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This article proposes an ethical decision‐making process for clinical practitioners that bridges the gap between more abstract ethical frameworks in our current literature and the actual process of ethical decision making that occurs at the practice level. The bridge is provided by the use of the concept of “moral dialogue,” which focuses on the ongoing interactions between clients and workers. The use of preexisting clinical skills guides the process of assessment and decision making rooted in the moral aspects of the challenges often embedded in practice situations. Furthermore, this article addresses the usefulness of the emerging literature on spirituality, diversity, narratives and transpersonal theory in adding to the social workers’ capacity to enter this realm of practice from a non‐moralistic stance. Hence, this approach avoids many of the pitfalls that have plagued clients and professionals throughout our history. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary. This article attempts to expand the contemporary strengths perspective in social work by moving beyond its reliance on Western science and philosophy. The authors suggest that Eastern philosophy may provide broader and richer underpinnings for understanding the strengths perspective. The article examines the basic tenets of the strengths perspective which include: (1) an emphasis on reality as constructed out of lived experience; (2) a redefinition of expertise in the helping relationship; (3) a challenge to expand our understanding of knowledge; and (4) a focus on supporting clients’ strengths. All of these tenets are then examined in the light of the Chinese philosophical tradition of Taoism. Five themes from the Taoist tradition are explored and applied to the strengths perspective: (1) reality is a process of constant flow and change; (2) holistic dualism or the blending of two aspects into one whole; (3) nonaction or wu wei as a way of acting that keeps us in harmony with an ever‐changing universe; (4) all‐at‐one‐time knowledge which allows us to move from linear, abstract thinking to incorporate deeper levels of knowing drawn from ideas, instincts, intuition, hunches and the unconscious; and (5) virtue (te) which represents an internal power central to healing. Finally, this article identifies additional sources in the social work literature that may be useful in developing the strengths perspective when viewed through these Taoist themes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]