The strengths perspective in social work practice

Over the last 30 years or so, the strengths perspective has been fundamental in helping to develop a social work practice that is both person-centred and empowering; one of its key proponents throughout this time has been Dennis Saleebey (1936–2014). In this article, Saleebey sets out the main characteristics of the strengths perspective. He also, however, takes on its critics – those who suggest that strengths-based approaches offer too rosy a view of human nature, or that it is too simplistic in its assumptions about the essential good in people. Our chosen extract focuses not on the critics, but on the detailed introduction that Saleebey offers of this life-affirming, positive and ultimately optimistic approach to the task of social work.