The approach to strengths or strengths in therapy

Systemic therapy, also known as family therapy, focuses on the interactions and dynamics of family systems. Within this therapy, there are a series of techniques and approaches that are used to help families solve problems and improve their relationships. One of these approaches is the Starts or strength technique, a strategy that is based on Highlight and take advantage of the strengths and resources the members of a family.

This type of approach or technique, although initially formulated within systemic therapy, is equally useful to extrapolate it to any other type of individual intervention.

Content

• What is the technique of strengths
• Application of the strength technique
  • 1. Strength identification
  • 2. Promotion and use of strengths
• Example of a case
  • References

What is the technique of strengths

The technique of strong sides seeks to modify the perception that a person or family members have on themselves and the others, highlighting the skills, talents, knowledge and positive contributions that each individual possesses. This technique is based on the idea that people tend to focus on the defects and problems of themselves or family members, and not on the positive strengths and contributions that they can provide.

This approach is usually applied in the therapeutic context by helping Identify their own strengths and recognize those of others. The therapist can use a series of strategies to ensure that members effectively visualize their strengths, such as asking open questions that help reflect on them, highlight the strengths observed during therapy, and encourage to recognize and appreciate their strengths and of others.

The main aspects and benefits of this technique are the following:

1. Strength identification: The therapist works with family members to identify the skills, talents, knowledge and resources they have. This may include individual strengths as well as strengths in family relationships and dynamics.
2. Promotion of strengths: Once the strengths have been identified, the therapist helps family members to use and develop these strengths to address problems and improve relationships.
3. Put a look in the positive instead of the negative: Instead of focusing solely on problems and difficulties, the therapist also focuses on positive things and achievements. This can help increase self -esteem and optimism, and can help family members to see their problems from a more balanced and constructive perspective.
4. Foster resilience and recovery capacity: The strength approach is useful for promoting resilience and recovery capacity, by helping people recognize and take advantage of their skills and resources to overcome challenges and adversities.

Focusing on strong sides in psychotherapy, as we see, it has several advantages. First, it helps Change the narrative in the person and family. Instead having a problematic or deficit concept of oneself and others, a more positive vision is promoted, with unique skills and talents that can contribute to the well -being of the family system. This helps increase self -esteem and sense of belonging, and can improve family dynamics and interactions.

Secondly, the focus on strong sides can help Develop and use their own resources to overcome challenges and solve problems. By recognizing and appreciating their strengths, people are more able to use these strengths to face day -to -day life difficulties and challenges.

Application of the strength technique

The application of the strong sides technique is a process consisting of two steps. The first step is the identification of strengths, and the second step is the promotion and use of these strengths within the family context.

1. Strength identification

In order to identify the strengths, the therapist must be attentive and be perceptual to recognize the strengths and skills of each family member. This may require careful observation of family interactions, as well as active listening and reflexive questions.

For example, a therapist may notice that a family member shows great patience when handling the challenging behavior of a child, or can observe that another family member has a special talent to relieve tension and encourage laughter and joy. These are strengths that can be highlighted and valued.

Likewise, the therapist can help family members recognize their own strengths, asking questions that encourage them to reflect on their skills and successes. For example, I might ask: "How have you managed to handle this difficult situation?"or" What skills have you used to overcome this challenge?".

What are circular questions in systemic therapy

2. Promotion and use of strengths

Once the strengths have been identified, the next step is to promote and use these strengths within the family system. This can involve a variety of techniques and strategies, depending on the specific circumstances of the family.

For example, the therapist can encourage family members to express recognition and appreciation for the strengths of others. This can help foster an environment of respect and valuation, and can improve relationships between family members.

You can also help family members use their strengths to face problems and challenges. For example, if a family member has a great ability to resolve conflicts, the therapist could work with that person to use this ability in family conflict situations.

Although the technique of strong sides can be a powerful tool in systemic therapy, it must be used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques and approaches, and should always adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of each person or family.

Example of a case

Imagine a family composed of two parents and two teenage children. Parents are concerned about the behavior of one of the teenagers, who has been exhibiting a rebel and challenging behavior. In the therapy sessions, parents tend to focus on adolescent's problems, while the teenager feels misunderstood and criticized.

The therapist, using the technique of strong sides, decides to change the approach. During a session, the therapist tells the teenager: "I have noticed that despite your problems at home and at school, you always make sure you take care of your pet. You take care of feeding her, walking and playing with her every day. That shows great responsibility and empathy ".

Then, the therapist addresses the parents and tells them: "They may be concerned about their child's behavior, but it is important that they also see their strong side. It is evident that it can be very responsible and considered. Could they think of other situations that these strengths have seen in action?".

By highlighting this teenager's strength, the therapist not only helps change the family's narrative, but also promotes a sense of self -esteem and competition in adolescent. Parents can also begin to see their child from a more balanced and positive perspective, which can improve family dynamics and interactions.

In addition, the therapist could work with the family to see how they can use this strength of responsibility and empathy in other areas. For example, perhaps the teenager could assume more responsibilities at home, which could help improve their behavior and relationship with their parents.

This is an example of how the technique of strong sides can be applied in systemic therapy. The technique not only helps to highlight the strengths and skills of family members, but also uses them to promote change and improvement within the family system.

The structural model in systemic family therapy

References

• Minuchin, s., & Fishman, H. C. (1981). Family therapy techniques. Barcelona, ​​Spain: Paidós.
• Andolfi, m., Angelo, c., Menghi, p., & Nicolo-Corigliano, A. M. (1983). Family therapy: an interactive approach. Mexico: Economic Culture Fund.
• Satir, v. (1998). Step by step therapy. Barcelona, ​​Spain: Gedisa.
• Haley, j. (1991). The power tactics of Jesus Christ and other essays. Barcelona, ​​Spain: Paidós.
• Minuchin, s. (1974). Families and family therapy. Barcelona, ​​Spain: Gedisa.