For example, many already turned to prayer, sought additional medical or legal information as needed, or got away from the direct caregiving responsibilities for a while. Some competencies were in place. The leaders of the classes and the other classmates identified and promoted existing competencies and taught new coping skills where there were gaps. As we learned in our classes, one way to promote self-efficacy and related competencies is through a problem- solving approach where older adults bring life experiences and personal appraisals to the relationship, while the Christian counselor brings training, theoretical knowledge, and intervention strategies. Clearly, the competency approach is a collaborative approach, a coming together of people with different but complimentary abilities and old_resources.
