Affirmations are used when we acknowledge and recognize an individual’s strengths and effort; where the statements we say to a client matter to them and are genuine. Affirmations are not praise like “good job” but rather, they are very specific about how a client has perhaps persevered, or prioritized making a healthy choice, or where the client was very honest about their thoughts and feelings.
The most effective affirmations usually begin with the word “you” vs. “I.” So, it might sound like, “You have really been able to commit to and prioritize attending AA meetings,” vs. “I am proud of you for attending AA meetings. The reason is because when we start with or use the word “I” for an affirmation, the focus is more on “us” than “them” and it implies that we are in a position of determining praise or blame.
Other examples of affirmations could be:
”You have really given a lot of thought and consideration to this decision.”
or
“It sounds like it was challenging but you dedicated yourself to getting your GED.”
or
“You have been prioritizing your family and making decisions that really support you and them.”
The focus, again, comes back to the client and listening to affirm what is “right” with them.
For more information about Motivational Interviewing resources, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu