ABSTRACT
Encouragement is one of the essential constructs of Adlerian Psychology (Adler, 1946). Adlerian advocates such as Sherman and Dinkmeyer (1987) view encouragement as the most important technique in behavior change. They state: “Encouragement is considered by Adlerian therapists as perhaps the most important technique available for the promotion of change. Most interpersonal problems are the result of discouragement” (Sherman & Dinkmeyer, p. 50). They define encouragement in the following way: “Encouragement, then, is a set of specific skills: faith and belief in the clients, acceptance of them as they are, validating the goal and intention of their behavior, and reframing their behavior in a positive framework” (Sherman & Dinkmeyer, p. 51). Kelly and Chick (1982) offer an Adlerian definition of encouragement in their presentation of basic parental counseling skills. They state: “What is encouragement? It is both a condition and a process, and it applies both to the child who becomes courageous
and to the process that facilitates that outcome” (p. 24). They state that the elements of encouragement are to: (1) value children as they are; (2) use words that build the child’s self-esteem; (3) plan for experiences that create success; (4) demonstrate genuineness to children; (5) demonstrate nonverbal acceptance through touch; (6) use humor; (7) spend regular time with children; (8) recognize effort; (9) avoid emphasis on liabilities; (10) show appreciation for children’s cooperation; and (11) avoid comparing children. Their manual emphasizes the use of Adlerian parenting constructs to help children explore themselves occupationally.
