O, Azzork is right, you are getting stronger. And this is just the beginning.
Yes, validate him. I saved the list of validation phrases on my phone and when I get really bored, like waiting for an appointment or something, I reread the list. I usually find something "new" that pops out at me. Now putting it into use is another story, I have problems with validating stupid spew, but I am getting better. "wow I can see how stressful it is for you when I use hand gestures." Whatever. If it calms him down. For me the trick (when I can do it) is to not really listen to the content of what H says as much as the feeling he has behind it. The content is really strange sometimes. A reflection of his confusion. But the feelings are real.
