The United States incarceration rate is the highest in the world. Most research involving individuals with criminal involvement history focuses on predictors of recidivism versus factors contributing to success post-release. Post-release successes are important considerations to inform strengths-based approaches to working with this population. In this qualitative study, perspectives of males convicted of a violent offense in the United States who did not recidivate at least three-years-post release from incarceration were explored. Utilizing narrative inquiry, six participants shared their stories of how they avoided returning to a correctional facility. Through narrative analysis, the researchers identified five themes across participant stories: (a) knowledge as power, (b) paychecks after prison, (c) using to belong, (d) connections, and (e) transformational thinking. This study provides a strengths-based perspective when working with formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs). Implications for counselors and counselor educators are provided.

美国的监禁率是世界上最高的。大多数涉及具有犯罪参与历史的个人的研究都集中于累犯的预测因素以及释放后成功的因素。发行后的成功是重要的考虑因素，有助于为基于优势的方法与该人群打交道。在这项定性研究中，探讨了在美国被定罪为暴力罪行，至少在释放后三年内没有被判刑的男性的观点。六位参与者利用叙事探究分享了他们如何避免重返教养所的故事。通过叙事分析，研究人员确定了参与者故事中的五个主题：（a）知识就是力量，（b）入狱后的薪水，（c）使用归属，（d）联系，（e）变革思维。这项研究为与先前被监禁者（FIP）合作时提供了基于优势的观点。提供了对辅导员和辅导员教育者的启示。