5 Column Approach : A Tool for Strength Based Work

We do better when we build from what we do well. We do better when we work from our strengths. We mostly know this about ourselves, but how do we put it into practice? Working from a strengths based approach does not always come easily and naturally to everyone, yet it can be life changing for both the facilitator and the person being assisted. One of the  tools I have found helpful is the 5 Column approach. Developed by St Lukes  I have found it an effective tool to guide and assist myself, and others to identify steps for change. For more about the strengths approach I recommend a book I have found very useful: “The Strengths Approach: a strengths-based resource for sharing power and creating change” by Wayne McCashen.  Along with information on developing and working from a strengths based approach in a very practical way, it also contains an explanation with examples of the 5 column approach in action. While…

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Read more about the article A Pink Bunny, Creativity and Brain Injury
Pink Rabbit Sculpture

A Pink Bunny, Creativity and Brain Injury

This image inspired me to write about creativity. It reminded me that creativity is possible for each of us, whatever our talents, whatever our limitations. Sometimes it just takes someone to encourage and support us to give it a go. This all came about a while back, when visiting family. I spotted this wonderful ceramic sculpture displayed on a bookshelf. Now each time I visit, I seek it out, it captures me. I see it is a kind of stylized standing rabbit, pink, big-eyed and delightful. You can see it here for yourself. When I asked about the artist I discovered it was a 6 year old girl. My further surprise was to learn this young artist lives with a significant and serious physical disability, and vision impairment.   Creative Endeavours The wonderful sculpture was created because family and supporters assisted and encouraged a young girl, with a severe disability, to be creative. I thought of other people I knew who had…

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Read more about the article Contributing after Brain Injury.
Image by Lotte Grønkjær

Contributing after Brain Injury.

What if we changed our thinking? What if we focussed more on what a person could be contributing after brain injury? Rather than what's going wrong and what help is needed? Today I am going to indulge an idea I have nurtured for a long time. The idea of supporting people living with brain injury who wish to give, or contribute to find a way. It has been prompted by the giving frenzy that accompanies many people celebrating Christmas, and an article in DailyGood. The topic on DailyGood that caught my eye was “The Neuroscience of Why Gratitude Makes Us Healthier”. The article talks about how doing good, and being thankful can impact our health – in a good way. We hear how giving and contributing are good for us. How it helps build communities. Generally we humans like to be, and to feel, useful. Mostly we get a kick out of doing something for others. [box size="large" style="rounded" border="full"]I remember a story…

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CAN DO! Strengths and Brain Injury.

Build on the CAN DO instead of focussing on the CAN’T DO.  Great idea. Work from the strengths and abilities rather than problems a person has. Wonderful. What about when a person has a brain injury? Yup, seems a great way to work. What does it look like in action? How do I do it? If you are having these kinds of thoughts and questions, about supporting a person from a strengths approach, join me in the learning. If you already have an understanding – please share some of your insights with us. For most of us focusing on strengths, rather than solving problems, is not our natural way, yet we know it is a great way to enable people to achieve their best. Think about your own life. Who amongst us says “Well these are all my faults, I am going to make those really obvious and concentrate on them”?  No!  We usually work to hide our faults and shine up…

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