The Strengths Perspective in Social Work
In social work practice the strengths perspective centers on the client’s abilities, talents and resources rather than their problems and deficits. The main objective of this approach is for the social worker to concentrate exclusively on identifying, drawing out and building on the clients’ strengths to assist them with their challenges and what there are trying to achieve. Although this perspective has been the focus for social work, other professionals can also utilize this practice to help their clients, employees and patients attain positive outcomes.
To best understand the theory of this practice, Saleebey explains it as “The strengths perspective demands a different way of looking at individuals, families and communities. All must be seen in the light of their capacities, talents, competencies, possibilities, visions, values and hope, however dashed and distorted these may have become through circumstance, oppression, and trauma”( Saleebey, 1996). Using one’s strengths to overcome whatever the situation at hand maybe has become an effective …show more content…
Social workers rely on the information that the client shares in order to help the client. Included in this information, it is important to help the client identify what strengths they have that can be built on. Individuals normally don’t think of outside entities as “their” strengths. But utilizing all of the positive aspects around you can also empower you. Family, community, friends, and colleagues just to name a few. Using your abilities, knowledge and other positive qualities that can be put to use to solve problems is principally the premise for the Strengths Perspective. While social workers have made obtaining the client’s strengths an intricate part of their assessment, the information that is conveyed need to be used as part of the process not just as
In social work practice the strengths perspective centers on the client’s abilities, talents and resources rather than their problems and deficits. The main objective of this approach is for the social worker to concentrate exclusively on identifying, drawing out and building on the clients’ strengths to assist them with their challenges and what there are trying to achieve. Although this perspective has been the focus for social work, other professionals can also utilize this practice to help their clients, employees and patients attain positive outcomes.
To best understand the theory of this practice, Saleebey explains it as “The strengths perspective demands a different way of looking at individuals, families and communities. All must be seen in the light of their capacities, talents, competencies, possibilities, visions, values and hope, however dashed and distorted these may have become through circumstance, oppression, and trauma”( Saleebey, 1996). Using one’s strengths to overcome whatever the situation at hand maybe has become an effective …show more content…
Social workers rely on the information that the client shares in order to help the client. Included in this information, it is important to help the client identify what strengths they have that can be built on. Individuals normally don’t think of outside entities as “their” strengths. But utilizing all of the positive aspects around you can also empower you. Family, community, friends, and colleagues just to name a few. Using your abilities, knowledge and other positive qualities that can be put to use to solve problems is principally the premise for the Strengths Perspective. While social workers have made obtaining the client’s strengths an intricate part of their assessment, the information that is conveyed need to be used as part of the process not just as