Use of the Offender's Strengths in Psychotherapy

Abstract

Initial impressions may be quite deceptive in the diagnosis and treatment of the offender. It is most important not only to evaluate his outer, obvious defenses, but also to be sensitive to subtle, barely detectable qualities that may represent strengths important to a therapeutic alliance and subsequent successful psychotherapy. These strengths or "islands of maturity" may respond to encouragement and grow into strong bases on which to develop other useful but weaker personality traits. Clin.ical examples include the diagnosis and treatment of an alcoholic prostitute. Supposedly hard and regarded as "untreatable," she forms a good therapeutic alliance with the physicians and patient members of an alcoholism clinic group because traces of her "sweetness" and self-respect are perceived, respected, and welcomed by both the doctors and the patients. Thus, her self-respect and self-love are strengthened, her ability to carry out a contract is revived, her confidence in her judgment is restored, and she is able then to build a more realistic and satisfying of life. Other examples of successful and unsuccessful therapy are included, as well as a discussion of the therapist's strengths or weaknesses.