Many may choose to focus on Ms. Phim’s multitude of problems. However, as social workers, it is our duty to empower our clients and emphasize their strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses. In social work, SP is used to “sprinkle some hope into the incessant focus on problems and maladjustment, stress, and adversity” (Norman, 2000). For our profession, a strength stance is said to be an alternative to the typical approach of focusing on the “three D’s, which are deficit, disease, and dysfunction” (Norman, 2000). The benefit of using the SP with refugees is that “refugees do not consider themselves to be mental health patients and they consider any mental health label a diagnosis or stigma” (Ahear, 2000). Because refugees do not allow
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Phim has endured a series of traumatic events as discussed above. Despite the adversity, she upheld a number of strengths. Her strengths are: perseverance, resilience, and bravery. Her perseverance is evidenced by her willingness to continue working regardless of her constant emotional and physical sufferings. She worked as long as her declining health allowed. To say the least, Ms. Phim is the epitome of a resilient woman. Resilience is identified as a “term reserved for unpredicted or markedly successful adaptations to negative life events, trauma, stress, and other forms of risk” (Monroe & Oliviere, 2007). She demonstrated resilience by not allowing all that she has endured hinder her. Based on the assessment, it has been proven that she has let nothing prevent her from taking the necessary steps to support herself and her children. She moved to a new country, found a home, and some assistance that will benefit her and her family. Another example of Ms. Phim’s resilience is her use of coping skills. Although, she had not had proper medical care, she identified ways to somewhat decrease her pain and other symptoms. The last strength that will be focused on is bravery. Her bravery is illustrated by her drive and willingness to keep living despite all of her losses. She relocated to a completely different country, with no knowledge of how to speak the language or the
Phim has endured a series of traumatic events as discussed above. Despite the adversity, she upheld a number of strengths. Her strengths are: perseverance, resilience, and bravery. Her perseverance is evidenced by her willingness to continue working regardless of her constant emotional and physical sufferings. She worked as long as her declining health allowed. To say the least, Ms. Phim is the epitome of a resilient woman. Resilience is identified as a “term reserved for unpredicted or markedly successful adaptations to negative life events, trauma, stress, and other forms of risk” (Monroe & Oliviere, 2007). She demonstrated resilience by not allowing all that she has endured hinder her. Based on the assessment, it has been proven that she has let nothing prevent her from taking the necessary steps to support herself and her children. She moved to a new country, found a home, and some assistance that will benefit her and her family. Another example of Ms. Phim’s resilience is her use of coping skills. Although, she had not had proper medical care, she identified ways to somewhat decrease her pain and other symptoms. The last strength that will be focused on is bravery. Her bravery is illustrated by her drive and willingness to keep living despite all of her losses. She relocated to a completely different country, with no knowledge of how to speak the language or the