Laval espouses three primary practice philosophies: an anti-oppressive perspective, a strengths-based approach, and a focus on evidence-based practice.
Anti-oppressive Perspective
The anti-oppressive perspective (AOP) in social work acknowledges the inequalities that can arise from various social identities (such as gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, and so on). AOP attempts to ameliorate these inequalities through awareness of systemic oppression, building a collaborative alliance, and working toward empowerment.
Strengths-based Approach
A strengths-based approach emphasizes the strengths that the client already possesses. The social worker is not seen as an “expert” but rather the provides an outside perspective and takes the role of an ally. While it can be beneficial to gain new knowledge and skills, we all possess a great deal of capabilities gained over the course of our lives and can benefit from applying those capabilities in novel ways.
Evidence-based Practice
Based on a rational-empirical philosophical outlook, the practice of relying upon evidence to inform decision-making is the hallmark of evidence-based practice. In Laval’s view, the most important aspect of this is that there should be evidence that the therapy is having the desired effect. In other words, there should be measurable, positive change fairly soon in the therapeutic process. Evidence-based practice also takes into account qualitative and quantitative research, the preferences and unique characteristics of the client, and the practice wisdom of the social worker.