Using strength-based models, this essay will endeavour to explain and discuss the interrelationship between practice and theory, and also how practice shapes theory and vice versa. Firstly it will define and discuss what theory is, the underpinning relationship they have in shaping perspectives, and models. Secondly, what is strength-based theory, and identify two strength-based perspectives, those being task-centred and solution-focused. Also, how these perspectives would benefit a family experiencing poverty. Lastly, it will summarise key points within the essay.
What is a Theory? According to Payne (2014, P. 5) “Theories are a generalized set of ideas that describe and explain our knowledge of the world in an organized way”. Theory is …show more content…
It focuses on the individuals/families problems and emphasises tasks that are joint responsibilities for both the client and social worker (Walsh, 2005). A social worker working within this perspective with a family that is experiencing poverty would focus on the problem, in this case the problem being that the parents are unemployed. In order to make the family feel successful and motivated, the social worker might break down resolving the problem into smaller tasks, with deadlines and contracts. One of the first tasks might be getting the parents to write out a contract stating what the problem is, what their goal is, and the time frame they would like to achieve it in (Marsh, Doel, & Community Care (Organization: Great Britain),2005). By identifying the problem the social worker will then be able to set out tasks for the parents to work on either together or individually. This approach may be criticised due to the initial focus on problems rather than strengths, however the main goal is to work toward the objective (moving out of poverty through employment) by completing the tasks or steps agreed (Teater, …show more content…
It is an evidence-based model which frequently utilises a ‘miracle question’ asked in the very first session with a client. The question, ‘if you went home, went to bed and woke up in the morning and a miracle had happened, how, would you know a miracle had happened and how would you feel?’ focuses the client on the future (De Shazer, 2000). In the case of a family in poverty, a social worker using a solution-focused approach would first focus on employment as the solution. The social worker will help identify strengths within the family, friends and wider community. They will also look at their current situation, for example inquiring if they are on the correct benefit or if they are receiving all of their entitlements from Work and Income. However, there are also criticisms of this perspective, one is that by highlighting the positives or strengths of the client it could persuade the client to minimise or deny the problem, thus resulting in the client feeling discouraged from sharing valuable information (Macdonald, 2007). Is a solution-focused approach therefore too optimistic in an economic recession for our family living in poverty? With employment as the solution, the ability to realistically get a job in these times is much less likely. Despite this, solution-focused therapy is an excellent intervention and can be combined with other treatments safely (Iveson,
What is a Theory? According to Payne (2014, P. 5) “Theories are a generalized set of ideas that describe and explain our knowledge of the world in an organized way”. Theory is …show more content…
It focuses on the individuals/families problems and emphasises tasks that are joint responsibilities for both the client and social worker (Walsh, 2005). A social worker working within this perspective with a family that is experiencing poverty would focus on the problem, in this case the problem being that the parents are unemployed. In order to make the family feel successful and motivated, the social worker might break down resolving the problem into smaller tasks, with deadlines and contracts. One of the first tasks might be getting the parents to write out a contract stating what the problem is, what their goal is, and the time frame they would like to achieve it in (Marsh, Doel, & Community Care (Organization: Great Britain),2005). By identifying the problem the social worker will then be able to set out tasks for the parents to work on either together or individually. This approach may be criticised due to the initial focus on problems rather than strengths, however the main goal is to work toward the objective (moving out of poverty through employment) by completing the tasks or steps agreed (Teater, …show more content…
It is an evidence-based model which frequently utilises a ‘miracle question’ asked in the very first session with a client. The question, ‘if you went home, went to bed and woke up in the morning and a miracle had happened, how, would you know a miracle had happened and how would you feel?’ focuses the client on the future (De Shazer, 2000). In the case of a family in poverty, a social worker using a solution-focused approach would first focus on employment as the solution. The social worker will help identify strengths within the family, friends and wider community. They will also look at their current situation, for example inquiring if they are on the correct benefit or if they are receiving all of their entitlements from Work and Income. However, there are also criticisms of this perspective, one is that by highlighting the positives or strengths of the client it could persuade the client to minimise or deny the problem, thus resulting in the client feeling discouraged from sharing valuable information (Macdonald, 2007). Is a solution-focused approach therefore too optimistic in an economic recession for our family living in poverty? With employment as the solution, the ability to realistically get a job in these times is much less likely. Despite this, solution-focused therapy is an excellent intervention and can be combined with other treatments safely (Iveson,