1) Summarize 1-2 benefits and 1-2 drawbacks of using the generalist-eclectic approach in direct social work practice.

2. Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than we are on others; it can be easy to see strengths in clients but we don't always keep in mind our own strengths. What top three strengths do you bring as a future social worker?

3. Social work practice is a balance between helping clients and empowering them to help themselves. How might you approach navigating these two concepts as a social worker?

 

Social Work

   The eclectic approach gives freedom to the teacher to use the activities and techniques drawn from varied teaching methodologies and practices. The teacher has more flexibility in choosing the approach or method to employ depending on the learner group and aims of the lesson combining the scientific view of critical perspective in practice. Likewise, the generalist-eclectic approach provides a dynamic atmosphere that can be enjoyed in a flexible manner (DuBois & Miley, 2019). However, the approach does not control or predict behavior, making it difficult to know the approach’s relative contribution. Another major drawback is that the behavior might be watered down when using varied perspectives, making it difficult to understand how to integrate an eclectic approaches exactly.

Effective communication skills are very important in social work. I have good communication abilities to clearly communicate and converse with diverse groups to advocate for their needs. Likewise, I can identify and understand their perspectives and experiences to act on their behalf with empathy. Empathy is a strong act of understanding, perceiving, and responding to other's ideas and the state of emotions. Moreover, with my active listening skills, I can identify and understand a client’s needs. Active listening improves the ability to ask the right questions, concentrate, and utilize techniques to establish trust while engaging the clients.

The social worker must advocate for the clients and encourage them to be active in identifying their needs, finding health services, and registering with relevant agencies. Moreover, this allows empowering them through education to take actions on their identified needs. Establishing autonomy is crucial to build client’s independence and strengthen to face life challenges.  According to DuBois and Miley (2019), “words shape our thinking, inform our interpretations, and predispose our conclusions.”