Discussion
Working effectively with individuals means building relationships. As a social worker, there are certain qualities, such as empathy, warmth, and genuineness, that help you develop rapport with clients. However, even when you appropriately utilize your micro skills, rapport building can be difficult with some clients. Challenges may include client hostility, silence, a request for self-disclosure, or the necessity of using confrontation. Social workers need to develop skills to appropriately work through these challenges.
For this Discussion, you begin developing these skills through practice and analysis of practice.
To prepare: Watch the Parker video. In the video, the clients express hostility toward each other, as well as toward the social worker. In addition, Stephanie asks the social worker for self-disclosure when she asks, "Wouldn't you?" and "You really think you can fix that?" The scene ends with the client and social worker falling into silence. Consider the challenges depicted in the video. How would you respond?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
• Chapter 2, "Practice Skills for Working with Individuals" (pp. 59-101)
Knight, C. (2012). Social workers' attitudes towards and engagement in self-disclosure. Clinical Social Work Journal, 40(3), 297-306. doi:10.1007/s10615-012-0408-z
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013g). Sessions: Parker (episode 1) [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.