Taking a strengths approach may or may not come easy for the practitioner working in the human services field. We are trained to use empowerment, to find the power and strength within the individual and to help them heal and grow from there. As a professor of social work I have encountered a challenge. Future social workers, as all practicing social workers are only human. They are part of groups and communities that have long histories of conflict. They bring with them belief systems, prejudice and biases that can interfere with their ability to see strengths in certain individuals and even within themselves. The challenge is to help them move beyond stereotypes, prejudice, and discriminatory behaviors towards accessing the strengths each person brings to the collective. Future helping professionals can play a key role in helping groups, communities, businesses, and organizations to strive and grow by helping them overcome their conflicts.
