Discovering Strengths

In the field of social services, it can sometimes be challenging to shift from deficit-based models of practice to strengths-based conversations, assessments and plans. Social Work practice has historically focused on the problems and pathology of the family; this workshop focuses instead on skills central to a strengths-based approach to serving the family. Participants can expect this workshop to offer practical tools that will help families identify their own strengths, while establishing hope in their future.

Topics Include:

• Defining strengths with the families they work with.
• Building awareness of strategies to establish rapport.
• Recognizing strength-based questions for a solution-focused approach.
• Familiarizing with Resources, Options, Possibilities, Exceptions, Solutions (ROPES), a discovering strengths tool.
• Employing strategies for building on the family’s strengths.