The Emergence of Strengths Based Approaches to Counselling Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the definition of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
A paradigm shift from fixing deficits to nurturing clients’ existing assets and resilience
Smith, 2006
What are the origins of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
- Positive Psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)
- Resilience Research (Werner & Smith, 1992)
- Social Work’s Strengths Perspective (Saleebey, 1992)
- Solution-Focused & Narrative Therapies (De Shazer, 2002; White, 2007; White & Epston, 1998)
These origins provide foundational theories that inform strength-based practices.
What is the aim of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Engage clients in identifying and building on their strengths to foster adaptive growth.
What does it mean that strengths are culturally and contextually bound?
Strengths develop within specific cultural and environmental contexts.
How are strengths described in terms of lifespan?
Strengths unfold over time and can be taught or enhanced.
What are the characteristics of adaptability and functionality in the context of strengths?
Dynamic capacities that help individuals cope, self-right, and thrive.
List key strength categories identified in the Strength-Based Counseling Model.
- Wisdom & Knowledge
- Emotional (e.g., optimism, perseverance)
- Character (e.g., integrity, courage)
- Relational & Nurturing
- Creative, Cognitive, Survival, etc.
What is the first theoretical proposition of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Humans are self-righting organisms who adapt to develop strengths.
True or False: Strengths act as buffers against mental illness.
True
What motivates change according to the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Focusing on strengths, not deficits.
What is the first core stage of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Build Therapeutic Alliance through genuine encouragement and validation.
What is the second core stage of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Identify Strengths via client narratives and strength assessment.
What is the third core stage of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Frame Solutions using exception and miracle questions to instil hope.
What is the fourth core stage of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Build Competence & Resilience by developing developmental assets.
What is the fifth core stage of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Evaluate & Terminate by honouring progress and planning next steps.
What is Narrative Re-Authoring?
Retell life stories to highlight survivor strengths.
What is the Hope Chest Exercise?
Visualise and plan for desired positive changes.
What are Exception Questions used for?
Discover when problems do not occur to generate solutions.
What is an ethical focus of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Empowerment and reliance on cultural strengths.
What type of training is suggested for counsellors in a strength-based approach?
Training counsellors in a ‘strengths language’; shifting away from many deficit models.
What is a preventive orientation in the context of the Strength-Based Counseling Model?
Building buffers before crises arise.
