Managing Emotions

Abstract

Many professional people are most comfortable dealing with factual communication. When given bad news, however, patients or clients can be expected to exhibit emotions such as shock, disbelief, anxiety, anger, or distress. Faced with heightened emotion and fearing that the situation may escalate and get out of control, clinicians are likely to react too quickly in an attempt to shut it down or else to ignore it completely. The author considers ways to help role-players address emotional concerns in others, suggesting the concepts of a play within a play, and optimal moments of response. Role-play is a rehearsal process, and emotions may also arise in role-players. These responses are natural and beneficial in that future interactions are likely to be more empathic and authentic.

Many clinicians are more comfortable dealing with factual communication rather than with the personal concerns of patients. This chapter considers ways to help players address the personal concerns and emotional responses of patients. Role-play is a rehearsal process, and emotions may arise in role-players as well. These emotional responses are natural and beneficial in that future interactions are likely to be more empathic and authentic.