What Is The Strengths-Based Approach

The strengths approach is a method of working with people that focuses on developing their natural abilities and capabilities. It allows people to identify and build on their strengths so that they can reach their goals, and retain or regain independence in their daily lives (McCashen, 2005). Strengths-based approach is built on the premise that the normal human development process is towards healthy growth and fulfilment, and that everyone has strengths that will aid them in this process (McCashen, 2005).
The Strengths-Based Approach focuses on the strengths (e.g. competencies, human and materials resources in people’s environments, personal characteristics, motivations) of the individual, family or community (McCashen, 2005). McCashen (2005)
31). In the Strengths Approach, every response to an issue should build on these principles by requiring transparency, self-determination and the sharing of existing resources. Therefore, recognising, affirming and using an individual's skills, knowledge and resources (strengths) to problem solve are integral parts of the approach, with a primary focus on solutions rather than problems (McCashen, 2005).

The strength approach is based on the belief that all people have existing strengths and resources that can be used to improve their situation. “Identifying and appreciating strengths and capacities exposes stories that counter negative and unhelpful beliefs. These ‘strengths stories’ change the way we see problems, create positive expectations and give ideas about how to bring the changes we want” (McCashen, 2005. p, 9).
The problem is the problem, not the person. The strengths Approach involves moving from the more traditional focus on deficits and pathology to a focus on abilities and resources. Instead of focusing on clients' problems and deficits, skills and knowledge are mobilized as resources to serve principles that enable change abilities, talents, and resources (McCashen,