The person-centred approach
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should understand the framework for, and theory underpinning, the person-centred approach, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
The person-centred approach is one that perhaps sits most comfortably within the social work practice ethos and value base. Recognising and promoting the self-worth of the individual, and placing their contributions in terms of thoughts, feelings and actions at the centre of the intervention, it operates on the principle and philosophy that individuals have innate resources that can be accessed to solve problems, to better themselves and to maximise their potential.
The following quick guide, authored by Marie Joseph, explores the person-centred approach more fully, including the theory underlying this intervention and the advantages and disadvantages of it.
Reflective Questions
- In what situations do you think this approach would be particularly unsuitable? Why is that? What approaches to intervention may be better suited?
- How does this approach promote service user self-determination?
- How can the professional value base contribute to the success of the person-centred approach?