Utilizing Strengths-Based Treatment with Forensic Populations

When providing treatment for forensic populations, the major focus is on the crime that led to being ordered into treatment.  Though this is a crucial component of any treatment program, it's not the only part that should be addressed.  As in any therapeutic environment, the goal is to help the client develop skills and coping strategies to create a healthier lifestyle.

It's simply not enough to tell a person what they shouldn't do.  We must begin teaching skills that focus on what TO DO.  In many cases, clients are unaware of their skill set and strengths.  Teaching a client to access his/her strengths can help him/her find employment, social support, and resources that compliment them rather than create more problems.  

If you work with forensic populations (court ordered clients that are required to attend counseling), ask yourself: how much time do I spend focusing on increasing my client's strengths? 

If the answer is "zero", I would challenge you to implement some form of strengths-based focus into your practice.  Finding a balance between accountability (and focusing on the behavior that led to the referral) and moving forward (developing the skills to prevent recidivism) is key to long term success.