Element 4 of 10
Understanding another’s subjective experience
Subjective perception and internal experience influence action. Therefore, the IECMH consultant seeks to understand individual interpretations rather than assuming shared realities.
Key points
- The consultee’s perceptions of a child, family or situation influences her responses. Therefore, misperceptions and distortions must be amended for attuned action or behavioral change to occur.
- Subjective perceptions and interpretations are often formed from past experiences.
- Revising beliefs and biases may require exploration of the consultee’s personal history, such as socio-political beliefs, racial and other biases and experiences of parenting and childhood, to uncover obstacles to enhancing practice.
Source: Element text is reproduced from 10 Elements Comprise the Essential Core of an Effective Consultative Stance, Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (2025).