A. Definition

Effective communication with professionals and families consists of specific communication strategies that can be organized into the following three categories: (1) attending and active listening; (2) seeking and verifying; (3) and joining and supporting. These communication strategies are used throughout the process of building trusting partnerships. Creating a partnership generally involves getting to know the other person and establishing trust, gaining an understanding of another’s priorities and needs, and reaching consensus on how best to work together.