Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) focuses on relationship building through appreciating what is,
envisioning what might be, and discussing and planning for what is desired. AI is
recognized by three traits: 1) the value placed on discovering the best about people, places
and things, 2) the use of life-giving forces to build on the positive core, and 3) the
recognition of value, worth, hope and opportunities waiting to be discovered through inquiry
(Stavros & Torres, 2005). AI includes four phases: discover, dream, design and destiny
(Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). AI allows mental health care practitioners to practice
person-centered care working with individuals to focus on the “best” of the past, to bring out
their “Positive Core” and move those forward into their present and future.