Torture Survivors and their Power: Strengths-Based Treatment

Transcription

1 Torture Survivors and their Power: Strengths-Based Treatment Karen Hanscom, PhD Faith Ray Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (ASTT) Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD

2 Outline I. Theoretical Basis II. The Strengths-Based Model III. Questions

3 Strengths-Based Theory A model that was originally developed at the University of Kansas in the 1980 s. A framework for interactions and process A common or shared view, a way of seeing It is a way of seeing, viewing, conceptualizing, our clients, their environment, and situation.

4 Using Strengths-Based Treatment with Torture Survivors Torture takes away an individual s power. Using this model, WE do not take their power away again. Rather, we acknowledge the client s power

5 Factors in treatment: Learning from Research The most important the client s responsibility for change. What the client brings in terms of resilience, strengths, and social support (40% of success based on these). Client s perception of worker (30%) Quality of the relationship Is it warm, supportive, accepting, encouraging? Expectancy or placebo effect (15%).

6 Principles of the Strengths-Based Approach Each person has an innate capacity to improve her/his life. Each person is capable of making her/his own decisions. Treatment is based on the whole person and focuses on the healthy aspects of a client.

7 Role of Staff Staff can unleash the individual s strengths by: Encouraging Assisting Supporting Stimulating Dennis Saleebey: People are doing the best they can at the time that we see them; people have survived to this point and, change only occurs when you collaborate with the client s aspirations, perceptions, and strengths. AND when YOU firmly believe in them.

8 Basic Principals (Kisthardt, Walter) Initially: The helping process focuses on strengths, interests, abilities, knowledge and capabilities of each person. The helping relationship is one of collaboration, mutuality, and partnership Power with another, not power over another. Responsibility in recovery: The client is the director of the helping effort and we serve as caring consultants. Inherent capacity to learn, grow, change. The community as an oasis of potential resources.

9 Why Use Strengths-Based Approach with Torture Survivors? In clients, trauma causes insecurity, pessimism, and a sincere belief that one is powerless. This model ensures that the CLIENT has the power.

10 Strengths-Based Case Study

11 PROBLEM STRENGTHS RESOURCES Client doesn t have employment authorization Homelessness; hesitancy to ask for help from community Client has no access to public transportation Client is hardworking; desire for job once approved for work permit Control over situation; housing decision in his hands Resourcefulness: asking friends for help Created a resume with his case manager; he has started job searching CM gave client info on emergency homeless shelters/advised client to speak with community/church members about his situation Friends who can drive him when necessary; ASTT phone consulations

12 What is Required of You, the Care Provider? A shift in attitude toward clients. A change in our role with clients. We are at our best as helpers when we cast off the pretentious role of expert and join with our clients as colleagues and companions in the pursuit of all that is of consequence for a more reasonable life. Goldstein, Howard 1997 T July 2012

13 The Role of the Case Manager and Therapist The role is to help people empower themselves. Cowger, Charles et. Al 2004 Helping clients: discover solutions, make their own priorities and choices. What we think the client needs vs. What the client thinks s/he needs Flexibility, creativity Giving space for the client to take the lead.

14 The Healing Relationship Client Therapist Case Manager

15 The Strengths-Based Organization All elements of the program are aimed at keeping the power with the client. Role of the all staff Setting appointments Interactions within a session

16 The Wellness Plan I. Identifying the goal that the client wishes to achieve. II. Creating steps to reach the goal. III. Behavioral Objectives

17 Identifying the Goal Assist the client in determining what s/he needs or wants For example: Client says, I want to go places by myself. GOAL: To go out in public alone. SPECIFIC GOAL: I would like to go to the library to use the computer.

18 Creating Steps toward Goal What steps would be needed to go to the library to use the computer? Find location of library. Walk to bus stop. Take bus to location. Enter the library and look for Information Desk. Ask librarian for help with computer.

19 The Steps as Behavioral Objectives Each step/objective is specific, attainable, and realistic. A clear, unambiguous description of an expectation. The behavioral objective is: Written and has a target date Monitored at each session Three parts: Behavior Condition Criteria

20 The Behavior The behavior is the action or skill that the individual will be able TO DO. Actions: list search sleep attend choose walk go to the library listen call for a medical appointment

21 Conditions of Performance Circumstances or context: where when how with whom using what Example: Ms. S. will walk around her neighborhood alone.

22 Performance Criteria How often (once a week) By what date (1 week, before we meet)) How well (3 out of 7 days) Recorded Example: Ms. S will walk around her neighborhood alone three times a week and mark it on calendar.

23 Wellness Plan Behavior Condition Criteria Target Date Walk around the 3 out of 7 days 7/25 neighborhood

24 Summary Theoretical basis of the strengths-based model. The shift in provider attitude and role. Using the wellness plan as a framework for treatment.

25 Questions?

26 References Writing behavioral objectives: adprima.com The Strengths-Based Model: 1. Saleebey, Dennis. The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice, 4 th edition, Allyn and Bacon, 2006.