Decide what you would do or say to encourage the person, and then decide what you might do or say that would discourage the person. Actually, picture yourself as an encouraging person, and then as a discouraging person. Remember your actions may be as important as your words.

A woman, the mother of two children, has been without a home for a number of months. She tells you she really wants a permanent place to stay. You know there are very few places she can go. You also know she has some talents and interests - strengths that might be to her benefit.

You encourage her by:

You discourage her by: