I try to use gentle teaching everyday ,whenever I interact with anyone.  I have learned from gentle teaching that gentleness is not something you learn and only use at your place of work. It is a way of life that you carry with you at home, at school, and in public. Gentle Teaching is about unconditional love and care. I know when I am supporting to use Gentle Teaching with the individuals I support, but have found that Gentle Teaching is effective in many other aspects of my life. I use compassion and empathy when I care for my patients during my clinical rotations because I know I would want that if I were a patient. When I am caring for the girls I support, I think of how I would want to be treated if roles were reversed. I want the girls to feel loved and safe because they will only grow when they are comfortable and have trust in their supports. If they have a bad day, I will try not to make it about myself and understand there are reasons for their emotions. Now, I try to see everyone’s perspective in any situation I face. You have no idea what’s going on in someone’s life and pretending to will ensure you make mistakes and encourage judgment. If someone is upset at work, school, or just in the grocery store I try to remember that there is always a reason they are upset and it has nothing to do with me. The pillars of Gentle Teaching can be applied to so many situations.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and loved, whether it be in the hospital, in their home, or in their workplace. Trust is something I want all the individuals I support, patients, future patients, family, and friends to have in me. Knowing someone has trust in me gives me confidence and satisfaction because they view me as a safe person. I use Gentle Teaching in my relationships whether close or distant. Making people feel safe is something I will always take pride in. I love helping people and the best help comes from a place of non-judgment. I am still learning about Gentle Teaching and take pride in being an employee of COR which truly represents Gentle Teaching. It has helped me in so many ways and will continue to help me with supporting at COR, encouraging positive relationships, and giving patient care as a student nurse.

Sasha,

COR Family Member