1. Subject Area: Solution-Focused /Client-Directed Therapy - Iowa ...

2. Subject Area: Solution-Focused /Client-Directed Brief Therapy/Brief InterventionsA Strengths Perspective for Social Work PracticeAuthor/sIndividualized or Group Outcome/s Subjects Info Randomized Controlled Generalizable to Iowa?Intervention?MeasuresTrial?Weick, Rapp, Sullivan,and KisthardtN/A N/A N/A No. Yes. Decreasing the stigmaof SA treatment can beassisted by focusing onsolutions and strengths.CitationWeick, A., Rapp, C., Sullivan, W. P., & Kisthardt, W. (1989). A strength's perspective for social work practice. Social Work, 350-354.Abstract/Results/Notes: The historical roots of helping professionals were embedded in negativity, focusing on problems, identifying blame, and belief in lackand weakness. The concentration on human failing and moral frailty led the field for many years before any empirical call for professionalism. The language ofthe field (intervention, pathology, and diagnosis), still continues the notion that a cause must be found in order to find a cure without the benefit of a guaranteedsolution.This article was written early in the philosophical conversation and encouraged the field to shift its perspective to examining strengths and survivor skills that aclient brings to their current situation. The article examined the barriers that might exist between client and environment and helped the client examine theirnatural strong points, in an effort to build efficacy and empowerment. The authors maintain that clinicians whose core beliefs coincide with a strengths-basedperspective, still battle with a system that looks for cause, effect, return on investment, and a system still set up for intervention.