Article excerpts

Summary of A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice
by Ann Weick, et al (1989)

Historically, social work has focused on human weaknesses and problems in its practice. This problems-focused approach has several downsides, and adopting a strengths perspective could be beneficial.

When helping people professionally, many practitioners focus mainly on their clients' problems. This approach has pitfalls. Professionals will name a client's problem in an effort toward solving it, but categorizing people does not necessarily reveal their real struggles. Plus, the problem is named in the professional's language, not the client's. Furthermore, if for instance alcoholism is the problem, the professional will seek specifically to help the client stop drinking. While seemingly logical, this approach actually draws the problem into the solution by making alcohol the center of the problem and the treatment. Essentially, the problems-focused approach makes professional help “an emergency room, where wounded people come to be patched up” (p. 352). Concentrating on problems does not help people grow.

A strengths perspective focuses on helping people to see and appreciate their strengths. This approach is appropriate considering the mission of social work, which includes respecting everybody's worth and dignity and wanting people to be able to realize their potential of being individually-fulfilled and socially contributive (Smalley, p. 1). All people have a wide range of talents and skills, and nobody uses their gifts to full capacity. The strengths perspective chooses to focus on what abilities clients have used and succeeded with. Professionals emphasize achievements, which can stimulate clients to new growth and at least help them to continue using their already realized strengths. Professionals affirm clients' ability to grow. Taking a strengths perspective involves asking clients questions that help them see their own resilience amongst conflict and recognize their own resources. The professional using a strengths perspective “thus becomes a translator who helps people see that they already possess much of what they need to proceed on their chosen path” (p. 354).

Source: Adapted from Weick, A., Rapp, C., Sullivan, P., & Kisthardt, W. (1989). “A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice.” National Association of Social Workers, Inc. 350-354.


Summary of An Ecological Approach to Abuse and Violence
by James W. Maddock, Ph.D.

An ecological perspective involves seeing everything in life as a process. Taking this perspective on relationships means looking at how everything is interrelated and realizing that human interaction is complicated.

The ecological approach is growth-oriented. Instead of focusing on pathology, people are encouraged to use their own resources and strengths to improve their lives. People can experience positive growth and change in a relationship. Divorce is not the automatic response to domestic abuse but a possible result of working through issues.

An ecological approach to abuse and violence offers insight for understanding and preventing victimization. A delicate balance exists between the sources of victimization and our efforts at prevention. People are impressionable beings. When violence occurs, it reflects upon the larger society.

Environmental ecologists consider the effects on the environment when building a factory or town. Similarly, when intervening in domestic violence, preservation of marriage, family, and/or community should be considered. These are complex situations with complicated origins that require complicated solutions. Social context, relationship issues, and psychological issues must all be taken into consideration.

The ecological approach improves the effectiveness of interventions. To maximize their effectiveness, people in the helping profession should distinguish which role they are taking and not step outside of that role.

Distinguishing intervention processes:

• Advocacy: taking a stand on behalf of people, ideas, or causes
• Management: looking on a system as an outsider and manipulating it for its benefit
• Assessment: gathering information and applying expert knowledge to evaluate a client's problem
• Counseling: helping clients solve problems and achieve self-defined goals by using their own resources
• Therapy: helping clients develop new resources for solving their problems

Source: James W. Maddock, Ph.D.