Problem: Empathy, Warmth, and Genuineness
Social workers often encounter clients who are facing devastating events in their lives. Because of these events, clients can feel overwhelmed and out of control. They often have minimal support systems, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, asking for help from a social worker is extremely uncomfortable for many. All these factors can impede the development of trust in you as their social worker.
In generalist social work, genuineness, warmth, and empathy are three relationship-enhancing techniques that, when used effectively, can encourage clients to continue developing their relationship with you. Have you ever reflected on these techniques? How are they different? How might you employ using them and how might they affect client interaction? Explore how employing these techniques can enhance the social worker-client relationship.
Post a response to the following:
1. Explain the difference between genuineness, warmth, and empathy.
2. Choose one of these techniques and apply it to a practice example.