Strengths-based practice offers a “new paradigm” that focuses on resources and resilience, opportunities and solutions, rather than on problems or pathologies (Hammond, 2010, p. 3). Especially efficacious for young adults like Ifemelu, strengths-based practice is grounded in resiliency theory. Resiliency theory shows how building assets like self-esteem and self-confidence, plus leveraging external resources like social networks in the community, helps reduce risk and promote desired outcomes (Zimmerman, 2013). Ifemelu can benefit from a strengths-based approach for several reasons. For one, she would respond best to a therapeutic intervention that focuses less on the past due to the persistency of trauma and how it has fueled her depression and social detachment. Focusing on the trauma may encourage Ifemelu to engage in self-destructive habits like self-blame. Using a strengths-based approach, Ifemelu can focus more on how she can move forward and envision her future, perhaps becoming an advocate for women in Nigeria.
There are several different types of strengths-based treatment interventions, one of which is strengths-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. Padesky & Mooney (2012) offer the strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy model to “help clients build positive qualities” and “build and strengthen personal resilience,” (p. 283). The emphasis with strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy is on resiliency and other internal factors, rather than focusing on resolving specific external problems (Padesky & Mooney, 2012). Given Ifemelu’s uncertain future, it would be feasible for her to focus on cultivating core strengths and psychological resilience, including self-efficacy and self-confidence. When she travels to Nigeria, she can then leverage her internal strengths in any situation that might arise, leading her to forge strategic alliances with members of the community and support groups to help engender a sense of trust she may have lost since experiencing trauma.
Research has shown that strengths-based therapeutic interventions as a whole are effective at alleviating the symptoms and depression and promoting peace of mind...
References
Gander, F., Proyer, R.T., Ruch, W., et al. (2012). Strength-based positive interventions. Journal of Happiness Studies 14(4): 1241-1259.
Green, B., McAlister, C. & Tarte, J. (2004). The strengths-based practice inventory. The Journal of Contemporary Social Services 85(3): 326-334.
Hammond, W. (2010). Principles of strengths-based practice. http://www.ayscbc.org/Principles%20of%20Strength-2.pdf
Hodges, T.D. (n.d.). Strengths-based development in practice. https://www.weber.edu/WSUImages/leadership/docs/sq/development-in-practice.pdf
Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R.L., Williams, J.B.W., et al. (2010). Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptom Scales: a systematic review. General Hospital Psychiatry 32(4): 345-359
Padesky, C.A. & Mooney, K.A. (2012). Strengths-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. A four-step model to build resilience. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy 19(4): 283-290.
Pattoni, L. (2012). Strengths-based approaches for working with individuals. https://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/insights/strengths-based-approaches-working-individuals
Zimmerman, M.A. (2013). Resiliency theory. Health Education & Behavior 40(4): 381-383.
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