The most effective, person-centered approach is to meet the individual where they are. The supervisor's best guidance is to suggest using the individual's preferred communication method (texting) as a tool for engagement. This strategy respects the individual's comfort level, validates their communication style, and can be used as a bridge to build rapport and a stronger therapeutic alliance. Forcing a different interaction style or creating a power struggle over the phone is counterproductive to the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation, which emphasize partnership and adapting services to the person's unique needs and preferences.

A. ask the individual to make eye contact.

This is a directive and potentially confrontational approach that can hinder rapport, especially if the individual finds eye contact difficult due to cultural norms or symptoms.

C. request that he not bring his phone to their meetings.

This creates a power struggle, is not collaborative, and removes what might be a primary communication or coping tool for the individual, likely damaging the relationship.

D. sit quietly until he is ready to talk.

This passive approach can be interpreted as disinterest or disapproval and fails to actively employ strategies to bridge the communication gap and build an alliance.

1. Anthony, W. A., Cohen, M., Farkas, M., & Gagne, C. (2002). Psychiatric Rehabilitation (2nd ed.). Boston University, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. In Chapter 5, "The Basic Process and Skills of Psychiatric Rehabilitation," the text emphasizes the importance of developing a working relationship by understanding the client's perspective and preferences. The practitioner's role is to adapt their approach to engage the client effectively, rather than demanding the client conform to the practitioner's style.

2. Fortuna, K. L., Naslund, J. A., LaCroix, E., Bianco, C. L., & Brooks, J. M. (2019). Digital technology for peer support and recovery in individuals with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 42(3), 282–292. This article highlights the growing role of digital technology in mental health services. It supports the idea that leveraging tools like text messaging can enhance engagement, provide support, and align with the preferences of individuals receiving services, thereby promoting recovery. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000362)

3. Pratt, C. W., Gill, K. J., Barrett, N. M., & Roberts, M. M. (2014). Psychiatric Rehabilitation (3rd ed.). Academic Press. Chapter 7, "The Practitioner's Role in Psychiatric Rehabilitation," discusses the importance of interpersonal skills, including flexibility and creativity in communication to build a strong working alliance. The principle of "meeting the client where they are" is a foundational concept, which includes adapting to their preferred communication methods.