SOWK 3060 Lecture 13: Client-Social Worker Relations
Document Summary
This week"s readings were about client and social worker relationship and mental health. In the research, participants regarded as most helpful in their treatment relationships with mental health professionals were demonstrations of empathy, respect, and a general person-to- person investment. For instance, developing helpful relationships, careful listening, showing interest in client priorities, and being open to discussing more than just problems. Furthermore, participants found in the research that elements identified as truly therapeutic in these relationships were described as unique, dynamic, and resilient. All together, helpful relationships seemed to consist jointly of equality and collaboration. For instance, informants highlighted throughout their personal narratives, importance of being seen within their relationships with their mental health care professionals. Another one just as important was the presence of a single particular helper who was needed at certain difficult times. In addition, interest and engagement in the individual"s everyday life was also mentioned when talking about psychotherapy.
