PART 1
Why is the strengths perspective important? How would you use the strengths perspective when working with a new client? Your response needs to be at least 150 words.
PART 2
Please complete the following prompts:
1. Read and review the social story below, named Social Story:
2. Isabella’s Difficult Journey
Make note of certain details about Isabella’s emotions and her strengths.
Social Story: Isabella’s Difficult Journey
Isabella is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico that currently resides in South Florida with her three children ages 4, 2, and 6 months. Isabella is a single mother, and the father of her three children is a United States citizen, but he is not actively and consistently involved in the children’s life and provides minimal financial and social support. Isabella’s family resides in Mexico, and they provide some emotional support, but they are unable to provide financial and social support. She left Mexico approximately 5 years ago at the age of 18 to escape severe family violence and abuse. Isabella is currently at a community health clinic for a routine medical visit, and she is referred to the clinic’s social worker. Isabella states the following to the social worker:
“My name is Isabella, and I have three young children. I am often tired and stressed out because I am a single parent, and I am getting no support. I am often sad and depressed because I feel so alone, and I feel like no one understands and no one cares. I have been through a lot in childhood, things I haven’t even talked about. I am trying to go back to school, but it is difficult because of my citizenship status and the time commitment, because I have three young children. Sometimes I just want to end it all and give up so that the pain will go away, but I know my kids need me. I also make really bad choices with boyfriends, and I always seem to get my heart broken. I know that money does not solve all problems, but I feel like if I had more of it, I would be happier. I need to figure out what I can do to have a better life. Can you help me?”
To complete this exercise, please write up and submit the following:
Please answer the following questions:
Using the strengths perspective, what are some of Isabella’s strengths?
Why are these strengths significant or valuable?
Based on Isabella’s response, give an example of both reflection of feeling and reflection of content.
Write exactly what you would state to the client as the social worker.
Make sure you differentiate which example is the reflection of feeling statement and which one is the reflection of content statement.
How would you use active and reflective listening skills to engage Isabella?
(i.e., what would you do, what non-verbal communication, etc.)
Your response needs to be at least 150 words.
