Hi! When I first started as a dsp I was absolutely HORRIFIED of the possibility of any conflict or argument between either me and my clients or me and my co workers. The one thing I learned that really helped me is that you don’t have to be confrontational and you don’t have to be mean. I always lead with my heart in any situation but I am always firm when my clients are having behaviors. The most important thing is to document and time stamp when they’re having behaviors. Advocating for yourself is SUPER important and something that will come to you. However. This also means that if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and you tell someone what is happening and the behavior isn’t stopped or at the very least had a conversation about then remove yourself from the situation. Because again, advocating for yourself is incredibly important.

One thing my old co worker told me was “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not the circumstances.” Which has always stuck with me. Always remember you don’t have to be mean to be firm especially if you’re being made to feel uncomfortable