Encouragement — Adler's Individual Psychology

The central therapeutic technique of Adlerian therapy. Not praise for a result, but recognition of effort, courage, movement. A discouraged client cannot risk and change. Encouragement restores faith in one's own strength and the sense of belonging. This is not a one-off intervention — it is the therapist's stance.

Step-by-step guide

Notice the client's effort — even a small one, even an unsuccessful one
Name the effort: 'You tried, although you were afraid'
Separate result from process: 'What matters is not the outcome, but that you dared'
Link to the client's qualities: 'That speaks of your courage'
Convey faith: 'I see that you are capable of this'

When to use

In every session — it is the base position
When the client devalues their own steps
After a failed attempt to change something
When the client compares themselves to others

Key phrases

You decided to try — that is already a step

I see how much effort you put in, even when it is hard

Follow-up questions

What does it say about you — that you came here, in spite of the fear?

You did not retreat, although you were afraid

Alternative phrasings

You don't have to be perfect to be valuable

The very fact that you are here speaks of courage

Warnings

⚠️ Do not confuse encouragement with praise: 'Well done!' is evaluation, not encouragement
⚠️ Do not be falsely positive — encouragement must be genuine
⚠️ Do not encourage the result — only the effort and the courage

Source: Dreikurs R. Psychology in the Classroom