Faith and Values by Choice — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore faith and values by choice 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: Spiritual or secular meaning can be explored without pressure to adopt a belief. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Identify a personally chosen source of meaning and a behavior that expresses it while respecting others' autonomy. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Avery values spiritual practice but does not want it used as a demand for forgiveness.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What meaning is freely chosen here? 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 meaning is freely chosen here?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?