Issues in Overturning a Medical Model of Social Work Practice

Abstract

A holistic orientation to social work practice is still emerging. Although the holistic view is compatible with the profession's most fundamental principles of practice, it challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of the relationship between social worker and client and about the nature of human change. This article examines some of the issues involved in the shift from a medical model to a health-oriented paradigm and suggests key principles for strengthening this shift