Individual Practice SWES Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A strengths-based approach distinctly emphasizes clients' capacities and resources, shifting the focus from what is wrong to what is right in a person's life. This approach acknowledges and values the inherent strengths, skills, and potential of individuals, promoting empowerment and resilience. By identifying and leveraging these strengths, social workers can help clients develop solutions and foster growth, guiding them toward achieving their goals.

In contrast, a deficit model predominantly concentrates on problems and limitations, framing clients primarily through their challenges and needs. This perspective can inadvertently diminish clients' sense of agency and ability to effect change in their lives. By recognizing and addressing strengths, the strengths-based approach offers a more holistic and positive perspective, enabling clients to take active steps toward improvement and well-being.

Therefore, this distinction highlights the fundamental ethos of the strengths-based approach, which aims to build on what clients have and can use rather than fixating on what is lacking.