ABSTRACT
A humane helper might begin by explaining that a new habit or a new skill takes time to put into place, that her client can expect setbacks along the way, and that if he experiences a setback he should forgive himself instantly and just as quickly recommit to practicing the habit or skill. A humane helper can, if the following method feels congenial to her, describe the skill or the habit, invite her client to customize it, and then from session to session monitor her client's progress in acquiring the skill or habit. This is a simple, useful place to focus. Living in poverty matters; being a member of a marginalized group matters; dealing with a strict, rule-bound extended family matters; feeling endangered in a humane helper's own neighborhood matters; facing limited prospects by virtue of the circumstances of her birth matters. The simplest, most humane, and most helpful place to focus is on being present.
