Building trust. Trust by individual course participants and trust within the group are
both important to facilitate learning. Trust can be enhanced with individual participants
when course facilitators conduct the AHIG to assess the voice hearer’s past and current
experiences with hearing voices. During the interview process, the course facilitator can
demonstrate empathy, show interest, and use communication skills that show respect and
support. These behaviors facilitate relationship building between the psychiatric-mental
health nurse and the voice-hearer. The outcomes from the AHIG interview process are
often increased trust and comfort for both course participant and course facilitator.
Course facilitators can encourage the development of trust within the group by
maintaining a safe environment, showing respect for each course participant and the
group as a whole and being consistent in saying what they will do and following through.
The repetitive structure of the group demonstrates consistency and clear expectations,
thereby also helping to build trust.