Mary Woods

One Hour AT A Time

Mary Woods

  • I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment

I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment

Monday 14th December 2009

Dr. Xavier Amador discusses helping loved ones accept mental health treatment by building relationships and using reflective listening techniques.
56 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging

About this podcast

One Hour AT A Time
Author:
Mary Woods
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Guiding Loved Ones to Accept Mental Health Treatment: Dr. Xavier Amador’s Approach

What you want me to help you with is proving the CIA has been following you for the last 10 years. Has it made you angry that people don't believe you? Would it be okay with you if I answer later? And nine times out of ten the person says you can tell me later and you want the person to ask you your opinion more than once, because when they finally get it they'll realize a couple of things.
How do you help someone you care about accept the treatment they need for mental illness? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Dr. Xavier Amador, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Leap Institute, to tackle this challenging question. Dr. Amador, known for his work on anosognosia (a lack of insight into one's own illness), shares practical advice drawn from his extensive experience working with patients and their families.
He emphasizes the power of building strong relationships and respecting the individual’s perspective, even when it’s hard to understand or agree with them. Reflective listening, where you mirror back what the person is saying, is highlighted as a crucial tool for making them feel heard and understood. This technique can open the door to conversations about treatment in a non-threatening way. Dr. Amador also discusses motivational interviewing, a method that helps individuals find their own reasons for seeking treatment.
By asking open-ended questions and guiding the conversation gently, you can help your loved one uncover their personal motivations for getting better. Throughout the episode, the importance of patience and creating a non-judgmental environment is stressed. Dr. Amador reminds us that while it can be incredibly frustrating to see someone refuse help, the decision to seek treatment ultimately lies with them.
By fostering a supportive atmosphere, you can make it easier for them to talk about their fears and consider their options. This episode offers a compassionate look at how families can support their loved ones in accepting mental health treatment and finding a path to a fulfilling life.