ABSTRACT

The session explains the importance of being able to see, understand and appreciate the views of other people. It encourages people to develop their awareness that others have emotions, anxieties, expectations and ways of seeing things that might differ from their own. Being able to appreciate these viewpoints and respond in an appropriate way is an important element in successful interactions with others and developing good relationships. Many people may be isolated, live in supported or residential accommodation and be unaware of how their lack of ability to see other viewpoints can affect their ability to interact with others. The session encourages the notion that there may be a number of solutions to many interaction problems when they are explored from different viewpoints. Facilitators should be able to add to the list of things that stop people from seeing other viewpoints by looking back on times when facilitators have been unable or unwilling, to see other viewpoints.