Question:
How do I make the following first person, "Some possible questions that a therapist could use to begin a session with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and using the principles of compassionate inquiry may include:
1. What led you to seek therapy and what are your goals for our work together?
2. How have you been managing your symptoms and experiences of trauma thus far?
3. What do you feel is important for me to understand about your unique experience and how it has affected you?
These questions allow the therapist to show empathy and establish a safe and non-judgmental space for the patient to open up about their trauma. It also places less emphasis on trying to put the patient into a predetermined or "normal" category and more on their unique needs and experiences. "