For Part I of this module the focus is “Understanding the perspective of the client” in other words meeting the client where they are. For this module I want to try something a little different. I want everyone to take 35 minutes and listen to the attached podcast from The New Social Worker by Jonathan Singer that explains the Stages of Change Framework (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1982). Here is the link as you may need to copy it into your browser http://www.socialworkpodcast.com/StagesOfChange.mp3Links to an external site.
After you’ve had an opportunity to listen to the podcast take some time and think about your client interactions/observations thus far this semester. Write a 2-3 paragraph summary of one client and identify which stage of the change model they were in when you started working with/observing them. You can use a client/clinician session(s) or group that you have shadowed if necessary. Remember not to use real names!
The podcast and The New Social Worker article will be helpful in understanding the stages:
Stage 1: Pre-Contemplation
Stage 2: Contemplation
Stage 3: Preparation
Stage 4: Action
Stage 5: Maintenance
Once you’ve indicated where your client was/is-based on what you’ve read and listened to identify 2-3 interventions that you and the client can place into a plan of action to help the client move to the next stage. (Hint-may be helpful review Process Recordings and/or Treatment Plans that you have written or reviewed).
The key to this Module is that I want you to get to understand and be able to identify which stage a client may be in. There are no wrong and right answers as the goal is to empower the client once you know “where they are”.
A link to the transcript text can be found here:
Part Ib, Afterwards address the following critical thinking questions. The questions should be answered within a minimum of one paragraph for each question.
- Social workers and clients are likely to differ in many ways. How might differences in culture, life experience, and privilege affect a worker’s ability to partner with clients and constituencies?
2a. How can you learn about how your supervisor deals with internal and external issues your practicum agency faces? b) What parallels do you see between a client and a social worker setting goals for intervention and a student and supervisor setting goals for learning?
- Ethical social workers respect a client’s right to confidentiality. However, the promise of confidentiality is not absolute. What situations can affect a client’s confidentiality rights?
Part II
Self-Care allows you to maintain your physical health, reduce stress, increase relaxation and be better equipped to handle stressful situations including work situations. Please see and review the links to several resources, articles and podcasts for your review. I have attached the video and the transcript: (Please be sure to answer all the highlighted questions below). Part II is worth up to 10 points
Episode 117 – Kori Bloomquist: Social Worker Self-Care: Practice, Perceptions, and Professional Well-Being
insocialwork-episode-117.pdfDownload insocialwork-episode-117.pdf
Episode 133 – Elaine Hammond: Burnout and Self-Care in Social Work
insocialwork-episode-133.pdfDownload insocialwork-episode-133.pdf
While there are several tips for self-care, we sometimes get so caught up in our day-to-day tasks that we often take very little time for ourselves. From the list below identify up to three of the examples of self-care or different techniques that you use or would like to use at some point and explain why.
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Fitness
- Reducing Stress
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Avoiding Compassion Fatigue https://socialworkonline.uky.edu/resources/article/compassion-fatigue-social-work/Links to an external site.
- Assertiveness
- Or other examples (please identify)
Once you’ve selected three examples:
Part II: Think about and answer the following questions 4-5 paragraphs:
- Are there any Self Care techniques that you weren’t familiar with but heard about or witnessed that you think may be helpful? Can they be effective? If yes, why? If no, why not?
- Did you find any of the information in the podcasts helpful? (Links to podcast and transcript included). Please identify which one was helpful and why