Supporting Others

What is 'active listening'?

• AHearing with your ears
• BFocused attention with reflection, validation, and empathic response✓
• CThinking about what to say next
• DListening while doing other things

Answer: Active listening involves giving full attention, reflecting back content, validating emotions, and responding with empathy.

What does 'non-judgmental communication' mean?

• ARefusing to listen
• BAccepting the person's experience without imposing your values or opinions✓
• CAgreeing with everything
• DNot allowing any criticism

Answer: Non-judgmental communication means accepting the person's experience and feelings without criticism or imposing your own beliefs.

What are personal boundaries in supporting others?

• ANever helping anyone
• BLimits on what you can/should do while maintaining your own wellbeing✓
• CBeing unkind or rejecting
• DAvoiding all relationships

Answer: Boundaries are healthy limits protecting your own wellbeing while supporting others, preventing burnout and resentment.

Why are boundaries important for helpers?

• AThey aren't important
• BTo prevent helper burnout and maintain ability to support✓
• CBecause people don't need real help
• DOnly for professionals

Answer: Healthy boundaries prevent helper burnout, maintain your own mental health, and enable you to provide better support.

What does 'confidentiality' mean in supporting someone?

• AKeeping their information private within the limits of safety✓
• BNever telling anyone anything
• CTelling everyone you can
• DNo obligation to privacy

Answer: Confidentiality means keeping information private unless safety is at serious risk, in which case you may need to share with appropriate services.

What should you do if someone discloses something concerning but wants it kept secret?

• AKeep it secret no matter what
• BTell everyone immediately
• CBe clear about what you can/can't keep confidential regarding safety✓
• DMake up boundaries as you go

Answer: Explain confidentiality limits upfront: you'll keep things private but must act if safety is seriously at risk.

What is 'empathy'?

• AFeeling sorry for someone
• BUnderstanding and sharing someone's feelings from their perspective✓
• CSympathizing with their problems
• DIgnoring their feelings

Answer: Empathy is understanding someone's feelings and perspective and communicating that understanding to them.

How should you respond if someone tells you they're struggling?

• ATell them to get over it
• BListen, validate their feelings, offer support, suggest professional help✓
• CChange the subject
• DTell them you're too busy

Answer: Respond with genuine interest, validation, support, and practical suggestions for accessing help.

What are examples of invalidating responses?

• AListening and validating
• B'You're overreacting' or 'Others have it worse'✓
• CAsking thoughtful questions
• DOffering to help

Answer: Invalidating responses dismiss or minimize feelings (e.g., 'calm down', 'you're fine', 'others are worse off'), which harm trust.

True or False: You should avoid asking about mental health unless they bring it up.

• ATrue, it's too personal
• BFalse, asking shows care and gives them permission to talk✓
• CTrue, it's inappropriate
• DFalse, but only for close friends

Answer: Asking directly about someone's mental health or wellbeing shows care and creates opportunity for support.

What is 'compassion fatigue'?

• ABeing lazy
• BEmotional exhaustion from supporting others without self-care✓
• CNot caring about others
• DA sign of strength

Answer: Compassion fatigue is emotional exhaustion from caring for others without adequate self-care, leading to reduced empathy and burnout.

What does self-care mean for someone supporting others?

• ASelfish behavior
• BMaintaining your own physical and mental health to sustain your ability to help✓
• CAvoiding helping others
• DIgnoring your needs

Answer: Self-care involves taking care of your own wellbeing through rest, stress management, connection, and professional support when needed.