Best Hopes Conversation — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore best hopes 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: The person's own hopes guide the conversation. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Describe what would make this meeting useful using a personally meaningful, observable sign. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Devin wants to leave knowing one manageable way to start the week.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What would tell you this conversation was worth your time? 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. What would tell you this conversation was worth your time?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?