Strengths-Based Assessment Paper

disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated in primary care (Harbin, 2003). This indicates that while treatments are available for mental illness, there are provider and system-level barriers to the effective delivery of these services. Respect, ensuring inclusion and full participation of consumers in all aspects of their lives is crucial in achieving recovery. Giving respect to aid in recovery is respectful communication and behavior and using person first language. Respect is understanding that mental illness knows no cultural or ethnic boundaries thus providers must consider cultural humility and be sensitive to the beliefs and customs of the community (Pratt et al., 2011). Inclusion in professional and social staff activities is important …show more content…
The discovery or rediscovery of strengths and resources by individuals increases the likelihood that they will have a higher quality of life ultimately (Graybeal, Moore, & Cohen, 1995). The strengths assessment recognizes the existence of problems and obstacles, but the goal is to identify usable personal and environmental strengths that can be utilized to conquer these problems and focus on progressing activities, aspirations, and interests (Rapp & Goscha, 2012b). Often, an individual who seeks treatment confines their view of self to their pathology. In the case of the strengths based assessment, the individual is encouraged through a working relationship with the practitioner to paint a “holistic portrait” of the individual (Rapp & Goscha, 2012a). The outcome of the portrait is a process; a building of relationship between the practitioner and the individual that is grounded on empathy, understanding, and viewing each other as distinct individuals. The strengths based assessment is essentially the belief that every individual, regardless of experience, has strengths and