What is Right with You?

So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing            I Thessalonians 5:11

We are used to hearing the corollary of the above statement, namely “what is wrong with you?” That is a statement made when we question the behavior or decisions of others. As a clinician, I was trained to look for certain symptoms in order to determine a diagnosis. We check for thinking errors, delusional thinking, hallucinations, mood changes, signs of anxiety and depression, as well as certain physical symptoms that might suggest a mental health disorder. Even physical appearance plays into this evaluation to determine the mental status of the client as they present for treatment. We are trained to look for problems.

I still need to look for problem symptoms in order to render a diagnosis. While that is very important, it is of great importance to look for the strengths of clients. As I have grown in my experience, I have seen that identifying client assets and strengths is crucial in treatment. Looking for “what is right” is often even more important than finding what is wrong. Clients typically know when they come to see me that there is a problem, identified by themselves or someone near to them. When I can also concentrate on finding strengths, and pointing out what I see to the client, I have given them a framework to build upon for healing.

So, be looking for what is right in others. It gives a positive start to building rapport and healing.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the things that are right with others, Amen.