Assignment 1: Week 8 Blog
Assignment 1: Week 8 Blog
Required Readingsgarthwait C L 2017the Social Work Practicum A
Required Readingsgarthwait C L. (2017). The social work practicum: A guide and workbook for students (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Chapter 11, "Professional Social Work" (pp. ) Ganzer, C. (2007). The use of self from a relational perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(2), 117–123. Osteen, P. J. (2011). Motivations, values, and conflict resolution: Students’ integration of personal and professional identities. Journal of Social Work Education, 47(3), 423–444. Required Media Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013). Use of self [Audio file]. Retrieved from Note: This audio introduction is located in the "Introduction and Objectives" section. The approximate length of this media piece is 1 minute. Optional Resources Click the following link to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program. MSW home page Assignment 1: Week 8 Blog Refer to the topics covered in this week's resources and incorporate them into your blog. By Day 3 Post a blog post that includes: An explanation of the use of self during your field education experience that you may have encountered or that you might encounter A description of potential boundary challenges in your field education experience
Paper For Above instruction
During my field education experience, the concept of the "use of self" has been a pivotal aspect of my professional development and effective social work practice. As described by Garthwait (2017), the use of self entails the intentional application of one's personal qualities, experiences, and authenticity within the therapeutic or helping relationship. This approach facilitates trust, rapport, and a deeper connection with clients, which are essential for effective intervention. Throughout my practicum, I have observed that the conscious or unconscious deployment of self can significantly influence the dynamics of client interactions, enabling me to demonstrate empathy, build rapport, and communicate genuineness.
One instance where I have employed the use of self involved sharing appropriate personal insights to normalize clients’ experiences and foster trust. For example, while working with a client experiencing feelings of hopelessness, I shared a brief reflection on a personal challenge I faced that was similar but ultimately overcame. This act of vulnerability helped the client feel understood and less isolated in their struggles, illustrating the relational value of authentic self-disclosure. According to Ganzer (2007), from a relational perspective, the use of self encompasses understanding one's emotional responses and being genuine, which enhances the helping process. Such moments require careful consideration to maintain professional boundaries while still conveying genuine empathy.
However, the use of self also presents boundary challenges that I must navigate carefully. One potential boundary challenge involves maintaining appropriate emotional distance. As students, we might be tempted to over-identify with clients’ experiences or become overly involved emotionally, risking boundary crossing. Osteen (2011) emphasizes that integrating personal and professional identities requires self-awareness and reflective practice to avoid conflicts that may compromise objectivity or the therapeutic relationship. For example, I have been cautious to engage empathetically without becoming personally enmeshed, which could hinder my objectivity or lead to burnout.
Another boundary concern relates to self-disclosure. While small, thoughtful disclosures can enhance rapport, excessive sharing risks shifting the focus away from the client and blurring the professional boundaries. It is essential to balance authenticity with professionalism, ensuring that disclosures are purposeful and congruent with the client’s needs, as highlighted in the audio resource on the use of self (Laureate Education, 2013).
In summary, the use of self is a dynamic and vital component of social work practice that can deepen client engagement when applied thoughtfully. It requires a delicate balance between authenticity and boundary management. Recognizing potential boundary challenges, such as over-involvement or inappropriate self-disclosure, is crucial to maintaining professionalism. Continual self-reflection and adherence to ethical standards will support effective use of self in my ongoing field experience, fostering trust and promoting positive client outcomes in my social work journey.
References
Garthwait, C. L. (2017). The social work practicum: A guide and workbook for students (7th ed.). Pearson.
Ganzer, C. (2007). The use of self from a relational perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(2), 117–123.
Laureate Education. (2013). Use of self [Audio file].
Osteen, P. J. (2011). Motivations, values, and conflict resolution: Students’ integration of personal and professional identities. Journal of Social Work Education, 47(3), 423–444.