1. Request the story

  a. Empathic listening is the basic function at this stage.

  b. What is going on with the patient?

  c. What hurts emotionally?

  d. Why is the patient telling me this story now?

  e. What is missing?

  f. what is troubling the person?

 

2. Reflect on the story

  a. Emotional reflection on the story becomes an important tool of evaluation.

  b. What areas of strength or liability do I hear the patient has within this story?

  c. What is needed?

  d. How and where do I hear meaning, purpose, and community in relationship with this illness?

 

3. Respond to the story

  a. Think about possible ways of intervention and help.

  b. How do I need to direct my ministry in order to meet the present needs that I hear?

 

4. Review the story

  a. Reassess the information gathered from the patient.

  b. The closure should be short, meaning-matking based and filled with compassion, empathy, and grace.

MINISTRY, Nov. 2011.