I work with adults who have various intellectual disabilities. I do persuasion daily. I am trained in the SAMA technique. SAMA is used to manage aggression (Satori Learning, 2023). However, it is also a great tool for persuading someone. I use SAMA to talk my clients through a crisis, and I guide their thinking to a more positive direction until the crisis or negative thinking is ultimately overcome. According to The Dynamics of Persuasion, persuasion is an attempt to influence; successful persuasion influences another’s mental state through communication in which the persuadee has some measure of freedom (Perloff, R.M, 2023 p24). This is precisely what I do with my clients; the outcome is their decision with my guidance. One example of persuasion I recall with a client is that this client was upset at their supervisor because the supervisor wouldn’t allow them to work on a particular job, so they wanted to quit. My goal was to change their mind about quitting and the supervisor.
The very first thing I did was validate their feelings and frustrations. I actively listened to them. After they had shared how they felt, I guided the discussion to past times when the supervisor allowed them to work in various jobs where they were successful. I suggested that if they spoke with this supervisor, they could better understand why they were not picked for this job. Then, I asked if they would try that before quitting. They agreed. I asked them to follow up with me after they spoke with their supervisor. I successfully changed my client's mind about quitting and the supervisor being mean because they couldn’t work on a particular job.
My client had the right to feel their feelings without being pressured to change their mindset immediately (Perloff, R.M., 2023, p. 24). Persuasion and active listening create a safe space for individuals to reassess their negative beliefs. The experience reinforced the value of using positive influence through empathy and constructive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive environment where individuals can flourish.
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