This concise book translates the principles and practices of Strengths-based Therapy (SBT) into 30 concise, evidence-based ideas and techniques that practitioners can apply the very next day on the job. The first half of the book describes 15 theoretical, conceptual, and empirical foundations of strengths-based work, while the second half of the book translates strengths-based ideas and foundations into 15 practical techniques, with the help of clinical vignettes involving a range of clients. The book will appeal to a readership of practitioners and trainees in the mental health professions. Reviews: This book is rich with clinical dialogues that help readers put into practice the collaborative, transtheoretical ideas and methods of strengths-based therapy. SBT challenges the assumptions of diagnosis-based treatments and offers an alternative client-directed approach. A must read for mental health practitioners and graduate students. — Michael J. Lambert, Ph.D., Professor, Brigham Young University, Editor of "Bergin and Garfield's Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change" Whether you're a novice and simply curious about Strength-Based Therapy, or an experienced SBT clinician, this book is a must read. It offers an in-depth understanding of the roots of this client-centered therapy approach, a clear description of its components along with clinical examples that bring the ideas to life. Regardless of your current theoretical model, if you want better outcomes with your clients—and more enjoyment from your work—you will greatly benefit from this practical guide. — Michele Weiner- Davis, LCSW, Co-author of "In Search of Solutions: A New Direction in Psychotherapy" I am very excited to see the publication of this book. Emphasizing a strength-based approach to therapy is not only a needed addition to current practice, it is a needed corrective. Fostering strength is one of the best ways to correct psychopathology. The book provides an excellent theoretical and research base for this approach, and follows it up with a whole set of useful suggestions for strength-based practice. — Arthur C. Bohart, Professor Emeritus, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Author of "How Clients Make Therapy Work: The Process of Active Self-Healing" It is clear from the research that clients--not therapists--are the principal driving force behind positive therapeutic change. This unique and compelling book shows how counsellors and psychotherapists can capitalise on that and help clients make the most of their therapy. Accessible, informed and illustrated throughout with client studies and dialogues, Strengths-based therapy can help therapists of all orientations develop their practice in a client-centred, outcome-informed, and socially-just direction. An invaluable addition to the contemporary counselling and psychotherapy literature. — Mick Cooper, Professor, University of Roehampton, Co-author of "Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy" Table of Contents Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………. Preface…………………………………………………………………………………………… Acknowledgements……………………………….……………………………………………… Abbreviations ….……………………………………….………………………………………… Part 1 DISTINCTIVE THEORETICAL FEATURES OF SBT …………………………… 1 History of SBT…………………………………………………………………………… 2 SBT as trans-theoretical and value added ………..…………………………………….. 3 Clients as heroes of change…………………………………………………………….. 4 SBT as client directed………………………………………………………………….. 5 SBT and therapist factors……………………………………………………………….. 6 SBT and the therapeutic alliance……………………………………………………….. 7 SBT and hope…………………………………………….…………………………….. 8 SBT and social constructionism……………………….……………………………….. 9 SBT language and practices …………………………………………………………….. 10 SBT and diagnosis ………………….………………………………………………….. 11 SBT as systemic..………………………………………………………………………… 12 Cultural considerations in SBT …………………………………………….…………… 13 Social justice and SBT ………………..………………………………………………… 14 SBT and client feedback ……………………………………………………………….. 15 Challenges of SBT practice …………………………………………………………….. Part 2 DISTINCTIVE PRACTICAL FEATURES OF SBT………………………………. 16 Being respectfully curious …………………………………………………………….. 17 Validating clients ………..…………………………………………………………….. 18 Instilling hope ………………………………………………………………………….. 19 Exploring clients’ theories of change ………………………………………………….. 20 Exploring clients’ desired future ………………..…………………………………….. 21 Recruiting client resources ……………………………………………………………. 22 Listening for change …………………………………………………………………… 23 Asking resilience and coping questions ……………………………………………….. 24 Building on exceptions ……………………………………………………….……… 25 Co-creating new stories ……………………………………………………………… 26 Using between-session strategies …………….……………………………………… 27 Collecting systematic client feedback ……………………………………………….. 28 Creating strengths-based work environments ……………………………………..… 29 Integrating SBT into training and supervision ……………………………….……… 30 Acting for social justice …………………..………………………………………….. Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………………… References …………………………………………………………………………………… Index …………………………………………….…………………………………………… Figures………………………………………….…………………………………………….. About the Authors John J. Murphy, PhD is Professor of Psychology & Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas, US. Jacqueline A. Sparks, PhD is Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Rhode Island, US.
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