Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention - Sigmund Freud

DEVELOPING AND UTILIZING SOCIAL SUPPORTS
When someone lacks emotional health they tend to withdraw from pleasurable activities and
socially isolate. One important way to regain emotional health is to develop and utilize
social supports.
We all need several good friends to talk to, spend time with, and to be supported by with
their care and understanding. For someone to be a part of your support system requires that
you care for them and trust them. A partner or family member is a likely candidate for your
support system. You may develop relationships with people through activities or interests
that you share. These relationships could become strong enough to become part of your support
system. Other resources could be clubs or other social group affiliations that you feel a
part of and feel important to. Whoever the person or group is, it is necessary that there be
mutual care, positive regard, and trust.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP
1. Objectivity and open-mindedness. They let you describe who you are and how
you feel. They validate you.
2. They support and affirm your individuality and recognize your strengths. They
validate and encourage your goals.
3. They empathize with you. They understand your life circumstances and how
you are affected by your life experiences.
4. They accept you as you are without being judgmental. You can ask one another
for help and support.
5. You can laugh with them and be playful. You will both enjoy it.
6. They are at your side, supporting you to do whatever is important to you.
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List the People that Make Up Your Support System:
If you didn't have anyone to list as your support system or only one to two people don't
feel bad about yourself and give up. What you have done is to accomplish the first step in
understanding what you need to do: change your situation. The good news is that there is a
lot you can do to change your situation.
What Stands in Your Way of Developing Your Support System (check the items that apply
to you):
you have a hard time reaching out
you have a hard time making and keeping friends
310 3. Skill-Building Resources for Increasing Social Competency