Unable to Help
I know this has to do more with here, than it does with my outside life...
But I feel like I upset one of the members. I was unable to help him, but he wanted me to tell him what was wrong with him. I had no way of being able to tell him, so I refered him to another listener.
Was that wrong of me? Did I do the right thing?
Now that I know I upset someone, my anxiety and everything else has gone crazy.
if you referred the member to another listener because you didnt know how to help you definately did the right thing. if you dont know something you are better off giving the person the resources to find the correct information rather than making something up to make them happy.
i have experienced members getting mad at me for the same reason and its upsetting and frustrating but just remember in the long run it will be better that they find the right information from someone else
keep doing wonderful work :)
I've experienced something similar, but the guest just left the chat. I wish I had the chance to refer them to another listener. You definitely did the right thing :) Unfortunately, we don't always click with everyone, and that's perfectly okay.
Hi PrincessBorderline. You posted this a couple days ago, and I don't know if you're still upset about this, but I figured I'd offer some encouraging words!
You can't possiblyhave all the answers to all the questions membershave. There are a lot of things we don't know about members' lives and situations. Making incorrect assumptions and wrongly identifying what's "wrong" could actually be pretty detrimental to a member! The only thing you can do for a member is guide them toward finding the answers for themselves -- and sometimes even that is incredibly hard to do! You didn't fail that member by referring them to another listener. It might be frustrating for the member that there may be nosimple reason for or solution to their problem, but that isn't your fault (or theirs)!
Take care!
You did the right thing. Since we don't know the whole story its impossible to tell someone "what is wrong with them." It is very easy to internalize when you feel you hurt someone, but knowing your limitations is very important. We are not here to diagnosis, but to support. I have had members come to me after another listener has "diagnosed"them and they were very upset. So remember,support is the key.
Thank you for being part of the team.