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
