The Repair Workshop — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore the repair workshop 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: A repair space can support learning after a mistake. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Map an ordinary mistake, its impact, what can be owned, and a possible repair without requiring forgiveness. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Riley missed an agreed check-in and wants to acknowledge it.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What repair can be offered without controlling the response? 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 repair can be offered without controlling the response?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?