Ministering to individuals

If the venue in which you usually have counselling sessions in is not accessible, are you able to offer an alternative e.g. by telephone or different place to meet?

Don’t assume things – do you always openly ask what the person’s needs are, how you can be of help?  Are you aware of the need to treat individuals as individuals?

If asked to see someone who communicates in a way you may struggle with, do you ensure you allow enough time to listen and ask if there is somebody else who might facilitate?  If you don’t understand something, do you keep asking until you understand – it is worse to imply you understand when you don’t than to keep asking; the disabled person would surely prefer you keep asking?

Counselling Situations

• Is the place you meet at suitable for both of you, ensuring accessibility as well as safety? 
• Do not assume that the problem is necessarily disability related.
• Have you clarified the time that would suit both you and the individual, to make sure it is not overwhelming or too exhausting, yet sufficient?
• Can you you counsel effectively in your second language (ie British Sign Language)?
• Is it always appropriate to use an interpreter?
• Do you know how to find a deaf person who has counselling skills and could provide counselling support?