Your client might not be ready to address the concern that the social work has identified as the primary focus. So, along with that they might not have the motivation or willingness to do the work that is necessary to achieve successful treatment. Marsh (2002) states that by giving a voice to our clients helps social workers to live up to their standards and ideals as well as staying true to their purpose.
I like to focus on my client’s strengths so that when working with them I can help them to access those strengths to achieve the goals that we set together. I think that it is important to identify the problem that needs to be addressed but then focusing on the client’s strengths will help to lead the therapy in a positive and successful direction. Maguire (2002) states that by allowing clients to see their possibilities rather than their problems and options rather than constraints will allow achievement to happen.
It means to integrate the mind, body, and spirit of a client. It means that as social workers we try to encompass all forms of therapeutic tools in order to best treat our clients. While keeping in mind that not all of our clients will have the “willingness’ to participate in every form of recommended treatment. Social workers need to keep an open mind and build that therapeutic relationship with their clients so that trust can be developed and therefore making treatment more successful. Hepworth (2017) reports that instead of letting interventions determine the goals that are made social workers permit the client’s needs and goals to dictate the appropriate interventions.
It means to have built a therapeutic relationship with my clients. It means that I have met my clients where they are at and that we were both willing to work together to achieve success with the goals that were set. It can imply that their needs have been met and that they are able to move forward with the next step. Maguire (2002) reports that social workers show effectiveness with their clients in the rate at which they are able to get their patients referred to aftercare services.
Student 2
As a social worker, “starting where the client is” means that I will begin my work with the client without initial judgement or bias of their circumstance. By letting the client tell me their story from a first-hand perspective, and understanding their point of view, I can gain a better understanding of their perceptions. This would exemplify empowering the client and allowing them the right to make their own decisions, known as self-determination in the NASW Code of Ethics (Hepworth et al., 2013, p. 7). As a social worker, I think it is imperative to avoid prescribing solutions without understanding barriers and biopsychosocial stressors. In an effort to truly “meet the client where they are,” a social worker would work to understand the ecological interactions within a client’s life.
If a social worker did not “start where the client is,” the entirety of the relationship between social worker and client may be impaired. A social worker may not understand the history of the client, and may make assumptions. A social worker may additionally bring their own opinions and bias into working with a client, which does not serve to bring the client to a valuable solution on issues. A social worker may find that interventions throughout treatment are unsuccessful, and may cause more undo harm to the client. This would violate the NASW Code of Ethics as it relates to valuing the dignity of the individuals we serve (Hepworth et al., 2013, p. 6).
I believe I have grown to view myself as more strength focused in the work I do with clients. I try to value what each client brings to the table in terms of biopsychosocial strengths, and work to utilize these in intervention planning. By recognizing the strengths of each client, I can be far more effective. While I recognize that identifying problems is also important, I do not believe it should be the focus of all treatment. I think by incorporating strengths such as strong family ties, physical wellbeing, and characteristics of personality, each intervention can become more tailored to the client. This would lead to better outcomes in terms of improving quality of life.
Holistic treatment, as a social worker, means incorporating all aspects of a client’s life into their treatment. This may include treating any underlying medical conditions if they are present, as this can cause other interventions to be ineffective in the long term. This may also include incorporating a person’s family into their treatment, as it addresses the health of their social network. Additionally, it may include treating any unmet psychological needs, such as maladaptive coping skills that may have been acquired. Holistic treatment, to me, is the key outcome of a biopsychosocial assessment.
Success, as a social worker, means creating realistic goals with clients and working in their environment to meet them. Effectiveness means valuing cultural diversity, incorporating holistic treatment, and emphasizing self-determination. Both success and effectiveness are the goal I strive for in working with each client. By incorporating both in each step of treatment, interventions can prove beneficial and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients.
