“When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another.”

“I’m not perfect… but I’m enough.”﻿

“In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, cure, or change this person? Now I would rephrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?”

“When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, ‘Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it’s like to be me."

“The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.”

“You don’t need someone to complete you. You only need someone to accept you completely.”

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”

“I don’t want you to save me. I want you to stand by my side as I save myself.”

“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”

In counselling, displaying unconditional acceptance means focusing on the client's feelings and motivations instead of judging their actions as right or wrong. This approach allows for the client to openly express themselves without fear of judgement or rejection.For example, if a client shares thoughts or behaviors that may be considered unacceptable, the therapist can display unconditional positive regard by asking about their underlying emotions and motivations, rather than focusing on the moral or legal consequences of their actions.

Unconditional Positive Regard In Counselling

Instead of always focusing on yourself, try repeating these sayings to shift your mindset: - 🙏 My child's worth is unchangeable and does not require them to earn it. - 🤲 While I may not agree with all my child's choices, I still accept and support them. - 🌱 I give my child permission to make mistakes, knowing they have the ability to learn and grow. - 💪 I have faith in my child's potential to become who they are meant to be. - 🤗 My role is to guide and support, not to criticize.

Cultivate Your Own Attitude

We all have two instinctual urges and desires that make UPR an effective tool:
<ul>
<li>The drive towards socially constructive behavior, meaning interacting effectively and positively with others.</li> 
<li>The need for self-determination, or the right and responsibility to choose one's own path.</li>
</ul>

The Psychology Behind Unconditional Positive Regard

Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) is fully accepting and loving someone, regardless of their actions. It means seeing them as a fundamentally valuable and lovable human being. While this does not mean approving of all their actions, it goes beyond surface behavior. (Rogers, 1951)Key Concepts:<ol><li>Complete acceptance and love</li><li>Inherent humanity and lovability</li><li>Not approving of all actions</li><li>Seeing beyond surface behavior</li></ol>💛💕

Defintion Of Unconditional Positive Regard

Therapists must display UPR when a client shares self-destructive habits, such as substance abuse or self-harm. Instead of blaming or ignoring the harm, therapists should guide clients to recognize the behavior's negative impact and assure them of their worthiness for love and a healthy life. 
<ul>
 <li> Display UPR when a client shares self-destructive habits </li>
 <li> Avoid blaming and guide clients to recognize the behavior's negative impact </li>
 <li> Assure clients they are worthy and deserving of a healthy life </li>
</ul>

Understanding Harmful Behavior

As young people grow up, it is important to support their self-esteem and self-worth. Here are some tips for teachers and parents to implement Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) and foster healthy development in children:
<ul>
<li>Give honest praise and recognition for their successes and achievements.</li>
<li>Be specific with your praise to reinforce good decisions and actions.</li>
<li>Show respect by offering them choices, respecting their decisions, and explaining your own decisions.</li>
<li>Encourage independence and provide diverse opportunities for them to showcase their skills and succeed.</li>
</ul>

Unconditional Positive Regard For Teachers

We know that it is not perfection we should seek.. spread acceptance, understanding and love 🙌

We take a look at the psychology of unconditional positive regard in counseling, social work, and parenting, with helpful activities.