Imagine that you are working with a consumer who is distressed at the time of your engagement with her. She is telling you that it is okay to undertake an assessment. The local working environment is under intense pressure and there are several competing demands being placed on your time. Asking personal questions about her situation is making you feel uncomfortable. Consider the following questions:

• What do you think you might be feeling or experiencing at this time?

• What do you think the consumer might be feeling or experiencing at this time?

• What steps can you take to respond to this situation? What options do you have? What might be the longer-term implications of the actions you take at this time?