S W 332 Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Document Summary
Chapter 5: building blocks of communication: conveying empathy and authenticity part 1. Clients often have an unclear idea about what to expect from contact with a social worker and those ideas may differ from the social worker"s expectations. The varied expectations that clients bring to initial sessions include lectures, magical solutions, advice giving, changing other family members, and so on. Clients sometimes explicitly state their expectations without prompting. It is important not to probe too far into expectations until you have established rapport because the client"s request often turns out to be a most intimate revelation. For potential clients who were referred or mandated to receive service, social workers often find it necessary to describe the parameters of what accepting an offer of service might entail because potential clients did not seek service. Mandated reported having to share information that would put other people or the client in danger.
