better if I don't try and fix problems, come up with solutions, or pretend I am a counselor. I wouldn't want that responsibility anyways. Feelings come out through the voice and often times it is pain. Just be their springboard for their pain and struggles, that is all I have to remember.
Getting Attached
Okay, this is my last rant about relationships, but it is the most important. I have had a client die on me and it was devastating. I put my heart in my job and I often fear I will lose one of my clients. Especially when I feel I have gotten close to them. You can't not be a caregiver and a robot, it just isn't possible. The solution? Treat them like you would a friend or family member, pray for their health, protect them as best as you can, and know God is in control, not you. Remembering that God is in control will help you keep boundaries, because you won't feel responsible for everything in their lives as well.
Being a caregiver is knowing when to repeat a client's words for clarification and when to just listen and then when to let go. Nothing is more rewarding when you have a great relationship though so happy care giving!
