About the Founder
Hello, my name is Swede Siverson.
I've been a licensed therapist for over 20 years. In my working with couples, I came up with a fun game called the penny game that was designed to make couples mindful of giving affirming comments to each other.
I saw great success in this and many couples stated that they were going to do this exercise ongoingly because the positive results of affirmation were very visible and had a very positive ripple effect in other areas of their relationship.
Credentials
- Swede Siverson, MEd, LCPC
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Idaho
- Over 20 years in practice, Boise, Idaho
- Focus: marital and premarital counseling, couples and families
- Approaches: CBT, family and marital therapy, interpersonal therapy, solution-focused brief therapy
- Creator of the Penny Game and founder of UROKZ
- Verified Psychology Today profile
A few years ago, I thought about the possibility of creating the UROKZ Relationship Wellness Platform. It is now getting near completion and we are very excited about how this could be used not only with couples but also families, friends, and workplaces. I have learned over the years the vast importance of the words we speak and especially when we give and receive messages of affirmation to each other.
Acknowledgment vs. Affirmation
As I have thought about this over the years, I have also separated positive words into two camps: acknowledgment and affirmation. Acknowledgment is when we say thank you in a way to appreciate an act of kindness that someone has done—for example, the guy who holds the door open at the store. This is valuable and appreciated.
I think affirmation takes this one step further. Not only is it a thank you, but you're also telling the receiver how you felt about what they did and why it was meaningful. I encourage you, with the people you care about, to aim high and give words of affirmation instead of just acknowledgment.
Why Affirming Others is So Important
1. Boosts self-esteem and confidence
When you affirm someone, you’re essentially telling them that you see their positive qualities and that they are worthy of love and respect. This can significantly improve their self-esteem and confidence.
2. Strengthens relationships
Affirmations strengthen our relationships by fostering a sense of connection and belonging. When you affirm someone, you’re showing them that you care and appreciate them, which builds trust.
3. Creates a positive environment
When people feel affirmed, they are more likely to be positive, optimistic, and motivated. This creates a ripple effect, leading to a more positive and supportive environment overall.
4. Encourages growth
By highlighting someone’s strengths and potential, affirmations can inspire them to grow and develop further. When people feel supported, they are more likely to take risks and pursue their goals.
5. Helps in challenging times
Affirmations can be particularly powerful during difficult times. Offering words of encouragement and support can help someone feel less alone and more capable of overcoming obstacles.
UROKZ is a Relationship Wellness Platform designed to support intentional communication and emotional connection. It is not therapy, crisis care, medical care, or a replacement for professional psychological support, diagnosis, or treatment. While our founder is a licensed therapist, using UROKZ does not establish a therapist-client relationship. The information provided on this page and within the platform is for educational and communication purposes only. If you or your partner are experiencing a crisis, domestic distress, or need professional help, please contact a licensed mental health professional or emergency services immediately.