When defenses have been lowered and your loved one appears receptive to hearing your views: 1. Normalize the experience (“I would feel the same were if I was in your shoes.”). 2. Discuss only perceived problems/symptoms (Statements such as, “I can’t sleep at night because I’m constantly on guard. I am so afraid that they’re going to come and hurt me,” describe insomnia and paranoia stemming from a delusion. However, the words insomnia and delusion never need to be used in your discussions). 3. Review perceived advantages and disadvantages of treatment (whether rational or irrational). 4.
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