The Strengths Model is the first book to focus exclusively on the alternative approach to identifying and correcting the deficits of mental illness -- the strength model of practice. It presents the theory, values, and principles on which the model is founded, as well as explicit practice methods that have been developed and refined over the past fifteen years. The book includes detailed discussions of practice techniques such as engagement, strengths assessment, personal planning, and resource acquisition. Each chapter includes short case studies which illustrate the use of these methods and first-person perspectives of clients. The Strengths Model is about viewing and dealing with clients not as patients, but as people. Features

Features:

• The first text on mental illness to focus exclusively on the strengths paradigm
• Includes explicit practice methods and case illustrations demonstrations the application of all aspects of the model

Reviews
"A groundbreaking book which offers easy-to-follow guidelines for students preparing to adapt the strengths approach to work with the mentally ill."--Katherine van Wormer, University of North Iowa

"The National Institute of Mental Health has promoted 'case management' as an intervention of choice for community health...Charles Rapp...had an important role in how that was developed and conceptualized....He has played a major role in redefining case management. This text is a product of those...projects [and] could conceivably become an anchor for that redefinition. I believe that the chapter on community resources...is by far the best thing that has been written on that topic. This is an incredibly content area for social work practice." --Charles D. Cowger, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"Excellent conceptual framework. The strengths model is a useful model to design client services that enhance clients' involvement and functioning in their environments. Well-organized text."--Gwen Weber, University of Nebraska at Omaha

"There is no clearer blueprint for practical application of the strengths concept in case management. An exceptionally organized book that's easy to digest."--Kenny Joyce, Manager, Team Builders of Hawaii