Availability Conversation — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore availability conversation using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Accessibility can be described in concrete behaviors. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

List what being available looks like during an ordinary busy week, including realistic limits. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Sam can offer a ten-minute check-in but cannot answer work messages immediately.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: Which signals of availability are feasible for both people? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. Which signals of availability are feasible for both people?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?