Social workers can help clients discover their access to power by:

• Helping them to identify their strengths and resources. Everyone has strengths and resources, even if they are not always aware of them. Social workers can help clients to identify their strengths and resources, and to use them to achieve their goals.
• Teaching them about the different types of power. There are many different types of power, including personal power, social power, and political power. Social workers can teach clients about the different types of power, and how they can use them to their advantage.
• Helping them to develop skills for asserting themselves. It is important for clients to be able to assert themselves in order to get their needs met. Social workers can help clients to develop skills for asserting themselves, such as assertiveness training and communication skills training.
• Advocating for them. Sometimes, clients need help from others in order to access power. Social workers can advocate for clients by speaking up for them to others, such as employers, teachers, or landlords.

Communication with clients can be empowering when it is:

• Respectful. Social workers should treat clients with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Empathetic. Social workers should try to understand the client’s perspective and experiences.
• Honest. Social workers should be honest with clients about their options and the potential consequences of their choices.
• Collaborative. Social workers should work with clients to develop solutions that are tailored to their individual needs.
• Hopeful. Social workers should help clients to see that they have the power to make positive changes in their lives.

The specific social worker skills that lead to a client’s experience of power include:

• Active listening. Social workers should listen carefully to clients and reflect back their thoughts and feelings.
• Problem-solving skills. Social workers should help clients to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Negotiation skills. Social workers should help clients to negotiate with others in order to get their needs met.
• Advocacy skills. Social workers should advocate for clients in order to ensure that they have access to resources and opportunities.
• Empowerment skills. Social workers should help clients to develop a sense of self-worth and confidence.

By using these skills, social workers can help clients to discover their access to power and to make positive changes in their lives.