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Strengths-Based Models in Social Work
Strengths-Based Models in Social Work
Strengths-Based Models in Social Work
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According to Saleebey (2013), strength perspective focus on the client potential instead of their problems and pathologies. Strength perspective means that social work practice has to concentrate on identifying the clients’ strength, abilities, and resources, in order to help the clients with their issues and goals. The dissimilarities between using a strengths-based approach and a pathology- or problem-based approach are that strength-based approach it’s all about collaboration and pathology is about the interventions. Basically, pathology identifies what is going wrong, to be able to increase strengths. For instance, a social work practice has to figure out “what is the problem with his/ her client”? Also, an assessment to help the client
The strengths perspective is based on the fact that everyone have the capacity for change, adaptation, and growth (Rogers, 2013). In order to change the course of his life Antwone joined the Navy to change his surroundings that had not been too pleasant. One of Antwone’s main strengths was that he was honest with himself and others even when it came to sensitive issues such as depression and mood swings. The strengths perspective also basically states that people are experts on their problems and circumstances so they can logically help develop solutions to their problems as well. This is definitely apparent in Finding Fish, because with the help of Lieutenant Commander Williams, Antwone knew that they could resolve problems from his
me from stealing it from them. I am quite quick at running so I would
Social workers address people’s problems every day, but it’s the identification of people’s strengths that provides clues for how to solve their problems and improve their life situations (Saleeby, 2013, pp.17-20).
Practice: Purpose, Principles, and Applications in a Climate of System’s Integration. In Saleebey, D. (Ed.), The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. Fourth Ed. 171-196. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
That is, looking at a person holistically in order to determine what skills, networks, or resources a person might have in order to face a challenge. In this instance, Charo’s strength outweighed her weakness. Even though her husband tried to break her down and she was mandated as if she wasn’t the victim; in which the student thinks that feeling was ineffective to the client. It made her feel more of how she was already feeling, like a victim. Charo still remained strong and cooperative for her children; to seek some help to get out of her domestic relationship. As stated in the reading, “She continued to attend the group sessions for support and found new friends who had become a support network for her. She also completed a financial empowerment program, which further taught her how to manage her finances” (Plummer & Brocksen, 2014). This implies strength in Charo to be able to turn her life around and gain the support she needed, because without her strength and willingness to get help none of this would have been
Utilizing strengths based perspective with clients enables social workers to focus on the client and family strengths and abilities instead of focusing on the client and family’s problems, bad behaviors and pathologies. The strengths based perspective applies six principles that guide the social worker professional in assisting client’s with the strengths based model; we all have areas of strength, but sometimes it takes an unbiased third party to notice and help others clearly see what they are capable of achieving, even in the midst of their crisis.
The generalist model in the social work profession was drawn from a social system’s theory in the late 1960 's due to the complexities of problems and challenges faced by human beings. It was needed to assist social workers in assessing and interviewing clients. Rather than make the client fit the model, the generalist model seeks to find the approach that best fits the client, as well as emphasizing respect for client self-determination and the use of client strengths with empowerment as an expected client system outcome. A generalist practice model is used in all areas of social work field in ethical and effective helping based on the eco-systems perspective using problem-solving strategies and practice skills requiring a strengths perspective
However, in some ways the approach seems that it neglects important components in how children can learn from their mistakes. The synonyms for strength are courage, power, stability and main force, it is these words that help provide children with the ability to move forward. Using the Strengths Approach can in some ways help children to see past their weaknesses and strive to develop on their strengths but in order to find your strengths you must test out and find the gap between them. “Simply focusing on people’s strengths is not enough to liberate people from oppressive realities” (McCashen, 2005, p. 2). The approach hides the ability to sort out the weakness and “not able to give a complete picture of a child” (DEECD, 2012, p. 8) therefore the approach is designed to neglect the areas in need of further
The first is social worker competence, which is if the social worker has the correct skills and training needed for the job. Second, “a lack of realistic professional expectations” (Kanter, p. 291) meaning a social worker who goes into it thinking they can save the world is more likely to develop compassion fatigue. The third factor is “cumulative countertransference responses from a caseload of clients with similar difficulties” (Kanter p. 292). The fourth factor is “Some clients elicit ubiquitous countertransference responses which tend to affect most social workers in a similar manner. For example, a chronically suicidal client can elicit intense feelings of helplessness among workers throughout an agency. A particularly unkempt client can elicit disgust and revulsion in most workers” (Kanter p. 292). For the last two factors, they both mean that it is inevitable that some transference and countertransference is bound to happen. If a social worker consistently takes cases where there is like trauma, they are going to take on the feelings of their clients. If a worker consistently has a client who has feelings of helplessness, as many children will have those feelings, they will be projected onto the worker. Lastly, “some clients elicit idiosyncratic countertransference responses which have a unique impact of specific workers” (Kanter, p. 292).
Implementing the strength based model allows for those to see the opportunities of growth, solutions, and hope within people. It takes the focus off the problem, labeling, and stigmatize people in poor communities. The approach is only successful when and if all those in the community including health services and care providers come together to make an effort to educate and make people aware of how to go about becoming resourceful during crisis or how to deal with life obstacles, challenges before they occur. This will make people more prepared and will keep them from falling into the system when life stressors
My strengths definitely stem from my passion about helping others and social work. Becoming a mother and overcoming tough challenges is also a strength of mines. That experience made me stronger and shaped who I am today. I definitely intend to encourage my clients that anything is possible and you can do anything that you set your mind to do. Being around my family and the obstacles that we have overcome has definitely gave me a broader perspective of life and the situations that current that can impacts us in many ways. As a social worker it is important to listen, communicate, build rapport with boundaries with our clients in order to be an effective social worker. Being a social worker requires certain core skills. Many of these I learn during my education and internships, others I have learned from different areas of my life. You are required to orient yourself to the ethical codes for social work in order to provide top-notch services to the people you treat in therapy. You may also find it helpful to understand common elements of good therapy. Certainly there are many different skills and traits that you help you succeed as a social worker. Some of the main skills that will help you in the counseling profession include,
As an upcoming social worker I understand there are certain traits I portray that are strengths in the social work field. I also understand that were there are strengths, there are weaknesses. I did not realize what my strengths and weaknesses were until I began to practice in the field. Some strengths I have found in myself are good listening skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and time management skills. Along with those strengths I have found my weaknesses are speaking what I believe about a situation, procrastination, and taking on too much responsibility.
47). Social workers advise clients how to attain resources, rather than just providing them. The idea is to include clients in their journey to success and feel a sense of control in their life. I personally believe encouraging empowerment is a critical aspect of a social worker’s roles and responsibility. Engaging clients in setting their own goals is essential, and ultimately more beneficial to them. Clients should be able to access resources on their own; additionally, they can use the assistance of friends, families, communities, and organizations. One of the core values of a social worker is, Importance of human relationships. According to the NASW, “Social workers engage people as partners in the helping process” (The National Association, “n. d.”). Empowerment and advocacy are closely connected. I want to advocate for clients, furthermore, I want clients to be able to advocate for
Strength is a term with many definitions. What does strength mean? Anyone can sit down and start to write down their strengths but, how many different types of strengths are there? There are personal strengths, mental strengths, and spiritual strengths that all have a positive effect on people’s lives. Throughout life, strength is what helps overcome the problems we face. Strength is defined by Dictionary.com as “a good or beneficial quality or attribute of a person or thing.” No matter what kind of strength different people in society have; strength is something gained through personal experiences and life. Strength is having the mind set to overcome all of life’s challenges and battles.
Weick, A., Rapp, C., Sullivan, W., & Kisthardt, W. (1989). A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice. Social Work, 34(4), 350-354.