Helping or hurting, continued...

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I am someone who is drawn to the underdog; most of the time I want to help and it drives me crazy when I can't. I am learning, though, that certain help in certain situations can be toxic. I am learning this in my Licensed Professional Counseling program. This is why counselors help clients figure out how to solve their problems instead of "telling them what to do", which is what people initially want.

Instead of solving their problems during therapy, the therapist works with the client to teach him or her how to problem-solve. Otherwise, the client will become dependent on the therapist life-long.

I am in favor of everyone helping everyone. I just want to make sure we are all giving the right kind of help. Think about this next time you lend a hand to someone. Instead of helping them get up, teach them the strategic moves it takes to maneuver and get up on their own next time they fall.

It is best to empower, continued...

Click on the below post to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Wow, enabling and empowering, verbs that are very different in their impact on others. I do believe it is okay to step in and help someone who is over their head and I don't consider this enabling; it's a good deed and maybe needed help. But when you have to step in time and time again, guess what, your are now enabling something that isn't healthy. But as I said in the article, it is such a priceless gift to help someone learn how to overcome their challenges with a gentle nudge and loving emotional support; empowerment is extraordinary!

As I look back over the years, I know I have enabled many times in the past. It is easy to do when you love someone and you're caught up in their drama. Logic seems to fall to the side and, if you're a kind person, suddenly you're heart is hurting for them and you're stepping into their mess.

If you want to step in, help them find their way to solve their own dilemma through a shoulder to lean and maybe a little sound advice and education. They may not be so receptive at the time but, guess what, it is time!

How are you empowering others? Share with me, I love to hear your stories.