AC105 Creating Action

Key Learning Points (extracted from ICA reading)

The Action Process

• Focus on Values
• Enhancing strengths (adopt POPS?): Focusing on a client’s weaknesses does not support them in moving forward, however, it is important to be aware of them so that they don’t get in the way. It is more effective for clients to think in terms of “distractions”, “barriers” and “roadblocks” rather than “weaknesses”. The term “weakness” implies an inherent flaw in a person’s make-up. The terms “distraction”, “barrier” and “roadblock”, on the other hand refer to short-term situations. They don’t sound immovable. They sound manageable. They are not general statements about the person. They only exist in relation to the person’s strengths.
• Gathering resources to support the action
• Goal-setting
• Prevent slipping into old patterns
• Creating an action plan
• Positive affirmations
• Focusing on solutions
• Build on past successes: A tool for tapping into past successes is to create a Success Life Line. Have the client draw a line on a piece of paper. At the left side of the line, have them write the date when they were born. Starting from the left side and working toward the right, have them write the date and a short statement of every success they have had since then. For example, winning a spelling bee contest, graduating from school, or having a baby. These are all examples of when they completed something successfully. Once the client has completed the Success Life Line have them write down what strengths they used to achieve this success. This will help develop their inventory of strengths. It will also provide a real life example of when they used those strengths. Whenever the client becomes discouraged they can review their success life line and tap into the power of that moment to gain encouragement.
• Create a list of encouraging role models
• Enlist the help of a support team