In The Helping Relationship: The Social Worker Must Maintain

In The Helping Relationship The Social Worker Must Maintain A Balance

In the helping relationship, the social worker must maintain a balance between flexibility and appropriate boundaries. One such boundary is the use of touch. In social work, touch has long been held as dangerous and taboo. It may be harmful to a client, and it is important to be aware of the client’s past history. For example, a child with a history of sexual abuse could interpret touch as a sexual advance.

However, touch can be a positive action, particularly for certain cultures. On top of these perception and ethics issues, you should also determine your personal perspective for how you might use touch in your work with clients. In this Assignment, you reflect on your own culture and the role of touch in the helping relationship. Watch the video Southside Community Services: Mrs. Bargas, Episode 3. You will need to explain how you view the use of touch in your personal life (e.g., tend to hug all friends and family or only touch close friends and family).

Next, describe how your perspective on touch was developed (e.g., via family culture or experiences with friends). Identify two reasons why you might use touch with a client, and explain why these reasons are relevant. Additionally, elucidate how you view the initiation of and reaction to the use of touch in the episode, Southside Community Services: Mrs. Bargas, Episode 3. Discuss how you will determine that the use of touch will be positive for the helping relationship, and describe signs or circumstances that would indicate touch is not appropriate for a particular client.

Paper For Above instruction

Personal perspectives on touch are deeply influenced by cultural, familial, and individual experiences. In my personal life, I tend to be expressive with physical touch predominantly towards close friends and family. I often greet loved ones with hugs and maintain a physical connection during conversations, reflecting a culture that values warmth and physical closeness. Conversely, I am more reserved with acquaintances or colleagues, often opting for verbal greetings to respect personal boundaries. This approach stems from my family upbringing, where physical affection was openly expressed within the family unit but was more restrained in public or towards non-family members.

My understanding of touch was shaped significantly by my family environment, which emphasized warmth and physical closeness among members, but also respected personal space outside the immediate family circle. Experiences with friends during adolescence further reinforced my comfort with touch as an expression of support and connection, especially during times of emotional distress.

In considering how I might use touch with clients, two potential reasons come to mind. First, touch can serve as a non-verbal gesture of empathy and reassurance, conveying genuine support that words might not fully express. For example, a comforting pat on the shoulder during a difficult conversation could help the client feel understood and supported. Second, culturally appropriate touch can foster trust, especially with clients from backgrounds that value physical closeness and personal connection, thus enhancing the therapeutic alliance.

In the episode Southside Community Services: Mrs. Bargas, Episode 3, the initiation and reaction to touch were carefully calibrated within the professional context. Mrs. Bargas demonstrated sensitivity to clients’ reactions, gradually establishing comfort before considering any physical contact, and was attentive to clients’ verbal and non-verbal cues. My view is that such cautious and responsive initiation of touch signifies respect for the client’s boundaries and cultural norms. The reaction of the clients—such as their openness or hesitation—provides cues about whether touch is welcome or not.

To determine if touch is positive for the helping relationship, I would assess the client’s verbal responses and body language, ensuring that any physical contact is consensual, subtle, and culturally appropriate. If a client appears uncomfortable, withdraws, or explicitly states discomfort with touch, these are clear signals that physical contact is not appropriate. Additionally, considering the context of the interaction, the nature of the issue discussed, and the client’s history are essential before incorporating touch into practice.

Ultimately, maintaining the boundaries necessary to ensure a safe and respectful environment is vital. By being attentive to these signs and continuously seeking client feedback, I can ensure that any use of touch contributes positively to the therapeutic alliance and avoids potential harm or discomfort. As social workers, our ethical responsibilities and cultural awareness should guide the judicious and respectful use of touch to strengthen the helping relationship and foster healing.

References

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