Table of Contents

Foreword, Patricia Deegan Preface 1. History, Critique, and Useful Conceptions: Toward a Strengths Paradigm 2. A Beginning Theory of Strengths 3. The Purpose, Principles, and Research Results of the Strengths Model 4. Engagement and Relationship: A New Partnership 5. Strengths Assessment: Amplifying the Well Part of the Individual 6. Personal Planning: Creating the Achievement Agenda 7. Resource Acquisition: Putting Community Back into Community Mental Health 8. Supportive Case Management Context: Creating the Conditions for Effectiveness 9. Strengths Model Epilogue: Commonly Asked Questions (Objections) Appendix I. Spirit-Breaking Behaviors Appendix II. Hope-Inducing Behaviors Appendix III. Areas to Explore Through the Strengths Assessment Appendix IV. Quality Review of Strengths Assessment Appendix V. Strengths Model Core Competencies Evaluation Tool Appendix VI. Strengths Model Case Management Fidelity Scale References Index

About the Author

Charles A. Rapp, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Social Welfare and Research Professor at the University of Kansas and Director of the Office of Mental Health Research and Training. Richard J. Goscha, PhD, is Director of the Office of Mental Health Research and Training at the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare.

Reviews

"For those who have read the first edition, there is still enough new material here, with more examples of real case histories, to make this a must read text....Rapp and Goscha have achieved what they set out to do: setting out the values and principles and the theory of the Strengths Model, and describing real practices that implement this approach....I would strongly recommend it for social work practitioners in mental health services, but it should also be considered as mandatory reading for all social workers and every mental health discipline." --British Journal of Social Work "One of the strengths of this book is its wholehearted embrace of the importance of clinical research...This excellent book has much to offer to psychologists and other mental health professionals. It effectively challenges many of the tenets with which we have traditionally approached persons with psychiatric disabilities, and it provides a practical and alternative model for treating them. It is highly recommended in general, and in particular for those of us who work with persons with psychiatric disabilities."--PsycCRITIQUES "Case managers and those who supervise them will greatly benefit from this highly readable text. In all, its a book that needs to be read and that advocates methods that must be used."--Psychiatric Services "There is strength in vulnerability. This book teaches us that. In practical terms, it teaches us the concrete skills necessary for working with clients in real world settings from a strengths orientation. Additionally, empirical evidence is provided demonstrating that the strengths model is not just a good idea, but an effective intervention as well. The application of the strengths model makes a positive difference in the lives of real people in real world settings. Let's use it!" -- From the Foreword by Patricia E. Deegan, PhD, Pat Deegan PhD & Associates "Rapp and Goscha have enhanced us all by producing a new edition. Although the 'strengths' term has crept into mental health jargon, mental health professionals continue to have difficulty understanding what it means to align oneself with the person's strengths and to find strengths in the natural environment. The third edition of the book is even richer than the second edition in bringing these concepts to life, and it should be standard fare for all who do this work. Strengths case management is a practical and caring approach that we can all use." -- Robert E. Drake, MD, PhD, Andrew Thomson Professor of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School "This book, like the previous two editions, is essential reading for anyone wanting to get a clear and compelling picture of a strengths-based approach to practice or, more specifically here, the strengths model of case management with people with psychiatric disabilities. Richly fortified with examples of actual practice, as well as funded by ample research evidence of the efficacy of some of these practices, a mental health practitioner cannot help but come away from this book feeling empowered and enriched in both ideas and practices." -- Dennis Saleebey, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Social Welfare, University of Kansas "This book gives us a comprehensive understanding on the essence of the strengths model, both theoretically and practically. Conceptually speaking, Rapp and Goscha highlight the essential components of the strengths model, the theories and principles underlying the models, as well as its linkage with the recovery process of people recovering from mental illness." --China Journal of Social Work