MRNYs CHW Training Program Learn about the strength
MRNY’s CHW Training Program Learn about the strength based approach
The Strength Based Approach The strength based approach focuses on the strengths that a client or family has that suggest resiliency and willingness to change a current situation. This approach is client centered, again allowing the worker to see what the client already has in his/her favor, what her strengths, talents, and achievements are, instead on what needs to be “fixed. ”
If CHW’s focus on “fixing wrongs” or what is lacking, we will be reinforcing low self esteem and a sense that the client is not good at what they do. Clients that are going thru certain circumstances, such as: homeless, incarceration, domestic violence or any addictions have faced this negative reinforcement too many times.
The strength based model is a model that has been used by providers in the mental health, case management and family therapy fields. This approach is widely used by CHW Programs. Therefore it is an important skill that CHW’s must develop, to identify client’s strengths, while addressing the client’s challenges. This allows both client and CHW to set realistic services goals.
Assumptions a CHW must make to identify strengths: 1. Clients are resourceful and have the strength to solve problems as they arise 2. Clients can set their own goals 3. Clients have different ways of coping 4. Clients are diverse with different needs 5. Each client is an expert in his or her own life, is responsible for his or her actions (or lack of action), and controls his or her own outcomes.
Assumptions a CHW must make to identify strengths: 6. No matter what difficulties people face, people do the best they can given the circumstances and resources available 7. Clients are optimistic, cooperative and have hope even if sometimes it’s hard to see. 8. Small changes bring about larger changes. Helping clients to see their small changes can help produce bring about more changes, and movement in the right directions
“What kinds of strengths (internal and external resources) do clients have at their disposal? ” l l l l Give specific examples of the strengths below: Emotional strengths Intellectual strengths Financial strengths Familial, Social and community strengths Physical strengths Other strengths? spiritual strengths?
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