Strength Based Approach
In this section, we will look at what a Strength Based Approach is and what it means. To do this we will learn:
- What is a Strength Based Approach?
- The Principles of the Good Lives Model (Tony Ward)
- Why it is important to take a Strengths Based Approach
- What are the implications for practice and how might we work with individuals in a Strengths Based way?
- What is a Strengths Based Approach?
Strengths-based approaches concentrate on the qualities and strengths of individuals, families, groups and organisations. They use and build on personal strengths to support recovery/rehabilitation and increase individual empowerment. In Strength Based practice there is a focus on health and well-being with the emphasis on an asset-based approach where the goal is to promote the positive rather than to concentrate on the negatives. This approach goes hand in hand with other theories and approaches widely used in Probation, for example: Trauma Informed practice, Motivational Interviewing, Pro-Social Modelling and The Good Lives Model.
- Principles of the Good Lives Model (GLM)
An example of a Theory which adopts a strong Strengths Based approach is the Good Lives Model. Whilst historically it has primarily been used in interventions, it is increasingly being used within case management. GLM sees criminal behaviour as a maladaptive attempt to meet life values (Ward and Stewart 2003). It states that rehabilitation endeavours should therefore equip offenders with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and resources necessary to satisfy their life values in ways that don’t harm others. Inherent in its focus on an offender’s life values, the GLM also places a strong emphasis on offender agency. That is, those that offend, like those that don’t offend, actively seek to satisfy their life values through whatever means are available to them. The GLM’s dual attention to an offender’s internal values and life priorities and external factors such as resources and opportunities are consistent with Desistance Theory. Whilst the focus is on individual strengths rather than risks, risk reduction is not ignored, but instead achieved through achievement of goals, personal development, and emphasis on pro-social values which are not compatible with a criminal lifestyle/identity.
- Why is it important to take a Strengths Based Approach?
Taking a Strength Based Approach can have the following benefits:
Encourages Su’s belief that they can change: Through emphasis on working towards development of a positive (non-offending) identity, rather than focussing on their ‘offender’ identity.
Whilst risks are not emphasised, risk reduction will still take place through implementing actions and goals consistent with a positive identity.
In line with Therapeutic practice, a Strength Based Approach will enable rapport building, development of trust and respect.
Allows SU’s to identify and build their individual and social capital, making it more likely they will achieve their goals and ask for help if they are struggling
Increase self-esteem and psychological well-being by asking individuals to think about their qualities and strengths
Reduces the risk of re-traumatising the individual (which may occur in approaches that focus on negative events and behaviours)
There is some evidence that Strength-Based approaches can increase retention in treatment programmes, therefore it is also likely to have a positive impact on engagement and motivation levels.
- What are the implications for practice and how might we work with individuals in a Strengths Based way?
As a practitioner, you may want to research and implement the Good Lives Model as a Strength Based approach. This provides a structure of implementation that can be followed as well as tools that can be used to deliver Strength-Based work (for example, the Good Lives Plan). However, practitioners do not need to be an expert in one particular theory in order to work in a Strengths Based Way, following these principles will help ensure this approach is achieved:
Taking a holistic ‘health-based’ approach to case management with a focus on well-being.
Get to know the individual and be aware of any Trauma or ACEs they may have experienced.
Focus on strengths rather than deficits, e.g. Asking the SU to regularly identify which qualities they have used to deal with situations positively, drawing on periods of desistance from offending, this can also be used effectively in asking individuals how they avoid or cope with triggers.
Consistent use of Motivational Interviewing skills, particularly active listening, open questions and affirmation.
Use of SMART goals.
Taking a collaborative approach that empowers individuals, e.g. asking them what goals they would like to set in sentence planning.
Focus on a new positive identity, rather than use of terms such as offender/focus on offending identities that will cause SU’s to feel labelled or create a sense of hopelessness.
Encourage positive self-talk.
According to Saleebey (2006), practitioners should ask a series of questions that can be used to gain insight into potential areas of the client’s life that may be related to their strengths. You may find the following Strength Spotting Questions useful:
Survival questions
Example: How have you managed to overcome or survive the challenges that you have faced? What have you learned about yourself and your world during those struggles?
Support questions
Example: Who are the people that you can rely on? Who has made you feel understood, supported, or encouraged?
Exception questions
Example: When things were going well in life, what was different? What point in your history would you like to relive, capture, or recreate?
Possibility questions
Example: What do you want to accomplish in your life? What are your hopes for your future or the future of your family?
Esteem questions
Example: What makes you proud of yourself? What positive things do people say about you?
Perspective questions
Example: What are your ideas about your current situation?
Change questions
Example: What do you think is necessary for things to change? What could you do to make that happen?