Applying the Strengths Perspective to Your Self-Reflection

by Tarrell Clark, BSW

     Many interns and student workers across various disciplines find themselves struggling to be heard in their field placements. Many of us hide behind our shadows in fear that our input will be rejected or outright incorrect. Some of us are capable of much more than our field supervisors would expect, yet, let our inner negative thoughts overpower the positive ones and prevent us from reaching our true potential. Two subjects outlined in the undergraduate social work curriculum could help to increase confidence and the ability to advocate on behalf of clients and ones’ own capabilities: the strengths perspective and self-reflection.   

     The strengths perspective allows social workers to assess and identify talents, strengths, and skills within their clients. After identifying these strengths, the social worker will then work with the client to utilize these strengths to help them in their current situations. An example could be recognizing that an individual facing housing troubles has a strong support system of family and friends who can help.

     Self-reflection is a vital part of evaluation of services and abilities. Furthermore, a social worker uses self-reflection to analyze personal and emotional feelings about a case or situation. After a heavy session with a client who has experienced trauma, social workers should take time to reflect on their own feelings about the situation to ensure that they are working effectively and objectively with the client. Within the workplace, after receiving negative comments from a supervisor, the social worker should take the time to carefully consider these comments.

     As an undergraduate social work student, I am very familiar with the concepts of self-reflection and the strengths perspective. However, I do not recall being instructed or advised to use the two collaboratively. After having many struggles in my field setting, I began to reflect more and more on myself and my performance. I then realized that I was being challenged to do things outside of my comfort zone, and when underperformed, I would lose confidence. I would volunteer less and make myself appear less capable and unable to perform the task at hand. Eventually, when I noticed an opportunity to do more administrative tasks and things that are more within my comfort zone, I volunteered. I exceeded the expectations of my supervisor, and she began assigning me more tasks. I recognized what I was good at and pushed myself in that direction. Once I began doing more, I became more confident to speak up. I was able to address issues that I saw and to offer interventions. I was able to be more honest with my supervisor about what I thought of my work.

     By this point, I was able to reflect on my performance, address the negative concerns that needed to be worked on, and highlight my positive attributes and moving toward them. This gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment. This reminded me that I was more than capable of being an effective social worker.

Tarrell Clark, BSW, is a May 2020 graduate of Stockton University and works with adults with developmental disabilities.