Seek ideas and feedback

• Invite the patient to share ideas
  • “Do you have any ideas about how we might approach this?” •
  • “What has worked for you in the past that we could try here?”
• Ask for feedback during the session
  • “How does this exercise feel for you?”
  • “Is this pace or intensity comfortable, or would you like to adjust?”
  • “What do you think about the plan we discussed. Does it feel manageable?”
• Encourage reflection on progress
  • “Looking back at our last session, what felt helpful or not helpful?”
  • “Are there things we should continue, or change based on how you felt?”
  • “Your feedback helps me improve our sessions and make them more effective for you.”
  • Show openness and validation
  • “Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are important in guiding your care.”
  • “I appreciate your feedback. It ensures our plan works for you, not just what I think is best.”
• Encourage shared problem-solving
  • “Let’s figure out together how to adjust this exercise if it doesn’t feel right.”
  • “What changes would make this more comfortable or effective for you?”
  • “Your input helps us find solutions that fit your life and goals.”
• Reinforce collaboration and empowerment
  • “You are an important partner in your care.”
  • “Your voice shapes the plan and direction of your therapy.”
  • “We’ll keep adjusting together based on your ideas and feedback.”

Explore others’ circumstances from their perspectives

• Invite the patient to share their perspective
  • “Can you tell me how this situation feels from your point of view?”
  • “What do you notice about your body during this activity?”
• Ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions
  • “How do you usually manage this outside of our sessions?”
  • “Are there factors in your daily life that affect your recovery or comfort?”
• Reflect and validate their experience
  • “I can see why that would be frustrating; your experience makes sense.”
  • “Thank you for helping me understand your perspective. It will guide how we proceed.”
• Explore context and external circumstances
  • “Are there social, family, or work factors that we should consider in your plan?”
  • “Do transportation, schedule, or other responsibilities affect your ability to do exercises?”
  • “Are there previous experiences in healthcare that influence how you feel about therapy?”
• Encourage collaboration in problem-solving
  • “Given your perspective, what approach feels most realistic for you?”
  • “Let’s figure out together how we can work around any challenges you’ve mentioned.”
  • “Your insight helps me tailor the session to what actually works in your life.”
• Reinforce respect and empowerment
  • “Your experiences matter. They help guide your care.”
  • “I respect your perspective and want to make sure our plan fits your needs.”
  • “You know your body and life best, and we’ll work together based on that knowledge.

Acknowledge power dynamics

• Be transparent about your role
  • “I’m here to guide you, but you have the final say in everything we do.”
  • “My role is to provide recommendations and support, not to make decisions for you.”
  • “I can share what usually works, but your preferences always come first.”
• Invite patient participation and decision-making
  • “You know your body best. Let’s decide together what feels safe and helpful.”
  • “I want to hear your thoughts before we move on to the next step.”
  • “Would you like to try this approach or explore an alternative?”
• Validate patient expertise
  • “Your experience matters. You are the expert on how this feels for you.”
  • “Thank you for sharing your perspective; it helps guide our session safely.”
• Normalize the power balance
  • “It’s normal for therapists to have clinical knowledge and experience, but that doesn’t mean your choices aren’t important.”
  • “You are in control of your body and your session today.”
• Use collaborative language
  • “We can work together to decide the pace and exercises that suit you best.”
  • “Let’s figure this out as a team. Your input is central to the plan.”
• Reinforce empowerment and trust
  • “You have the right to pause, stop, or change anything at any time.”
  • “Your preferences guide how I proceed.”
  • “We’ll keep the session safe and collaborative, respecting your autonomy.”