How can you use affirmations to build trust with a discouraged client?

1 What are affirmations?

Affirmations are statements that recognize and appreciate your client's strengths, efforts, values, or achievements. They are not compliments, praise, or feedback, but rather expressions of genuine respect and empathy. Affirmations help your client feel heard, understood, and valued, which can enhance their self-esteem and confidence. Affirmations also reinforce your client's positive behaviors and beliefs, which can increase their readiness to change.

2 Why are affirmations important?

Affirmations are important because they can help you build a trusting and collaborative relationship with your client, which is essential for MI. When your client feels that you respect and support them, they are more likely to open up, share their concerns, and explore their ambivalence. Affirmations can also help you balance the negative or critical aspects of your conversation, such as confronting discrepancies, eliciting change talk, or addressing barriers. Affirmations can help your client cope with the discomfort and uncertainty that often accompany change.

3 How to use affirmations effectively?

To use affirmations effectively, you need to follow some guidelines. First, affirmations should be specific and relevant to your client's situation, not general or vague. For example, instead of saying "You are doing great", you could say "You have made a lot of progress in reducing your alcohol intake". Second, affirmations should be sincere and authentic, not exaggerated or insincere. For example, instead of saying "You are amazing", you could say "You have shown a lot of courage in facing your challenges". Third, affirmations should be consistent and frequent, not sporadic or rare. For example, instead of waiting for the end of the session, you could affirm your client throughout the conversation.

4 How to use affirmations with a discouraged client?

Using affirmations with a discouraged client can be tricky, but also very helpful. A discouraged client may be feeling hopeless, frustrated, or stuck in their situation. They may have low self-efficacy, high self-criticism, or limited resources. They may also be skeptical or defensive about your intentions or suggestions. To use affirmations with a discouraged client, you need to be sensitive, empathic, and respectful. You need to avoid sounding patronizing, unrealistic, or overbearing. You need to acknowledge your client's difficulties and emotions, but also highlight their strengths and potentials. You need to help your client see their progress and possibilities, but also respect their pace and autonomy.

5 Examples of affirmations for a discouraged client

Here are some examples of affirmations that you can use with a discouraged client, depending on the context and the goal of your conversation.

- "I appreciate your honesty and willingness to share your struggles with me."

- "You have a lot of insight and wisdom about your situation."

- "You have been trying hard to cope with a lot of stress and challenges."

- "You have made some positive changes in your life, even if they are small or gradual."

- "You have some valuable skills and resources that you can use to overcome your obstacles."

- "You have a clear vision and a strong motivation for what you want to achieve."

- "You have shown a lot of resilience and perseverance in facing your difficulties."

- "You have a lot of support and encouragement from your family and friends."

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?