Core Value
Composure and Balance
Deep Dive
The following table includes a non-exhaustive list of examples of how Composure and Balance can be demonstrated and examples of behaviours which are not aligned with this value, thereby undermining it or challenging it. At the bottom are examples of behaviours which exceed the minimum standards set out in the Code.
Examples of how to demonstrate this
Being able to talk comfortably about and use accurate words related to sexual activities, intimate body parts and about subjects which are taboo and sensitive
Demonstrating a balance between empathy and professionalism, being supportive but recognising and being clear about the boundaries of your role (and not moving into personally providing therapy or care)
Being able to stay grounded/centred and keep a safe interview structure when the recounting of traumatic events is not linear or chronological and can seem chaotic (through gentle guiding and prompting, rather than continually interrupting a survivor’s narrative)
Remaining composed and appropriately responsive in the face of strong emotional reactions or expressions or needs
Being able to facilitate a free narrative whilst being able to gently redirect or guide the conversation, or to intervene when necessary for well-being reasons
Maintaining own well-being and recognising the influence of your own mental health on interactions with others. Ensuring your own well-being boundaries are clear and firm
Adapting calmly and flexibly to individual needs and changes in circumstances, to fluid situations within conflict and trauma
Examples of non-aligned/challenging behaviour
Being unable to regulate your own emotional responses to a survivor’s experiences, e.g. crying or outrage
Trying to control or shut down a survivor’s emotional expressions due to your own discomfort, e.g. telling them to ‘be strong’, ‘stop crying’ or to take a break every time a survivor has a reaction without asking a survivor what they need or want
Projecting anxiety, nervousness or discomfort with the conversation or topic
Avoiding direct use of words of a sexual nature or taboo
Keeping tight control over the conversation/ interaction through interruption or rigid sets of multiple close-ended questions
Not listening to what is being said because you are focused on what questions you want to ask and what your goals are
Losing structure and focus of an interview because you feel unable to guide or gently redirect it
Making promises or committing to services and support that you cannot provide
Personally making yourself available to a survivor 24 hours a day, or providing them with a room in your home
Being cold, impersonal and distant without providing support or responding to any emotional reactions by survivors
Examples of behaviours which go beyond minimum standards
Able to maintain composure and balance in the most difficult circumstances
Actively supports others to set boundaries without compromising empathy and connection with survivors
Proactively seeks (and models) self-care and support to sustain emotional balance and well-being