The story is important
At the Threshold, our goal is to establish rapport. Then we build on that accomplishment at Stabilize. At Stabilize, we show understanding of the core messages and emotions conveyed by Friends. That means we do more listening than talking.

Part of establishing rapport and listening "warmly" is to encourage Friends to tell their stories. Our lives are like stories, full of drama and adversity, heroes and villains, love and anger. Our stories have elements of adventure, comedy, and tragedy. Telling our story to a receptive listener is critical after a life-changing challenge. In telling our story, we bring our experience into sharper focus. We set the stage for work that begins at Mobilize.

Telling the story is not enough, though. We need to be understood. We need the listener audience to say, "So that is how it was. What a (terrible, joyous, frustrating) experience it must have been." If just one person in the world understands our story, then we can face life's adversity with a determined heart. "Somebody knows what is happening to me. I am not alone."