In this interactive, experiential webinar, participants learn the conceptual framework of Strengths-Based, Person-Centered practice. Providers also have the opportunity to

begin to develop their own Strengths Assessment and Person Wellness/Recovery Plan. This webinar promises to be educational, engaging, and enjoyable. Dr. Kisthardt incorporates music and poetry inspired by discussions with people who have the lived experience of mental illness and substance use disorders.

Objectives:

• Site the six principles of Strengths-Based, Person-Centered Practice
• Review the seven core helping functions of the approach
• Be able to integrate and apply the Person-Centered Strengths Assessment to guide and direct an individualized intervention.
• Utilize the Personal Wellness and Recovery Plan to document accomplishment of short-term goals and engage in continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention.

Presenter:

Dr. Walter Kisthardt is a Professor of Social Work at the MSW program at Park University. He is one of the original conceptual framers of the Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice and the Strengths Model of Case Management. He also serves as the Director of the Center for Research and Training in Integrated Behavioral Health at Park. He has provided training and technical assistance for many programs throughout Missouri, Kansas, and 43 states and four countries. In Kansas City, he provided training and evaluation for the FUTURES welfare reform project and the United Way, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation Homelessness Project in the 90’s. Dr. Kisthardt has also provided training for Ryan White case managers. He is currently collaborating with Truman Behavioral Health on a project to provide training in Strengths-Based, Person-Centered practice for persons with the lived experience of mental illness and co-occurring disorders who will assume roles as Peer Mentors. Those who have attended Dr. Kisthardt’s presentations have reported being validated in their work, being challenged to constantly strive to challenge themselves and their organizations to become ever-more creative and individualized in their collaboration and partnership with service participants, and to integrate humor, joy and hope into their holistic interventions. His BA is in Sociology and Social Work from Elizabethtown College, Pa. His MSW is from the University of Hawaii, and his Ph.D. in Social Work is from the University of Kansas.