12 Unexpected Ways to Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of this book?

The goal of 12 Unexpected Ways to Care is to help everyone improve their caring and relating skills. This book builds people’s confidence in caring and relating situations and gives them concrete skills they can use to support those who need it.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

This book would benefit anyone who wants to better care for and relate to others, whether they’re a new caregiver, a seasoned professional, or just hoping to improve their relating in everyday life.

What makes the skills in this book “unexpected”?

The skills taught in each chapter diverge from conventional wisdom and common but mistaken ideas about caring and relating. Many of the approaches that people use regularly and expect to work actually have the opposite effect. When people put the ideas from this book into practice, the results are an unexpected but welcome, refreshing change.

What research went into writing this book?

The research for this book focused on two main areas:

• identifying ineffective ways of caring and relating; and

• testing the effectiveness of new skills.

The process involved over 3,000 people who completed surveys, participated in interviews and focus groups, and attended classes and workshops. We also had 392 people read and give feedback on the book before publication. Research participants in both groups came from all walks of life, including caring professionals like therapists, counselors, clergy, first responders, and physicians.