The Strengths Perspective, a core theory in social work education, emphasizes leveraging clients' strengths to empower them. This approach has been integral in promoting a strengths-based outlook in both professional and personal realms, particularly during internships.
These practices are important to me because they help clients learn how to overcome barriers on their own. As a teacher in a low-income neighborhood, I am constantly helping families reach community services and coaching them on how to navigate these services. I help advocate for my families if needed and help teach them skills that will help them in advocating for themselves.
Feminist Theory
The area of social work that I would like to work in focuses around mostly women and children. My goal is to be able to work with teen mothers and their babies. The Feminist Theory will be important to help me work with these clients because it will allow me to observe life circumstances from the outlook of my female clients and their perspectives.
Strengths Perspective
The Strengths Perspective is the first theory that I learned in my MSW program. It has been the one that I have valued the most and been sure to promote throughout my every day life. During my internship, I was able to use this theory to look at my client's strengths and on how to use those strengths to help empower clients.
Anti-Oppressive and Multicultural Sensitvity
My love for traveling, learning languages and learning about different cultures has prompted similar beliefs throughout my life as this theory. I want to be able to use this theory to ensure that culturally competent practices are being followed and that all clients's cultures are valued. I want to be able to encourage our society to focus on the beauty of having diversity in our community and welcome different cultures and beliefs.
Ecological Perspective
The aspects of this perspective that I would like to incorporate throughout my practice is the analysis of life stressors, adaptedness and the life course of clients. This is useful when considering obstacles clients face and on how to help provide interventions.
Systems Theory
This theory has allowed me to focus more on clients as individuals when considering services. It has been useful in working with many clients and I love the emphasis it brings on focusing on the individual client in to best provide interventions.
