Introduction
This emotional attitude involves faith in the client’s own resources – the power he has within him which he does not exploit or fully appreciate. On an experiential level, this attitude is equivalent to self-worth or self-confidence. Although no-one knows what the future will bring, there is a difference when a person has a sense of his own abilities or a sense of hopelessness and lack of confidence in himself.
Faith means a person can rely on himself and trust himself to cope with situations. This does not imply megalomania, rather it entails the view that we do have limitations and we can ask for help if required. Having a sense of self-worth does not mean a person is in ‘splendid isolation’ and able to do everything himself (Motivational Work, Part 2: Motivational Relationship, pages 30 – 36).
Self-Confidence by Doing
An important factor in building the client’s self-confidence is getting him to do things he will be successful at. In this context, such actions have a similar role to play as in the context of commitment; the client is tangibly being shown he can actually accomplish something. This is more powerful than just having discussions about self-confidence.
Case Study
At an institution for delinquents, the youths are given the opportunity to practice American football with the local team, and this means joining in with their regular practice sessions. A number of the male staff at the institution are ordinary members of the A-team. When a youth is judged to be sufficiently skilled, he is allowed to play for the B team.
Discussion
Here we see the boys from the institution being given the chance to practice with the football team and then go on to play matches. The staff demonstrates faith in two ways, in that they feel the boys can cope with both the practical and social aspects of being on a football team.