When thinking about the various theories we have read about in our textbook, the one theory that
grabs me is the strengths-based approach. I think this one stuck out to me the most, because at a time I
was receiving services from a human service professional I feel this is the approach or theory that she
used during my case working with me. Human service professionals use the strengths-based approach
when working with clients and in my opinion, it is a very strong theory. This theory helps the client
find the problem and work towards the solution, and during this the client’s strengths and past
successes are focused on. When helping the client work towards the solution to their problem the
human service professional helps along the way giving the person little intervention along the way, but
enough to show the client how capable and well they can manage their own problems.
I would like to talk about Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. This theory describes how the basic needs of
a person are met. Maslow presented these needs in a pyramid form. The most basic need is at the
bottom and the most advanced at the top. Starting from the bottom to the top the needs are
physiological needs, safety and security, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization. Human
service professionals apply this theory when helping clients to be self sufficient. The profession will
make sure that the client basic needs are met by making sure that they have stable housing and food.
Then move on the make sure that the client has their next needs met which is their safety needs until
they have reached the peak.
One theory that I wish to discuss was the Bronfenbrenner's theory of how environment affects our
growth and development. According to Bronfenbrenner's difficulty situations in a child's environment
can shape a child's growth and deveopment. c For example, a child who bullies another child may be a
victim of being bullied himself at home. They learn that weakness is something that can be exploited
therefore when they find someone who is weaker than them then they exert their power over them.
This is a learned behavior and not something that a child is born with.
A person working for Human Services can apply this theory when working with adults who have
anger-management problems or difficulty working or interacting with others. c In these cases, it might
be easier to connect with this individual if you learn more about their past experiences.
One theory human service professional use in working with clients is understanding how the
environment affects the individual. In the textbook, An Introduction to Human Services by Marianne
R. Woods, It states, "One way to consider a client's environment is to think of it in layers." This theory
suggests, the factors closest to the individual has the most impact. The example given in the text was
in regards to children and their primary influences. It mentions their primary influences would be
family and any other person that interacts with he child such as school peers and teachers.
Human Services Professionals may use the theory of environmental impact on a client in order to learn
and understand their primary influences. For instance, the Human Services Professional may ask the
client about family history and the positives and negatives of that history. This may include asking a
child about relationships with family members such as parents and siblings. The interactions may have
a direct impact on the development and understanding of the world of the child. Another way a Human
Services Professional may use this theory is to understand which aspects are in the client’s control and
which are not. The Foundation of Ethical Behaviour. I chose this because we all expect to be treated in
a private and confidential with respect. The one thing that gets me from work is the talk and the
remarks that should be kept private. This can be the same as co-workers in opinions, our culture,
and/or our way of treating residents. A resident is expecting the same in privacy and confidentiality.
The six behaviors are Autonomy, respect client rights. Nonmaleficence, the professional will not harm
the client. Beneficence, an act that is in someone's interest. Justice, the human service professional
works tirelessly to promote equality of access for clients. Fidelity, respecting the trust that clients
place is their helpers and guarding against an erosion of that trust. Veracity, being honest with your
client. When helping a client and guiding them to prosper and move forward with there lives, we need
them to trust the helper. For some they won't open talk or open up about themselves and show up
because it is court order. To increase the trust of professional behaviour and to assure the helper is
genuine with that trust.
This is also the same as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability, and Accountability Act) that came into
effect in 2003. Human Services will go by this ruling as well as the Code of Ethics for Social Workers.
If a client feels it has been violated than it should be reported.
Woodside, M., An Introduction to Human Services 9th edition Chapter 4 page 82
Code of Ethics membership@socialworkers.org
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2018). An Introduction to Human Services (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning US. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781337671262
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2019). An introduction to human services (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Lester, D. (2013). Measuring Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Psychological Reports, 113(1), 15-17.
https://doi.org/10.2466/02.20.pr0.113x16z1
Taormina, R. J., & Gao, J. H. (2013). Maslow and the motivation hierarchy: Measuring satisfaction of
the needs. The American Journal of Psychology, 126(2), 155-177.
https://doi.org/10.5406/amerjpsyc.126.2.0155
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2018). An Introduction to Human Services (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781337671262
