The initial aim for any rapport-based interaction is to share space with the supported person. With this in mind, a hierarchy of how we offer ourselves to the person emerges.
Creating conducive conditions for rapport involves being at the right distance to the person, joining in with what the person is doing, being at the same levels and adopting the same or similar affect.
In conversation with a staff member yesterday, these qualities were described in order of importance:
Calm attitude
Adopting a calm demeanour is essential before approaching the person. Whether the person is very passive or highly energetic, a calm attitude is going to likely to land better with the person and they are more likely to accept you into their personal space.
Same level
Shifting to the same level is the next most important step. Being at the same level brings a sense of equality and reduces the sense of demand that could arise from being above the person. I try to be at the same level as the person before I approach them.
Proximity
Approaching the person is the next step. Try to find the distance that close enough that the person notices you but not so close that the person feels a sense of demand.
Joining in with the person’s actions/postural mirroring
Copying, reflecting, reciprocating and mirroring offers is the next move. The purpose is to find the behavioural common thirds that become the forum for communication. While this is often considered to be the central strategy to Rapport-based Communication and Intensive Interaction, I will only join in with offers after adopting a calm attitude, moving to the same level and making sure I am at a good distance.
Compromise
The hierarchy above describes the ideal way to approach interaction. There are situations when we have to compromise on what we may consider to be the perfect alignment for rapport. For example, a young child running around a playground will be much shorter than the supporting adult who would have to stand in order to follow the child. In this situation, the adult may have to compromise on being at the same level in order to be close enough to interact.
In another situation, a child may be sat crossed legged on the floor. To join in with the posture and sit cross legged, an adult’s face would be at a higher level. In this situation, the adult may prioritise being at the same level and would choose to lie on the ground, compromising on postural mirroring,