5.2

Element 4: Active Communication

Strong, clear communication strengthens partnerships. How we communicate with families both verbally and non-verbally sets a tone for how partnerships develop. Below are some practices that support positive and meaningful communication between partners. Review this list and pick one or two practices that you feel you do well and one or two that you would

Element 3: Supporting Resilience

Father reading to his son

An ecological perspective helps consultants to see the whole child and family as they are influenced and impacted by various systems such as the internal family system and the community. It is important for consultants to learn about all of the things that may be impacting success for the child and family, including life stressors

Element 2: Empowerment

girl reading book

A critical goal of ECMHC is to help the adults in children’s lives to nurture and support the child’s social and emotional well-being. The consultant typically takes the role as facilitator and coach rather than the expert that solves the problems at hand, empowering the family to take action. This approach leads to sustainable change

Element 1: Respect and Trust

Respect is a willingness to show consideration or appreciation towards another, leading to trust; a hopeful expectation of something. (Merriam-Webster, 2010). Trust is vital to building a strong partnership and is built on mutual understanding. Activity: Take a few minutes to think about and list some of the things you do regularly to show respect

This product was developed [in part] under grant number 1H79SM082070-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.