How to do strengths-based therapy & interventions (With Examples)

Strengths-based therapy prioritizes clients’ strengths, talents, and resources. Instead of focusing on problems, therapists help clients feel empowered by identifying what’s already working and building on that. This approach helps clients strengthen resilience and increase self-efficacy, allowing them to cope with challenges using their own talents, skills, and abilities.

Strengths-based therapy is a positive, client-centered treatment rooted in the belief that people possess internal resources that can be harnessed to improve their well-being. Rather than focusing on problems, deficits, or diagnoses, this modality emphasizes what clients do well, identifying their abilities to enhance personal growth and improve their coping skills toolbox. Clients feel empowered when they recognize existing strengths, even when managing challenges.

Fundamental Principles of Strengths-Based Therapy?

Dennis Saleebey, a professor of social work, was primarily responsible for influencing and popularizing strengths-based therapy. Saleebey's work (2012) is considered foundational in developing this approach, drawing from positive psychology and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). These are the fundamental principles:

1. Clients are the experts in their own lives. Clients’ insights into their experiences, strengths, and solutions are highly valuable.
2. Focus on resources, not problems. The emphasis is on skills, resources, abilities, and coping mechanisms rather than weaknesses, problems, or symptoms.
3. Collaboration over direction. Therapy is a partnership, with the therapist guiding the client to recognize and build on their own strengths.
4. Future-oriented. Possibilities and potential are addressed—rather than ruminating on past issues.

How to Use Strengths-Based Therapy

Therapists can follow these steps to implement strengths-based therapy into their practices.

1. Identify Strengths Goal:Help the client recognize their existing strengths from the beginning of therapy. How:During the first session, ask open-ended questions to explore successes and coping strategies that previously worked for them. Example Questions:

• “Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and handled it well?”
• “What qualities or strengths helped you get through a tough situation in the past?”
• “What are some things people admire about you?”

Practice Example: If a client with anxiety says, “I’m always prepared for worst-case scenarios,” the therapist can reframe this as a strength: “So, it sounds like you have a strong ability to plan and anticipate challenges. That’s a valuable skill.”

2. Use Strengths-Based Language Goal:

Shift the client’s narrative toward self-empowerment. How:

Reframe negative language into strengths-based language. Examples:

• Instead of “I overthink everything,” reframe to: “You have a great ability to think things through from multiple angles.”
• Instead of “I’m too sensitive,” try: “You are deeply empathic and in tune with emotions—yours and others'.”

Subtle shifts in conversations and the words used help clients view themselves more positively, reducing self-criticism and encouraging them to build on their strengths.

3. Conduct a Strengths Inventory Goal:

Help clients develop awareness of their strengths. How:

Use a strengths inventory worksheet or structured exercise. Example:

Ask the client to list five things they are good at, five qualities they like about themselves, and five things others say they excel at. Review their answers and discuss how these strengths have served them in the past. Explore how these strengths can be applied to current challenges. For example, if a client lists “good at problem-solving,” discuss how to use this skill to manage marital issues.

4. Ask Solution-Focused Questions Goal:

Focus on what’s working rather than what’s wrong. How:

Incorporate solution-focused questions into therapy sessions. Example Questions:

• “What worked for you before in a similar situation?”
• “Can you think of a time when the problem wasn’t as intense? What was different?”
• “What small step can you take this week to achieve your goal?”

Example:

A client struggling with motivation might say, “I just don’t feel like I can do anything right now.” The therapist responds, “Can you think of a time when you could push through, even a little? What helped you then?”

5. Utilize Strengths-Based Goal Setting Goal:

Set achievable goals rooted in the client’s strengths. How:

Use the client’s identified strengths to shape their therapy goals.

Example:

If a client identifies creativity as a strength, the therapist might help them develop goals incorporating creative activities, such as journaling, art, or music, to manage stress.

SMART Goal Example:

“I will journal for 10 minutes, three times a week, to express my emotions.”

6. Spot Strengths During Sessions Goal:

Highlight and reinforce strengths when they appear naturally in conversation. How:

Actively listen for moments when clients demonstrate their strengths and call attention to them. Example:

If a client says, “I really wanted to cancel my plans, but I forced myself to go, and it was worth it,” the therapist can respond, “That shows resilience. You pushed through discomfort and followed through, which is no small feat.”

7. Use of Metaphors and Stories Goal:

Help clients see their strengths through storytelling. How:

Use metaphors or ask the client to reflect on their life as a narrative filled with moments of strength.

Example:

“Imagine your life as a movie. What scenes highlight your strength, resilience, or determination?” This exercise helps clients view their lives as stories in which they play active, empowered roles, reinforcing their sense of agency.

8. Group Therapy: Strengths Circles Goal:

Develop a strengths-based environment in group settings. How:

Create a group activity where members share strengths they’ve observed in one another. Example:

Ask each participant to write down a strength they’ve noticed in another group member. At the end of the session, participants read their notes aloud. This activity increases self-awareness and encourages mutual support.

9. Use Strengths to Reframe Challenges Goal:

Help clients reframe their challenges as opportunities to use their strengths. How:

Guide clients in viewing obstacles as areas where they can apply their unique abilities. Example:

If a client feels overwhelmed by their schedule, the therapist might say, “You’ve mentioned that you’re very organized. How could you use that skill to create a more manageable schedule?”

10. Assign Strength-Based Homework Goal:

Encourage clients to practice between sessions. How:

Assign small, strengths-based tasks as homework.

Example:

For a client who identified empathy as a strength, the therapist might suggest: “Over the next week, notice a time when you use empathy to help someone and journal about how it felt.” This assignment helps clients integrate their strengths into daily life, reinforcing their capability.

Common Challenges in Strengths-Based Therapy

While strengths-based therapy can be highly effective, it’s not without challenges. Some clients may struggle to see their own strengths, minimize their achievements, or feel uncomfortable balancing strengths with the need for personal growth. Here’s a review of these challenges and practical strategies to navigate them.

1. Struggling to Identify Strengths

Challenge: Some clients may find it difficult to recognize or articulate their strengths due to low self-esteem, past trauma, or cultural conditioning that discourages self-praise. They may genuinely feel they lack meaningful abilities or might be so focused on their problems they overlook their strengths.

Practical Strategies for Therapists

• Observation-Based Feedback: Pay close attention during sessions and point out strengths as they appear. For example, if a client shows persistence by attending therapy regularly despite challenges, say, “It takes commitment to keep showing up even when things feel tough.”
• Explore Daily Routines: Sometimes strengths are hidden in mundane activities. Ask, “What’s something you do daily that requires effort or problem-solving?” Clients might reveal they are great at organizing family schedules or handling stressful work situations—both valuable strengths.
• Strengths Spotting Exercise: Ask the client to recall positive feedback from friends, teachers, or colleagues. This allows them to identify strengths they weren’t aware of, like being a good listener or dependable under pressure.
• Use Metaphors: Frame strengths in approachable ways. For example, to highlight social strengths, tell a client, “You seem like a bridge-builder—you connect people easily. "

2. Minimizing Achievements

Challenge: Some clients dismiss their successes, saying things like, “It’s not a big deal,” or, “Anyone could’ve done it.” This tendency to downplay achievements can be rooted in perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or societal beliefs that discourage celebrating personal success.

Practical Strategies for Therapists

• Reframe Successes: When clients dismiss their achievements, reframe them in terms of effort or skill. For example, if a client says, “I just got lucky with that project,” respond with, “It sounds like you put in a lot of preparation and effort, and your hard work paid off.”
• Break It Down: Ask the client to walk through their steps to achieve something, even if they believe it was minor. This process often helps them see the specific skills and dedication involved. A client might say, “I only helped a friend move.” The therapist can highlight strengths like reliability, physical effort, and willingness to be supportive in stressful situations.
• Assign a Strengths Journal: Encourage clients to keep a “Strengths and Success Journal,” where they write down achievements and strengths they used each day, no matter how small. This helps build awareness over time.
• Challenge Minimizing Statements: When clients downplay their accomplishments, reflect on the achievement with curiosity. For example, ask, “Why do you think this isn’t a big deal? What would you say if a friend accomplished the same thing?”

3. Balancing Strengths with Areas for Growth

Challenge: While strengths-based therapy emphasizes abilities, it’s essential to also acknowledge areas for growth. A common challenge is maintaining a positive focus while helping clients improve in areas that need attention. Ignoring challenges entirely can leave clients feeling unprepared to address difficulties. On the other hand, focusing too much on strengths can make therapy feel superficial.

Practical Strategies for Therapists

• Strengths-Based Framing for Growth Areas: Instead of directly focusing on weaknesses, explore how clients can use their existing strengths to address challenges. For example, “You’ve mentioned you’re great at staying organized at work. How could that strength help you manage stress at home?”
• Identify Complementary Strengths: When working on growth areas, look for strengths that complement them. For instance, a client working on assertiveness might already possess empathy. You can say, “How do you think your empathy can help you communicate your needs effectively?”
• Use the “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” Approach: Acknowledge setbacks as part of the growth process, helping clients see that challenges don’t negate their progress. For example, “You had a tough week, but remember how far you’ve come. Every step forward matters, even when things feel difficult.”
• Assign a Strengths and Challenges Chart: Create a two-column chart where one side lists strengths, and the other side lists areas for improvement. Together, explore how the strengths in one column can support growth in the other. A client working on time management might list strengths like creativity and adaptability. You could help them see how those strengths can be leveraged using creative tools like visual planners to manage their time.

Additional Considerations

Cultural Sensitivity: Some clients may come from backgrounds where discussing personal strengths feels uncomfortable or culturally inappropriate. In these cases, it’s helpful to reframe strengths in terms of community contributions or relational qualities (e.g., “You’re someone who shows up for others” rather than “You’re very reliable”).

Watch for “Toxic Positivity”: Avoid invalidating a client’s struggles by focusing only on strengths. Balance is key—acknowledge the difficulty of their experiences while highlighting their resilience. For example, “It makes sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed. I also see how you’ve managed to get through tough days by staying connected with loved ones.”

Brief Case Study

Client Example: Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing professional, arrives at her first therapy session feeling burned out and unmotivated. She describes herself as “always needing to succeed” but feels exhausted by the pressure. She reports that recently, she has felt depressed, experienced poor sleep, and lacks an appetite.

Therapist’s Approach

1. Identify Strengths: The therapist asks Sarah to reflect on a recent success, and she shares how she organized a complex work project. The therapist shares a strengths-based assessment that Sarah completes during the session.
2. Reframe Language: The therapist points out Sarah’s strengths in project management and attention to detail.
3. Set Strengths-Based Goals: Together, they develop a goal of using Sarah’s organizational skills to structure her personal life more effectively, such as meal planning, establishing a bedtime routine, and creating time for exercise.
4. Solution-Focused Questions: The therapist asks Sarah, “What worked for you before when you felt unmotivated?” Sarah recalls how journaling helped her in the past, so they included journaling in her self-care plan.

Conclusion

Strengths-based therapy shifts the focus from fixing problems to building on what’s already working. Therapists empower clients to create meaningful change in their lives by identifying and leveraging clients' strengths. Whether through solution-focused questions, goal setting, or simple language shifts, this approach helps clients feel more capable and resilient.

Therapists who incorporate these strategies into their practice will support growth and help clients build a sustainable sense of self-worth—one rooted in strengths, not shortcomings.

Reference

Saleebey, D. (2012). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice, 6th Edition (2012). Pearson.