Building Strengths and Skills

Rather than identifying and "fixing" perceived client weaknesses, this book takes into account both individual resources and the areas where client skills can be bolstered, offering an eclectic practice approach that interweaves and operationalizes both strengths-based and skills-based practice approaches. In the strengths- and skills-based model, which integrates solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, clients are assumed to have the necessary capacities to solve their own problems, and a major focus of treatment is bolstering motivation and resources. When these resources are exhausted or when deficits are identified as a substantial barrier to change, then skill-building is introduced. However, skills are taught in a collaborative fashion and, as much as possible, are made relevant to the client's unique circumstance. Chapters apply this approach to issues such as adolescent conduct problems, depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence. This innovative, dynamic resource offers an assessment and intervention model for practitioners in the helping, social service, and mental health professions. In addition, the helping process can be applied in any number of roles, including that of case manager, probation officer, caseworker, medical social service personnel, counselor, crisis worker, and therapist.