client think of something they ’ re looking forward to about the next day ; or if they have appreciation of beauty and excellence , urge them to enhance a regular activity such as noticing something different on their walk to the shop .
IMPROVED WELLBEING The more a client exercises their strengths , the more able they are to use them with efficacy in their daily interactions , and by using certain strengths , others are naturally enhanced . Using bravery as an example , a person with this strength might stand up for what they believe is right even if it ’ s unpopular . To do this successfully there ’ s an increased chance they ’ ll draw on strengths like humility and social intelligence . Here , the applied use of complementary strengths can be beneficial , serving to build resilience and improve wellbeing by broadening the repertoire of personal resources that are available to a client .
If a character strength doesn ’ t feature as a signature strength for a client , it doesn ’ t mean they don ’ t possess it , or that they won ’ t benefit from learning ways to use it . If clients are made aware that people have character strengths in different measures and are encouraged to identify them through their own observation , they can replicate the behaviours they feel would benefit them . For example , if they observe someone demonstrating persistence , they might admire how – despite having to work hard and overcome setbacks – a goal is achieved . They could in turn decide it ’ s worth persisting at something they find challenging .
Practitioners can also match strengths to areas that a client may indicate they ’ re struggling with or want to enhance . As an example , if a client reports they often feel bored , it could be suggested they engage in an activity that will draw on the strengths of curiosity and creativity . If they feel socially awkward , they could be introduced to interventions that use the character strengths of teamwork , perseverance , and bravery to help them become more comfortable in social settings .
CONFIDENCE In recovery , encountering difficulty remains a fact of life . Awareness and regular use of character strengths not only builds resilience , but can help maintain an overall better mood and instil confidence . There are some character strengths that seem well suited to this . Forgiveness , for example , can help someone avoid developing anger towards another person when they perceive an injustice , and acting with honesty and fairness provides an effective way of maintaining a morally just stance in difficult situations . Using strengths such as these help an individual act with integrity , enabling them to take responsibility for their own actions , both good and bad .
Recent research has shown that people in addiction recovery are more likely to exhibit certain strengths than those seen in general populations . This suggests that some character strengths hold a particular significance to addiction recovery , and that they ’ re developed because of their importance to the process of change and safeguarding future recovery . These strengths are kindness , humour , honesty , fairness , and teamwork – encouraging identification with these five strengths will help people cultivate qualities that
CHARACTER STRENGTHS
The exact combination and extent to which an individual possesses each character strength is unique to them . Someone ’ s five predominant strengths are known as signature strengths , and by using them people can perform better , improve their wellbeing and achieve greater life satisfaction . The 24 strengths fall into six categories – wisdom , courage , humanity , justice , temperance , and transcendence . These categories are known as virtues , and the use of each strength is an expression of its virtue . So , for example , perspective and justice are an expression of wisdom , and honesty and perseverance show courage .
have been shown as inherently important to recovery .
PRACTICE AND DEVELOPMENT At Acorn Recovery Projects , clients are encouraged to recognise , practise , and develop their signature strengths . To achieve this each client completes the VIA character strength survey and based on the results a personalised profile is created for them . This individualised profile explains their signature strengths , gives reasons why they ’ re important in recovery and offers suggestions on how to practise and further develop them . This intervention is complemented with a strengths-spotting workshop which encourages clients to recognise their own strengths and those in others too .
This sets the foundation for clients to appreciate they have intrinsic positive qualities that they can feel pride in using , and gives them the reassurance that they are able to constructively support their recovery by doing so . It also allows for appreciating positive attributes in others , which helps cultivate healthy and supportive relationships that are based on mutual respect . Having completed the character strengths interventions , clients report feeling more optimistic and confident in their own abilities for their future recovery .
Lisa Ogilvie is a counsellor at Acorn Recovery Projects , and a doctoral student at the University of Bolton specialising in addiction recovery and wellbeing .
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