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Home > Fundamental Concepts > Psychotherapy/Counseling Interventions/Techniques > Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement

Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement

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 Note: Page numbers enclosed in parentheses are citations from The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler: A systematic presentation in selections from his writings. (H. L. and R. R. Ansbacher, Eds.). © 1964, Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. Used by permission of Perseus Books Group. 

Courage is here understood as the willingness to act in line with community feeling (social interest) in any situation. It is fundamental to successful adaption. To encourage is to promote and activate the community feeling, that is, the sense of belonging, value, worthwhileness, and welcome in the human community. As the loss of courage, or discouragement, is understood by Individual Psychology to be the basis of mistaken and dysfunctional behavior, so encouragement is a major part of Adlerian Psychotherapy and counseling. 

The discouraged person has the same goal as the person with courage: to triumph over the inferiority feeling and to be seen as successful and worthy of respect in the human world. However, he or she lacks the courage to operate on the useful side of life, in the fear of being exposed as deficient. The movement toward success is then deflected toward finding a place of personal superiority over others, a movement on the useless side, marked by pretense, evasion, distance, and posturing in neurotic, sociopathic, or psychotic processes and operations. 

The aim of Individual Psychology treatment is always to increase an individual’s courage to meet the problems of life (p. 362). 

Courage is but one side of social interest (p. 342).

We can understand by courage one side of cooperation (p. 437). 

Only the activity of an individual who plays the game, cooperates, and shares in life can designated as courage (p. 166).

In every step of the treatment, we must not deviate from the path of encouragement. This is in accordance with the conviction of Individual Psychology, by which so much untenable vanity feels offended, that “everybody can do everything” with the exception of amazingly high achievement, about the structure of which we cannot say very much anyway (p. 342).

Neurosis and psychosis are modes of expression for human beings who have lost courage (p. 343).

All mistaken answers [to the tasks of life] are degrees of an infinite series of failures or abnormalities, or of the attempts of more or less discouraged people to solve their life-problems without the use of cooperation or social interest (p. 299).

The whole outlook [of the criminal] is conditioned by a socially useless goal, just as the selection of that goal is conditioned by a lack of courage (p. 140).

 

© Griffith, J., & Powers, R. L. (2007).  The Lexicon of Adlerian Psychology:  106 terms Associated with the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler (2nd ed.). Port Townsend, WA: Adlerian Psychology Associates (p. 20).

Definitions of concepts are used by permission of Jane Griffith. A comprehensive list of concepts and definitions can be found in The Lexicon of Adlerian Psychology: 106 Terms Associated with the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler by Jane Griffith and Robert L. Powers, available for purchase on Amazon.com.  


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Resources

Language of Encouragement Handout


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Reproducible Materials/Handouts
Language of Encouragement Handout
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The 4 C's of Encouragement Handout


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Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Reproducible Materials/Handouts
The 4 C's of Encouragement Handout
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Growth Model Video
Video featuring Dr. Jay Colker, Dr. Jennifer LaCivita, and Dr. Mark Bilkey explaining Felt Minus to Felt Plus/Growth

The growth model is finding a way to overcome. It can be a positive or a negative, but Adlerians try to use it as a way of encouragement and overcoming obstacles that people might come into.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Felt Minus and Felt (Fictional) Plus, Jennifer La Civita, Mark Bilkey, Jay Colker, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Video

Video Transcript
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Adlerian Consultation Hour with Drs. Jon Carlson and Jay Colker (03-08-2016)
During this consultation hour, Drs. Carlson and Colker continue to discuss the case of Archie, who was presented during the previous consultation hour (see Adlerian Consultation Hour with Drs. Jon Carlson and Jay Colker- 03-01-2016 for original case). In order to help Dr. Carlson gain new insight into the case, Dr. Colker assumed the role of the clinical supervisor. Hypotheses regarding Archie's behaviors are provided, and treatment approaches are discussed. Video Length: 53:29 Key Words: family constellation, encouragement, positive psychology

During this consultation hour, Drs. Carlson and Colker continue to discuss the case of Archie, who was presented during the previous consultation hour (see Adlerian Consultation Hour with Drs. Jon Carlson and Jay Colker- 03-01-2016 for original case). In order to help Dr. Carlson gain new insight into the case, Dr. Colker assumed the role of the clinical supervisor.

Client, Archie, is a 31-year old male who is currently married and has a one year old child, and the client grew up in the Louisiana oil field. As an early adult the client saw a machine ‘eat up’ a good friend and the friend lost his life. The client moved to the Midwest to come live with family, and shortly after the family kicked him out to live in the street. The client was demonstrating depressive symptoms, anxiety, and somatic complaints.  The client described his father as abusive, self- centered, and aggressive. He described his mother as the opposite, excessively loving. Dr. Jay Colker and Dr. Jon Carlson discuss the client and possible explanations of the client’s behavior. In addition, possible treatment plans were discussed for the client. Dr. Colker suggests taking a positive approach with the client and mentioning to Archie how successful he has been so far with his situations and his decisions.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Positive Psychology, Family Constellation, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Case Conceptualizatons, Individual Therapy, Adlerian Counseling/Psychotherapy, Jon Carlson , Jay Colker
Resource Type: Video
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Being a Therapeutic Chameleon
YouTube Video Link of Richard Watts morning workshop at the Adler Graduate School on November 22, 2014.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Video
Direct Link to this Resource

Being a Therapeutic Chameleon: An Encouragement-Focused Perspective
Being a therapeutic chameleon means that the counselor does what the client needs; not what the counselor prefers. After a brief discussion of Dr. Watts’ understanding of Adlerian encouragement, he addressed how encouragement can serve as a solid foundation for integrative Adlerian therapy. He also addressed how various techniques from both Adlerian therapy and other approaches can be used in an integrative, encouragement-focused manner to help clients.

Being a Therapeutic Chameleon: An Encouragement-Focused Perspective


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Powerpoint Presentation
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Reflecting As If: A Brief, Encouragement-Focused Counseling Process by Richard E. Watts
Article from Counseling Today April 2013

Reflecting As If: A Brief, Encouragement-Focused Counseling Process


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Areas of Focus: Reflecting As If (RAI), Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Article
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Adlerian Encouragement and the Therapeutic Process by Richard E. Watts and Dale Pietrzak
Article from the Journal of Counseling and Development Fall 2000 Volume 78 p.442-447

The authors discuss the overlooked similarities between the therapeutic process of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and the Adlerian process of therapeutic encouragement. SFBT and Adlerian therapy share common perspectives, albeit using different nonenclature, on adjustment, the client-counselor relationship, and methods of facilitating change. The authors present conclusions regarding the continuing relevance of Adlerian therapy for contemporary counseling practice. 

 

Adlerian Encouragement and the Therapeutic Process


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Article
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Encouragement-Focused Supervision - PPT
Based on their understanding of Encouragement, Adlerian therapists and supervisors have practiced strength-based counseling and supervision long before "strength-based" practice became fashionable. This presentation discussed the Adlerian understanding of Encouragement and how it is provides a strength-based environment for supervisee growth and development.

Encouragement Focused Supervision PPT


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Areas of Focus: Supervision , Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Powerpoint Presentation
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Reflecting As If: A Brief, Integrative, Encouragement-Focused Counseling Process
Power Point Reflecting As If (RAI) is an integration of Adlerian and constructivist (e.g., solution-focused, narrative) therapy ideas. It is a perceptual and procedural expansion of Adler’s “Acting As If” technique that employs several evidenced-based procedures. Participants will learn the theory and practice of RAI, see the process demonstrated, and discuss the application of the process in various counseling and leadership settings.

Reflecting As If: A Brief, Integrative, Encouragement-Focused Counseling Process


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Reflecting As If (RAI), Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Richard Watts
Resource Type: Powerpoint Presentation
Direct Link to this Resource

AskAlfred Q&A: Encouragement in Couples Therapy (February 2016)
A question is posed about how to encourage discouraged couples in therapy

Dear Drs. Adler and Dreikurs,

I'm currently working with couples in therapy. While the details of their presenting problems vary, all of the couples have expressed a sense of discouragement and disconnection. Do you have any suggestions for how to encourage couples to reconnect on an intimate and emotional level?

Answer:

Researchers indicate that couples need a ratio of four positive interactions to one negative in terms of communications. Some couples approach this with the "Golden Rule" that is practiced by most religions. This rule states that it is important to love or treat people the way we want to be treated.  However, this doesn’t necessarily lead to meaningful positive interactions within the couple dyad.

Adlerian therapists have been well-trained in the power of encouragement with couples and they understand why the "Golden Rule” doesn’t work. Adlerians practice the “Platinum Rule” which can be very different; it is to treat your partner the way they way want to be treated not the way you want to be treated. Too many partners waste energy giving their partners what they want and wonder why it doesn’t produce positive results. You may love surprises but your partner is put off by them, or they might like to be waited on and served and yet you value self-sufficiency and taking care of yourself etc. In therapy you can help the couple see that many partners are disconnected and discouraged not because their partner doesn’t love them or care for them, but rather their partner is doing it in the wrong way.

Jane Griffith's Addition:

To encourage couples, remind the couple what brought them together in the first place by asking each member of the couple for the ER of their first meeting. Ask how this person stood out, was different from others they'd met. Ask the other member to listen to the recitation without interrupting. (Don't be surprised if they recount different incidents.)

Purpose: The first ER reveals the basic (unspoken) agreement or “contract” between them: for example, she's to be fun, light, entertaining; he's to be serious, solid, someone to be counted on. Eliciting the first ER of the relationship reminds them why they got together in the first place and the expectations each set for the other at that time. Then comes a disruption (presence of a child? lust affair? job loss? etc., etc.), the original “contract”/expectations break down, and the couple is adrift. 

If the couple is in earnest about staying together, the reminder of the first ER is encouraging in itself -- usually bringing relief and laughter into the session. More important, the couple can see clearly that the old (hidden) “contract”/expectations are no longer relevant, and that they have to create/formulate a new "contract" more suitable to their present situation in life.

-Jane Griffith

 


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Jane Griffith, Ask Alfred, Early Recollections, Couples Therapy, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Correspondence
Direct Link to this Resource

Encouragement Journal
Printable encouragement journal (used as a handout at a presentation entitled Encouraging Yourself and Others: An Interactive Exercise and Panel Discussion Dedicated to our Encouragement Mentors: Don Dinkmeyer Sr. & Dan Eckstein at NASAP 2016, Presented by Mark Bilkey, Jon Carlson, Jennifer LaCivita, Paul Fitzgerald, Jay Colker, Tiffany McDowell).

Printable encouragement journal (used as a handout at a presentation entitled Encouraging Yourself and Others: An Interactive Exercise and Panel Discussion Dedicated to our Encouragement Mentors: Don Dinkmeyer Sr. & Dan Eckstein at NASAP 2016, Presented by Mark Bilkey, Jon Carlson, Jennifer LaCivita, Paul Fitzgerald, Jay Colker, Tiffany McDowell).

 

Please note: The journal prints best if using a printer that prints double-sided.


Added By: bluedelphi
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Reproducible Materials/Handouts
Encouragement Journal
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Encouragement vs. Discouragement Handout


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Reproducible Materials/Handouts
Encouragement vs. Discouragement
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Adlerian Consultation Hour with Drs. Jon Carlson and Jay Colker (11-17-2016)
During this consultation hour, Dr. Jay Colker discusses the application of Adlerian philosophy to sports and health psychology. Focus is placed on the role of encouragement, belonging, social engagement, and horizontal striving in promoting health and well being.

During this consultation hour, Dr. Jay Colker discusses the application of Adlerian philosophy to sports and health psychology. Focus is placed on the role of encouragement, belonging, social engagement, and horizontal striving in promoting health and well being. A student then asks about how an athlete can come back from an injury. In particular, how an athlete can transition into a new role if sports are no longer an option following the injury. Dr. Colker then demonstrates how to work with an athlete from an Adlerian perspective. The student volunteer provides early recollections that Dr. Colker uses to interpret and help the stuent gain insight into his lifestyle.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Early Recollections, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Jay Colker
Resource Type: Video
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How the Group Helped a Discouraged Boy by Bernice Bronia Grunwald, Individual Psychologist v.7 #1 (1970)
A case study of how a teacher was able to help a discouraged child to change his behavior and have the courage to be imperfect


Added By: AWisniewski
Areas of Focus: The Courage to be Imperfect, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Education
Resource Type: Article
How Group Helped a Discouraged Boy
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Why Adler? A Presentation by Dr. Marina Bluvshtein
October 31, 2018 In this video Dr. Bluvshtein presents on the fundamentals of Adlerian Psychology.

In this video Dr. Bluvshtein presents on the fundamentals of Adlerian Psychology. Please cite this webinar as produced and hosted by the Center for Adlerian Practice and Scholarship (CAPS), Adler University, Chicago, IL. This webinar was made possible with a generous support of an anonymous donor. With questions about this and other CAPS events, to request an event, to seek Adlerian resources, or to sponsor any CAPS activities, please e-mail Dr. Marina Bluvshtein at mbluvshtein@adler.edu With questions about this and other CAPS events, to request an event, to seek Adlerian resources


Added By: VinceMessina
Areas of Focus: Marina Bluvshtein, Soft-Determinism/Self-Determinism, Organ Inferiority, Teleology/Purpose, Felt Minus and Felt (Fictional) Plus, Basic Assumptions of Individual Psychology, Lifetasks/Tasks of Life, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Life-Style, Lifestyle, Style of Living, Style of Life
Resource Type: Video
Direct Link to this Resource

A Case of Jim: A psychotherapy Demonstration Concerning Loss and Courage; Robert Powers
A Case of Jim: A psychotherapy Demonstration Concerning Loss and Courage; Robert Powers

A Case of Jim, A Psychotherapy Demonstration Concerning Loss and Courage: Robert Powers

Video donated by Jane Griffith

Video Length: 51:14

 


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Robert "Bob" Powers, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement, Individual Therapy
Resource Type: Video
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Encouragement with Dr. Lew Losoncy 11/18/2015
Webinar

Dr. Lew Loconcy describes encouragement being important as most people coming to psychotherapy are discouraged, dispirited, defeated, and unsure of themselves. In addition, he reports it being important as it brings out people’s courage. Encouragement is an optimistic and practical approach. Dr. Loconcy’s hypothesis is that regardless what approach a therapist uses the major reason people change is because they, themselves, are motivated to change. The primary task in therapy is to encourage client’s own willingness and determination to change. He discusses how to be a model for courageous living and discusses the following: I am alive, I choose my attitude today, I can change the world, what is, and I will find a way.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Video
Direct Link to this Resource

The Application of Adlerian Principles: A Discussion with Eva Dreikurs Ferguson: Encouragement
Dr. Eva Dreikurs Ferguson discusses basic Adlerian principles and the importance of belonging to a community.

This was a video discussion about Adlerian Principles with Eva Dreikurs Ferguson. She discusses how a person’s community greatly impacts the individual. If the community is autocratic and unsupportive, it leads to poor mental health in the individuals in the community. She believes that cooperation and democracy is the best way to keep individuals and community health. People need to feel that they belong in the community and that they are able to give to their communities and not be a burden. She speaks to how we are able to help create this sense of belonging in the community we work in.


Added By: Admin
Areas of Focus: Eva Dreikurs Ferguson, Courage/Encouragement/Discouragement
Resource Type: Video
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