What is a key characteristic of strengths-based practice in social work?

Strengths-based practice in social work emphasizes recognizing and building upon the inherent strengths and resources of clients rather than merely focusing on their problems or deficits. This approach fosters an empowering environment where clients are seen as active participants in their own growth and recovery. By identifying what clients can do and their existing strengths, social workers can help enhance their capabilities, leading to more meaningful and sustainable change.

The focus on client strengths promotes resilience and encourages personal agency, facilitating a collaborative relationship between the social worker and the client. This contrasts sharply with approaches that solely highlight deficits or follow rigid protocols without considering the client's perspective and input, which can undermine the therapeutic alliance and limit the client's sense of agency.