Residential Services Expressing and Receiving Concerns We express concerns to help each other make changes that will have a positive effect on our recovery. Often times we can see things in each other that we don't see in ourselves. Remember to follow the guidelines for expressing concerns about each other and always show the respect of talking to each other before expressing concerns in group. Expressing a concern I SEE . . . Describe specifically the behavior you are confronting, what you saw or heard, when and where it happened. I FEEL . . . What effect did this person's behavior have on you? How you are feeling may be the most important part of the concern. What effect does this have on your program of recovery? I HOPE/EXPECT . . . What would you like the person to do or change? What change do you hope will take place to support an environment of recovery? I WILL . . . How are you willing to help the person change? How are you willing to support recovery for yourself and for others around this issue? Receiving a concern When receiving a concern, remember that the person who is expressing it is trying to help. Start by listening to what they have to say. Once the person is finished, give yourself time to think about it before reacting. If you are having trouble understanding the concern, please ask for clarification. Expressing concerns is meant to help others. Expressing concerns is meant to help you. 19