Strengths-based practice: "not about discounting problems but offering possibilities, promises and hope"

This paper seeks to explore, understand and discuss the strength-based perspectives in social work practice. A review of the literature has suggested that there has been a shift away from the mere focus on deficits to strengths based focus in the delivery of services to clients in the last few decades. The focus on strengths and empowerment has gained considerable prominence over the last couple of decades. Drawing on from the recent literature from the field, the author directs the attention of the readers to the relevance of adopting strengths based perspective in their practice by showcasing the various fields of application. The paper further reveals that strengths based approach to practice is not about discounting problems or denying issues, rather it is an attitude and a way of working with the clients/communities and groups to help them realise their goals. Hence, it is in this context, the paper discusses the applicability of such a method in our professional practice and answers some of the questions that may confront us as we embark on this journey. It is intended towards providing a brief overview of the concept, and its application in the various fields of practice as it offers a language of "possibilities, promises and hope" both for clients and practitioners in the field