Social Work is a Lighthouse

Abstract

My visual for social work comes from my BöK (Book of Ken), a tool to engage in reflective practice and foster my professional identity development. Social work is a lighthouse, a beacon of hope. Social work shines a light on the problems society tries to hide. This action is critical as the only way to gain the hope needed to solve a problem is by first seeing the problem and then the path beyond it. Social work does not guarantee success but provides hope that strengths can be found, the rocks can be avoided, and the client can sail freely. Social workers, like lighthouse keepers, are guides to solutions. Just as the ship has to work not to hit the rocks, the client has to work to improve their condition. There is a partnership (clear communication) between the lighthouse and the ship, similar to that between the social worker and the client.