Our Approach

How We Do It

A Strength Based Approach

Historically the child protection system has focused on a child’s deficits. This thinking only serves to reinforce a perspective which focuses on the negative aspects of a situation. The therapeutic goal of a Strength Based approach is to help develop the capacity of a youth by celebrating successes, focusing on progress and gains, and reframing challenges into opportunities. This approach shifts the thinking from a what is wrong mindset, to a what is right mindset, and offers an opportunity to build on that positive foundation.

More specifically the objectives of our work with youth are to support their journey to improved wellness and stability by:

 

  • Helping identify personal strengths

  • Focusing on progress and gains made, no matter how small or significant

  • Celebrating successes

  • Avoiding setting youth up for defeat (i.e. unrealistic goals)

  • Accepting mistakes as an opportunity for growth and learning

  • Looking for exceptions (when does this work well and why?)

  • Offering encouragement and praise

  • Re-framing events to help see the positive