What is a technique a CRSS professional can use to assist someone in distress?

Active listening is a fundamental technique that a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) can use to support an individual in distress. This approach involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the individual is saying. By engaging in active listening, the CRSS professional validates the individual's feelings, encourages open communication, and fosters a safe environment where the individual feels heard and understood. This supportive interaction can significantly reduce anxiety and help the person feel more capable of addressing their distress.

In contrast, ignoring the individual can exacerbate feelings of isolation and frustration. Confrontational communication can increase defensiveness and hinder productive dialogue, while suggesting distractions might not address the root cause of the distress. Each of these alternatives lacks the empathetic engagement that active listening provides, which is crucial in supporting someone effectively through their challenges.