Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

o Note next to each of their responses to the woman any of the types of obstacles
just presented (in other words, note if any of their responses to these women
could be classified as obstacles to communication).
• Ask several volunteers to share examples of their responses.
Summary
Assist the group to summarize their learning, using the following questions:
‣ How did you feel:
Responding to these women?
Reviewing your responses to see how you had responded to the women and their
possible reactions?
‣ Think about your reactions and responses during the exercise and about why you
responded as you did. Do you think you heard and understood all that the woman
wanted to say (including what was behind what she said) and if not, why?
‣ If you were to hear these statements again, would you react differently?
‣ Do you get a second chance to respond more appropriately to a woman if you have
responded inappropriately the first time?
Maybe yes, maybe no. In general, the mediator’s first response has an impact, positive or
negative depending upon the response, on the woman’s perception of her. If the mediator
responded poorly, she may be able to re-establish a more positive relationship with the
woman by apologizing for her response and responding more appropriately afterward.
‣ How can you be more prepared to respond in such difficult situations?
• By recognizing that the problem presented by the woman belongs to her.
• By applying the problem-solving model (discussed in Session 13), and remembering
that our job is to help the woman to work through this process by asking questions
and providing information as needed.
Explain that:
• All of the responses are normal. We have learned to respond in these ways, usually
with the intent of helping the person.
• There are occasions when certain of these responses are appropriate.
• These responses may block communication, however, when they hurt the individual
or cause resistance or hostility toward us or to what we are trying to explain.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 14: Interpersonal Communication