MY CLIENTS' POSITIVE TRAITS: Many clients have appreciated the services they have received. Talking with these clients about what they wanted, we were able to make this list of positive traits and characteristics. [My thanks go especially to the anxiety treatment group in the Fall of 2004.] Motivated to make changes: We don’t like certain aspects of our character or behavior; and we believe that we want to improve but don’t know how. Determination and a sense of survival:   We want to have faith that says we can survive difficult times; we won’t quit. We have come to understand that one of the primary purposes or necessity of life is learning coping and survival skills. Appreciate honesty and confidentiality:   We are willing to share our stories fully in confidence. We appreciate a therapist who is a good listener and makes sure he understands. Want to believe in self worth and value: Even though we may not have felt it before the start of therapy, we want to find self worth.   It’s a primary part of what we are seeking in therapy. Dealing with life burdens and transitions: Physical problems, disability, pain, grief and loss, conflicts; these problems have created a need to talk to someone confidentially to help make difficult changes. Wanting to be competent and capable to handle life problems, we discover that we need to collaborate with someone to find the way. Paul Lohkamp, MSW, LCSW  Fall, 2004