Survivors have had very little to no choice in the events taking place around them or to them. As an advocate, providing opportunities to choose is key to empowering the survivor.
Engineer small choices for them to make. Start with choices that do not involve negative
consequences. These can be as small as do I want to shower in the morning or at night, or
help prepare dinner or help clean up afterward?
By involving the client in daily choices you are empowering them to actually make a choice,
something that they may not be accustomed to doing. Be proud of them for making a decision.
However, be aware and equipped for when the paralyzation sets in. This is when the survivor is moved into inaction for fear of making the wrong decision. Be gentle with them and remind them that we learn from the decisions that don't work out.
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