Not the Same: Person and Behavior

Unconditional appreciation of the person does not mean remaining passive toward a child’s avoidant behaviour or possible psychodynamics. What is central here is the distinction between the person – who is to be valued under all circumstances – and a challenging behaviour that may need to be worked on. The essential task is to invite the child to take a stance toward their behaviour and to accompany them step by step in the direction of the change they aim for.