Reference no: EM132385499

Assignment -

Respond to at least two colleagues who suggested a different strategy and suggest different approaches to working with Helen.

Support your responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Post a description of ways, as Helen's social worker, might address Helen's anger and accusations against her.

Helen was furious because the idea of having her son Alec live with Magda resulted in turmoil. While Alec was living with Magda, it was found out that he was stealing her medication. Helen is feeling that the social workers lack of experience is the cause of this happening as she felt the social imposed this suggestion of her son living with his grandmother (Plummer et al, 2014). The social worker did appear to personalize this and somewhat took a defensive role. The intern, rather than argue with the client, should listen, be empathic and show compassion. I think it's important for the intern to acknowledge that this did not work out and be empathic about it. The intern, by validating Helens feelings that it did not work out, and to further explore what other services/resources there may be available to Magda. The intern can also could take this opportunity to explore options for Helens son and he substance abuse. The intern needs to be professionally available and personal feelings need to be put to the side. The focus is on the client's needs and to explore what solutions are available to better their life quality.

How might you feel at that moment, and how would you maintain a professional demeanor?

In that moment where Helen was upset, it may frustrate me, however, I remind myself that this is not my life and I must act in due diligence and present for the client and their situation. It is important that I keep objective and maintain a high level of professionalism. It is my job as a social worker to attempt to assist the client to self-determinate. In order to do this a high level of self-awareness is imperative and to always keep on the forefront that my client is struggling and is reaching out for help.

Finally, how might you use self-disclosure as a strategy in working with Helen?

When using self-disclosure as a strategy with working a client, the social worker must critically and carefully assess whether this will impede in the effectiveness of client and worker engagement (Reamer, 2006). Sometimes self-disclosure can help bring a level of understanding to the client or even bring some level of reassurance that the social worker can relate which can turn strengthen the trust. This is a very critical line to cross and should not be crossed unless insightful thought has been put into it and the strategy.

References - Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: case histories.

Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

Reamer, F. G. (2006). Tangled Relationships: Managing Boundary Issues in the Human Services. New York: Columbia University Press.

A description of ways, as Helen's social worker, you might address Helen's anger and accusations against you.

First, I can relate a lot to being Helen's social worker. I would just let her finish stating what is the issue with me being her social worker. Honestly, as a social worker I must understand that I will have clients that will come into my office frustration and angry about their issues. I still will ensure Helen that I am here to help, and I will continue to listen to her. I probably will not feel comfortable with assisting her anymore because she is doubting my knowledge and my skills of being a social worker.

How might you feel at that moment, and how would you maintain a professional demeanor?

At that moment, I might feel useless. I would feel useless because I am the type of person who will give their best through anything, but with her discouraging me would make me feel that way. I would maintain a professional demeanor by remaining calm and my face expressions will remain as if what she said is not bothering me. I will not allow my emotions get the best of me because I have done that a lot in the past. I will respond decisively which means I will continue to maintain my composure which I will never show signs of doubt.

How might you use self-disclosure as a strategy in working with Helen?

What is self-disclosure? Self-disclosure refers to the process of revealing personal, intimate information about oneself to others. Through self-disclosure, two individuals get to know one another. Self-disclosure is considered a key aspect of developing closeness and intimacy with others, including friends, romantic partners, and family members (Psychology, n.d.). I would this as a strategy by not giving her too much information about myself. I would just tell her that I am young lady who is trying to be the best social worker I can be. I would tell her that I am still in the learning process and it is true that I do not know everything, but I know enough.

References -

Geller, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (2012). Therapeutic presence: A mindful approach to effective therapy (pp.143-159). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Attachment:- Assignment File.rar