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Here is a vignette to demonstrate how thoughtful validating communication can spark relationships. - hope you like it - this was just how it happened.
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Validating Me
Communication is an essential part of our daily lives, but when people feel vulnerable, feelings can run high and at these crucial moments relationships break down and this is what we want to avoid.Person-Centred Validation is a process by which a therapeutic relationship is built on the practitioner’s congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding shown to the individual. It focuses on the feelings rather than the content of speech. The practitioner can demonstrate their skills in observation, encouragement, listening, pacing, rephrasing, voice tones, exploring, and summarising. They feel the practitioner's empathetic understanding and responds accordingly to their deep psychological need is met, confidence and identity are restored.
This certificate is ideal for people who want to use therapeutic interaction skills in their daily role. We believe this is the first of its kind in the UK and therefore warrants the title of Therapeutic Dementia Practitioner. For more details and to download a booking form follow this link.
To have a 'Therapeutic Dementia Specialist trained in person-centred validation skills in every care home organisation in England by the time I am 65 - that will keep you guessing!
I trained as an Occupational Therapist with and have a special interest in working with families and people experiencing dementia. I have experienced the benefits of using the communication approach - Validation Method with individuals living with dementia for over 15 years. I trained at the Validation Institute in the USA and integrated this with the excellent person-centred practices and language used here in the UK. I am enhancing these skills even further with a Diploma in Person-centred Counselling.
What people admire about me.
Is my ability to listen and empathise, to be passionate about things that matter most to me, my enthusiasm for new ideas and an easy-going nature.
What is important to me.
Seeing my children and husband happy and following their dreams, ‘Always be passionate about something you love.’ I enjoy sharing food and wine with friends and dreaming up mad ideas and projects. I love my two dogs, Henry and Heidi who walk and talk to me in their dog-like way. I start my day by taking a quiet moment over tea in a china cup in my PJs.