Although the literature includes growing reference to the strengths perspective paradigm, there is continued emphasis on pathology and deficit in actual clinical practice. While there are various reasons for this gap, the focus on pathology is particularly prevalent and damaging in work with culturally diverse groups. The core elements of the strengths perspective and of brief treatment are both discussed in this paper. The components of both cross cultural and strengths perspective approaches are discussed and contrasted with the pathologizing of culturally diverse populations. Two cases of African-American clients are then presented which demonstrate clinical use of the strengths perspective within the brief treatment paradigm where the workers focus on strengths rather than pathology with positive treatment outcomes.

Robert Chazin

THE STRENGTHS PERSPECTIVE IN BRIEF TREATMENT WITH CULTURALLY DIVERSE CLIENTS

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