I believe before one can change or affect change, one must have a vision of that change. So many times, those in the helping fields want people to change. Change to what? Change how?
We may feel we know what or how our clients should change. We may even have a vision. But if it is only our vision and not that of our clients – those whom we are trying to assist – “our” vision is useless. There must be a shared vision. One developed by the people we want to help and, then, refined by us. Once the families we are attempting to assist draw a general picture of how they would like to change, we need to help them develop a vision of that path to change. We must help them see their potential for change. ‘
If we have done these two things – helped create a path to change and highlighted individual potential for change – we will be much more successful in helping individuals and families reach “their” goals. In essence, the individuals and families we work with draw a broad picture and we fill in the background. This way, the picture is clearer. Then, we will have a real vision for change.
Hugo T. Mullins, LCSW