Assessment and Utilization of Patient Strengths in Acute Care Treatment Planning

An approach is presented for using strengths to assist hospital treatment planning. Behavioural correlates of nonsymptomatic “coping moments” are uncovered by strength-focused interviewing. These coping-related behaviours then become treatment goals that emphasize the presence of adaptive coping rather than the absence of maladaptive symptoms. The cases of a 28-yr-old suicidal woman & a middle-aged depressed women are detailed. (10 refs.)