Handbook of Strengths-Based Clinical Practices: Finding Common Factors

For too long, the counseling profession has been mired in exclusively engaging its clients from a problem-centered, medical model. In this book, Edwards, Young, and Nikels provide insight into a more positive approach. The editors and their authors serve like a team of clinical consultants, guiding the reader toward understanding strengths-based strategies and techniques, applying them in various work settings and with diverse clients, supervisees, and interns. -Bob Carty, LCSW, CADC, CCJP, Founder, Partnerships in Clinical Training and Consultation, Skokie, IL

For the clinician, the Handbook of Strengths-Based Clinical Practices is a much-needed work to help us stay focused on client strengths rather than primarily on pathology. The strengths-based philosophy is explained and its application well illustrated with divergent modalities and client populations. The wealth of information provided by multiple authors and editors is outstanding. -Norman C. Dasenbrook, MS, LCPC, Practice Consultant, Dasenbrook Consulting, Rockford, IL

This handbook is a practical, multi-vocal compendium that bridges traditional practice gaps between those clinicians trained to privilege the intrapsychic and those trained to privilege the interrelational. Here, Edwards, Young and Nikels have crafted an inclusive work that facilitates both a discussion of the theoretical from multiple perspectives and the practical development of strength-based clinical practices. - Kevin R. Stouffer, PhD, MBA, NCC, CCMHC, CFT, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; Past President, Illinois Counseling Association; Founder, Stouffer Clinical Counseling & Consulting LLC, Springfield, IL

When people play to their strengths they exude a certain confidence that allows them to perform at their best, maximize social engagement, get the most out of life, and increase overall subjective well-being. This book effectively demonstrates the efficacy of current strengths-based models and concludes with a thoughtful assessment of how the best of each may come together toward a rational, unitary approach. This text is a must-read for anyone interested in strengths-based psychology. -Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, CAADC, NCC, Co-Founder of Counseling Speaks, LLC; Assistant Professor, Benedictine University; Contributing Faculty, Walden University

The Handbook pulls together frameworks from a variety of helping professions and offers a tangible, succinct, and often challenging supervision model that brings into focus how a strengths-based approach can contribute to meaningful supervision experiences. Supervisors will experience continued substantial benefit from this handbook as they delve into the power of supervisee strengths as opposed to deficits, leading to empowered clinical practice. -Vincent J. Walsh-Rock, MS, LCPC, Doctoral Candidate, Northern Illinois University