Resource Activation

Resource activation describes a fundamental approach in psychotherapy: A person is viewed not only in terms of their problems but also in terms of what sustains them. Psychotherapy researcher Klaus Grawe counted it among the five general factors that, across all schools of therapy, help determine whether a treatment is effective.

The term “resources” here refers to all the strengths and possibilities that are part of a person: abilities, interests, positive experiences, values, and beliefs, as well as reliable relationships and people who offer support. In therapy, the focus is deliberately directed toward these aspects: What has worked in the past? What is the child good at? Who or what provides support? These existing strengths are harnessed, in addition to working on the difficulties.

For a long time, treatment focused primarily on what was wrong. The resource-oriented approach adds a second question: What is there that works? Experts refer to “build what’s strong” as a complement to “fix what’s wrong.” The two go hand in hand.

A child who is constantly reminded only of their difficulties quickly comes to see themselves as a problem. If, on the other hand, their abilities are also recognized, their confidence in their own potential grows. This creates a close connection to self-efficacy—that is, the belief that they can make a difference on their own. When people experience that their own strengths matter, they open up more easily, speak more openly, and have greater confidence in themselves. This isn’t sugarcoating. It’s a conscious balance between focusing on problems and focusing on sources of strength.

Much of this doesn’t just happen in the therapy room. As parents, you can highlight your child’s strengths in everyday life. Here are a few specific approaches:

• Point out what they’re doing well: “You kept at it even though it was hard,” instead of just pointing out the mistake.
• Remind them of past successes: “Do you remember how you stepped up during the move back then?”
• Take their interests seriously: Music, animals, sports, or drawing are real sources of strength—not just side issues.
• Highlight relationships: Grandparents, a friend, a coach—people with whom your child feels safe.

The tone is important. It’s about genuine recognition. Constant praise or pressure don’t help. Children sense the difference. Even during difficult times, there’s almost always something that provides support. That’s exactly what deserves to be acknowledged.

Activating resources isn’t just for the child. Parents who are supporting a child with mental health challenges often reach their own limits. You, too, have strengths and sources of strength that matter: experiences in which you’ve overcome difficult situations, people who help lighten your load, and small things that do you good.

Self-care is the foundation for being able to reliably be there for your child in the first place. It’s not a luxury. It also means accepting support instead of trying to handle everything alone, and being kind to yourself—a little self-compassion. When you stay attuned to your own resources, you remain better able to take action. And at the same time, you show your child that taking good care of yourself is normal and okay.

Resource activation is deliberately used in therapy. Professionals work with the child to identify their strengths, rediscover forgotten skills, and help them discover new ones. This is often combined with other approaches, such as systemic therapy, which involves the entire family system.

Coaching and support, such as that offered at Rückenwind, can strengthen your family, help you identify your resources, and ease your daily burdens. However, they are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Only a child and adolescent psychiatrist (KJP) or a medical or psychotherapeutic specialist can determine whether your child’s difficulties stem from a disorder that requires treatment. If you have serious concerns, this is the right first step.