Use of creative methods in the context of empowerment in social work

Kreativne metode su koristan alat u radu socijalnih radnika, a omogućavaju nam da kreativnim medijima (likovnost, glazba, ples, drama...) i metaforom izrazimo svoje misli, osjećaje i osjete. Korištenjem kreativnih metoda aktiviramo i jačamo kreativni potencijal pojedinca te mu na taj način pružamo priliku da svoje unutrašnje stanje i vanjsku situaciju upozna na različite načine. Kreativne metode doprinose razvoju empatije koja je osnova za formiranje zdravih stavova umjesto preuzimanja društveno ukorijenjenih stereotipa. Od samih početaka profesija socijalnog rada promiče socijalne promjene, rješava probleme u međuljudskim odnosima te osnažuje obespravljene i potlačene pojedince i grupe. Bez teorije i prakse osnaživanja teško je zamisliti profesionalnu praksu socijalnog rada. Osnaživanje se definira kao namjerni proces koji uključuje inicijativu i djelovanje osoba u zadobivanju moći, preuzimanju kontrole u vlastitom životu i boljem pristupu društvenim resursima sa svrhom ostvarivanja osobnih i kolektivnih ciljeva. U ovom radu govori se o kreativnost, kreativnim metodama te o teorija osnaživanja i osnovnim principima prakse osnaživanja u socijalnom radu. Na kraju je pregled istraživanja i prikaz spoznaja gdje su kreativne metode upotrebljene s ciljem osnaživanja pojedinaca i grupa. Cilj ovog rada je prikazati mogućnosti upotrebe kreativnih metoda u kontekstu osnaživanja u socijalnom radu.Creative methods are a useful tool in the work of social workers, and they allow us to express our thoughts, feelings and sensations through creative media (art, music, dance, drama...) and metaphor. By using creative methods, we activate and strengthen the creative potential of the individual, thus giving him the opportunity to get to know his inner state and external situation in different ways. Creative methods contribute to the development of empathy, which is the basis for forming healthy attitudes instead of adopting socially rooted stereotypes. From the very beginning, the social work profession promotes social change, solves problems in interpersonal relationships, and empowers disenfranchised and oppressed individuals and groups. Without empowerment theory and practice, it is difficult to imagine professional social work practice. Empowerment is defined as a deliberate process that involves the initiative and action of individuals in gaining power, taking control of their own lives, and better access to social resources for the purpose of achieving personal and collective goals. This paper discusses creativity, creative methods and the theory of empowerment and the basic principles of empowerment practice in social work. Finally, there is an overview of research and a presentation of insights where creative methods have been used to empower individuals and groups. The aim of this paper is to present the possibilities of using creative methods in the context of empowerment in social work