Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

Guiding Star Point One: Set GOAL Activity 1.2
Young Adult Road Map, page xx
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Guiding Star Point Three: Build Relationships
Using
the Reflective
Response
When talking with someone during an
appointment, it helps to summarize
what you hear. This is also called using
a “Reflective Response” because you
are holding up a kind of mirror that
reflects the words back to the provider.
You can say things such as:
“In other words, are you saying….”
“So, do you mean….”
“Do I understand correctly that…”
“Let me just be sure I have this
right…”
“So, what I hear you saying is….”
When you use a Reflective Response,
the provider can correct any misunderstanding
or add more information if
necessary. (It also makes it easier for
you to remember what was said.)
Speaking Respectfully
vs. Getting Respect
The habit of speaking respectfully to others can be a big strength.
However, for young adults who wish to be treated as equal partners in
systems, it can be important to use words that “cue” others to respond with equal respect.
An example: While it may be polite to say, “yes, sir” and “no, ma’am” to older adults within
your culture, sometimes overuse of these phrases can make a provider—especially someone
from a different culture—automatically treat you as a person of lower status. It may
depend on the system and the situation. This is something you must “feel out” for yourself.
However, it can help to get advice from a trained peer support worker, or to observe others
in your situation who seem to be successful in navigating that system. In any case, never
use words that disrespect yourself, such as “I don’t know much, but….” or “This may be a
stupid question, but….” You are the expert about yourself, and your questions always
deserve respect.
Getting Your Medical Provider’s
Full Attention
Change
the
conversation
Medical office schedules are designed to move patients
in and out very quickly. Doctors may spend most of the
appointment looking at your electronic medical records on
a screen and interrupt what you’re saying to ask questions.
They may offer a solution and leave the room before you remembered
to tell what you need them to hear or ask everything you need to
know. This can feel frustrating—and you may not get the best medical care. You can
change the conversation by showing you expect to be an equal partner in treatment.
Here’s how:
l Prioritize concerns. Come prepared to explain your top three concerns for that
appointment. (This is good advice for any appointment.)
See “Making the Most of Appointment Time.” To
What are my concerns?
practice developing priority concerns, use Activity 1.2,
What are My Concerns?
*
See Activity 1.2, What Are My Concerns?
Think about your concerns. These are problems you are dealing with now or things you worry about for the future. Below are some common types of concerns for young
adults. If you have a concern under one of these columns, decide whether to list it under the row marked “Right now,” “One year from now,” or “Two to three years from
now.” (Just make your best guess.) Jot down a few details about each concern.
Other
Concerns
Housing Transportation Daily
Expenses
Common Types of Concerns for Young Adults
Education–
COnCeRnS
Physical Emotional Relationships
Training &
Health Health
Employment
Right now
1 year
from now
2-3 years
from now
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