While much literature has been written on the strengths perspective since its inception, an ongoing project is further elaboration to clear up misconceptions and misapplications. Much of the confusion arises from the strengths perspective's embrace of postmodern thought, and hence, is reflective of the broader debate between modern and postmodern thought currently occurring in social work. Through the application of narrative theory, this article seeks to describe three distinct facets—causality, selfhood, and reality—wherein a shift in conceptualizing is needed to move from a modernist orientation to a postmodern orientation toward practice. Making such a shift is vital for correctly applying the strengths perspective to practice.
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