What can a strength-based therapist help with?

A strength-based therapist can help individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, and those with relationship problems or with low self-esteem. A strength-based therapist can also help an individual who may be resistant to the idea of therapy, given that there need be no consideration of an individual’s psychopathology.

Who is qualified to practice strength-based therapy?

Trained mental health professionals—including psychologists, counselors, and clinical social workers—are qualified to practice strength-based therapy. There is no official accreditation required to become a practitioner of this therapy type, but if appropriate, individuals may want to look for a clinician with expertise in treating the presenting concern (i.e. low self-esteem). Strength-based therapists will help clients build a plan for treatment based on an individual’s specific strengths, so it’s important for clients to feel comfortable talking about themselves and their lives with the therapist.

What happens in strength-based therapy?

Strength-based therapy begins with understanding who the client is. The therapist will seek to understand how the client has successfully managed to overcome challenges in the past. Working together, therapist and client may discuss what progress would look like for that individual and identify goals for the future. From there, the client and therapist may create a plan for how to achieve progress based on the individual’s strengths and incorporate successful strategies from past life challenges.

How can someone recognize a good strength-based therapist?

Successful therapy depends on a strong connection between the client and the therapist. A good strength-based therapist should be able to understand the client such that they can pinpoint strengths that in turn foster solutions to a client’s concerns. Asking detailed questions about a clinician’s treatment process can help an individual identify a practitioner who is best suited to their needs.