Assessment and utilization of patient strengths in acute care treatment planning.

Abstract

Strength-focused assessment and treatment planning are presented as a partner to diagnostic evaluation of symptoms, syndromes, and clinical history. It is not advocated as a replacement, but as an extension of what we now do. However, we must not underestimate the new attitude inherent in the search for barely visible coping moments and coping momentum. It's a new attitude more than a new technique for both the patient and the practitioner.