The Social Work Skills Workbook
Chapter 1
(Introduction)
1. As you reflect thoughtfully about the content and implications
of this chapter, what are your initial reactions to the wide range
of challenging roles, responsibility and functions undertaken by
professional social workers?
Answer:
My initial reaction to the wide ranges of challenging roles, responsibility and
function undertaken by the professional social workers is that it very different from
what I had thought. A social worker needs to examine the whole situation of the client
to effectively help them but the worker also has to be aware of the many solutions that
could come to solving the problem. I anticipated that social worker can easily fix the
problem within a couple of section but after reading this chapter I have developed a
fuller understanding of what responsibilities and functions of a social workers.
2. Consider the lengthy array of knowledge, values, attitudes,
qualities and abilities identified as essential for effective
social workers. Which of these will be the most challenging for
you? Why?
Answer:
The most challenging of the skills discussed above for me would most definitely
be that of authenticity. I will find it difficult to “relate to others personally” within
certain situations. Those individual who have raped or molested I hold much digest for
and to be genuinely authentic would be very difficult. I have a strong desire to help
people but it will be very hard for me to deal with these individuals but I am willing to
work hard in changing this attitude.
3.
Anticipate that you will need to commit several hours of
focused study and practice each week in order to learn the skills
addressed in this book. What will you need to do in order to
ensure that you have the necessary time and motivation?
Answer:
To ensure that I will develop my skills as a social worker I will commit several
hours on practicing the skills with family and friend and use the different stratigies to
help them in their lives. I will attempt to acquire certain skill from my placement
through supervision by my field instructor and through the different cases and
individuals that I will meet. I will ensure that I have time because I will use these skill
in every area of my life which will in turn will motivate me to continue my quest to help
those in need because I will be able to see the results through my school work, my
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placement experience and my daily life. This will encourage me to strive for the best
result possible which will help more than just me but all those around me.
Chapter 2 (Professional Integrity)
Exercise 2-1 Integrity
1. What does the professional integrity mean to you and how does
personal integrity relate to professional integrity?
Answer:
Professional integrity means to be honest towards the client. Co-worker,
supervisor etc. It is being able to keep promises and commitments to those around you.
Profession and personal integrity relates to each other because in each of these aspect
you need to hold yourself to a high standard of morality in your life professional and
personally but also you need to live your life honourably.
2. Would a social worker student ever be justified in lying to a
professor? Would a social worker ever be justified in lying to a
supervisor? A client? A judge?
Answer:
If you lie in any circumstances than you can keep on justifying every lie that
your make. So personally there is never any excuse for lying, not to a professor, judge,
supervisor, client or even your family. Once you start lying it just a continual cycle,
thus though who trust you and need to believe the things that are being said will always
question you creditability the most crucial aspect within any career.
3. As a social work student, you certainly sometimes experience
feelings of stress and pressure when faced with the numerous
demands and deadlines. You may occasionally be tempted to cheat
in some fashion, perhaps by plagiarizing a paper or lying to a
professor to obtain an extension. How do you deal with such
temptations?
Answer:
Even though pressures to cheat, lie plagiarize are all around, I have never been
tempted to do so. Personally, I feel that you need to take responsibility for the numerous
demands that are asked of us. So that the hard work and countless all niter will pay off in
the end because I will know that the grade that I obtain I achieved on my own.
4. Suppose you served on a peer-review jury for a fellow social
work student who was caught cheating on an exam. The evidence is
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overwhelming. There is no doubt that the
intentional. What should happen to that student?
cheating
was
Answer:
I believe everyone deserve a second chance. I believe the student should be
reprimanded but not expelled from the university. The student should receive a failing
grade and not have the opportunity to re-do the exam. The embarrassment and failing
grade will be punishment enough for that student to learn their lesson.
5. Suppose you serve as the supervisor of a social worker who is
responsible for overseeing the welfare of abused and neglected
children placed in foster care homes. What would you do if you
discovered that the social worker fraudulently reports make
twice-weekly visits with each child when the truth is that most
children receive visits about once every two to three months and
some children had not been visited in more than four months?
How would your decision about what to do be affected if (a) the
children were all safe and healthy or (b) one of the unvisited
children died as a result of abuse by the members of the foster
family?
Answer:
In the social work profession we are responsible for peoples live and neglecting
the well-being of children or any individual need to be dealt with. First I would report the
social worker to the Ontario College of Social Workers, so that this incident would be
perminately place on their record. Secondly, I would fire the social worker because it is
clear that they can not handle the work load and it is putting children at risk. No matter
the situation if the kids were healthy or ended up dying, as a supervisor you need to take
control of the situation and warn other not to make the same incompetent mistake.
Exercise 2-3 Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning
1. How much and what kind of a “critical thinker and lifelong
learner” are you?
Answer:
Throughout my life I have strived to be a lifelong learner. I have learnt from my
past mistakes and failures. In addition my past successes and achievements. As well I
have and always will be learning from others... If this quality were to be lacking it
would almost be as if you would almost be as if you would be stagnated. I would
categorize myself as a novice with regards to critical thinking.
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2.
Why might critical thinking and lifelong learning be more
important for social workers during the 21st century?
Answer:
Lifelong learn is very important in the 21st century because there are always
examination and explanations for different behaviours, discovering new ways the treat
clients, furthermore social workers have developed new techniques with the practice of
social work. Without the ability to lifelong learner social workers would be providing
an injustice to the people they serve. Critical thinking is more important to social
workers in the 21st century than ever before because the social work profession is not
black and white. There are many situation the need a deep analysis the uncover the
hidden problem .Social workers need to determine the array of areas that need to be
examine to truly help the client..
3. Suppose you decided to become a proficient critical thinker,
what steps might you takes to do so? What steps might you take
to become a more effective lifelong learner?
Answer:
The steps I would take to become a more proficient critical thinker is to
examine the past and present case studies and literature to fuller broaden my
knowledge on the different skill and techniques used to help individuals. The steps I
would take to become a more effective lifelong learner is I would continue to learn
from my own mistakes, I would attempt to take risks with regards to my personal life
but also with my profession life as a social work (e.g. Apply for a promotion, even
though I might need a lot of training to actually be successful within that position). I
would attend seminars, courses, workshops and read books, newspaper and magazine
article to understand the changes that are occurring within our society.
Exercise 2-4 Family Genogram
1.
What role or roles did you play in your family? At the
present time, what role or roles do you tend to play in family or
family like relationships?
Answer:
The role I play and have always played within my family was that of the
peacekeeper. I hate confrontation, arguing and I feel that the atmosphere is less
chaotic when there is peacekeeper to settle thing when peoples emotions gets away
from them.
2.
How was affection expressed in you family? At the present
time, how do you tend to express affection?
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Answer:
Affection within my family has always been a way for us to express our
emotions to one other. Growing up with hugs and kisses on the forehead and cheek
was a tradition before ever leaving the house. Saying ‘I Love you’ was a way for us
kids to know that we could turn to are parent if we needed anything. Hearing I love
you on a daily basis helped produce high self-esteem, confidence and the knowledge
that you would always be coming home to a loving family.
3. How were feelings such as anger, fear, and joy expressed in
your family? At this point in your life, how do you express these
feelings?
Answer:
Anger fear and joy were expressed differently within my family. Growing up in a
religious family we were never to knowledge fears but only pray to God for his help to
overcome. Anger is a part of life, people get upset by comments, or acts made by
individuals but we believed walking away and cooling off before having a discussion was
a better for all parties involved. The way joy was expressed is through laughter,
excitement, hugs and tears of happiness. Joy is always the best feeling to share with the
members of your family. These feeling are still being expressed in this manner.
4. How were people (especially children), educated, guided and
disciplined in your family? Who performed these socialization
functions? Today, how do you attempt to educate or influence
others?
Answer:
Within my family we were shown right from wrong; to respect others and to
understand the values we were taught. We were guided to be our own people, not to
following others, so we can take responsibility for our own mistakes. By doing this we
would become content with who we are and who we would become. As for discipline,
we were never spanked; we lost privileges according to our wrong behavior Our parent
we able to take the time and teach us how to be productive member of society and by
them doing this we are able to contribute to the community in many ways.. Today I
attempt to influence and educate others through explaining the importance of being
your own person. By achieving this goal you can accomplish great things.
5. How did you family reflect its ethnic and cultural identity
and heritage? How do you?
Answer:
The way my family expresses their cultural identity is by traveling to the different
areas my family came from. Speaking of the tales of the migration to Canada, and the
courage and strength these people held. Carrying on traditions such as celebrating
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specific holidays, eating certain food performing rituals. I believe that keeping your
cultural identity alive is an important part of life and I express my heritage by traveling
to the homeland of my ancestors and carrying on specific tradition that are important to
me.
6.
What is your conception of the ideal family?
compare with your actual family experience?
How does it
Answer:
An ideal family contain characteristic of respect, love, caring individuals, who
are able to speak their mind and be their own people. It is the differences in family
member that make life interesting and I believe that my ideal family is my own. Because
from the time I was born I have always felt love and care for and that is something I will
treasure always.
Exercise 2-4 Eco-Map
1. Which relationships in your current situation enhance your
energy level? Which deplete energy?
Answer:
My current relationships that enhance my current situation are my volunteer
experience. I volunteer with Hospice of Windsor Essex County and I enjoy every
minute of it. After my Grandfather died of Colon Cancer I began to volunteer for them
because they were very supportive in my family’s time of need. Being able to give back
to the community and help those in need of comfort and assistants really enhances my
energy level. The relationship that depletes my energy level is that of my part-time job.
I work at “Please Mum” and there is so much competition for sales and backstabbing
that I am just drain by the time I leave work. I dread every minute accept the pay
cheque.
2.
How does your social situation affect the physical,
intellectual, and emotional energy you have available for use in
critical thinking and lifelong learning activities, service to
clients, and other aspects of your social work roles?
Answer:
My personal social situation help me as a future social worker because within
my life I feel supported, loved and energized which help with regards to critical
thinking and lifelong learning activities.
3. What would you consider to be the ideal social situation? How
does it compare with your current situation?
Answer:
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The ideal social situation would contain respect, understanding and empathy.
For a social situation to contain these elements it enables an individual to feel safe and
comfortable within their environment. My ideal social situation and my current
situation are very similar but I wouldn’t change a thing because you can learn a lot
from social situation and grow into a better individual.
4. Given the nature of your present social situation, what kinds
of clients and what issues would you be likely to elicit strong
emotional reactions?
Answer:
Due to my current situation I would show a strong emotional reaction to those
individuals who do not have a strong support system. Those individuals who are
lacking a caring understanding and honesty relationship with their family and friends
and are forced to discover life on their own make feeling of sorrow develop within me.
I feel sorry for those who are unable to feel the love and caring feeling that an
individual has the right to experience.
5. What changes in your current social situation might enhance
the psychological, emotional, physical, cultural, spiritual, and
social resources needed to provide high quality social work
services to clients?
Answer:
Due to the way I was raise I have always shown others respect and support in
any way I could. By being taught this at a very young age I will be able to provide a
high quality of social work services to my client because I will be willing to explore and
understand where the client in coming from. I will ensure that respect is always shown
to my clients so that they will feel comfortable and confident enough in me to help
them.
Exercise 2-4 Critical Events
1. What events or experiences in your life were “turning points”
that led you to change directions or alter the course of your
lifetime path?
Answer:
The event that leads me to alter of change my life path was that of my
Grandfather’s death. I was unsure of what I really wanted to do with my life; I use to
change career ideas from one day to the next. After my grandfather was diagnosed
with colon cancer it was only a few month later that he past away. After seeing first
hand the supports that Hospice and CCAC offered my family made me realize that I
wanted to help those going through the same situation. So I decided that working with
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palliative care patient will enable me to remember my grandfather but also encourage
those dying to hold on the live life to the fullest.
2. Look ahead ten or fifteen years. Assume that you continue
along in your current life path. What significant events or
experiences do you anticipate? How might those affect you?
Answer:
As I continue down my current life path I anticipate graduation with a BSW
and working in palliative care. In a few years I tend to go back for my MSW and hope
that one day I will obtain my PHD and be able to teach University. I will be married
and have a couple kids and offer my children the same support and unconditional love
my parent gave me.
3.
Consider your critical-events timeline in relation to the
roles and responsibilities of social workers. What do you see as
the implications for you and your career as a social worker?
Answer:
The implications I see for myself in a future of social work are being very sensitive and
overly relating to those individuals who have suffered any type of victimizations or
harassment. There are positive aspects to my roles I find that I care deeply about those
people who are vulnerable in society, which is the role of a social worker.
Exercise 2-4 Self-Control
1.
How would you know when someone truly possesses a welldeveloped capacity for self-control?
Answer:
To know that a person possesses a well developed capacity for self control is by
look beyond those issues that bother them and have the ability to ensure that they stay in
a professional state of mind.
2. In what life areas have you exhibited strong self- control? In
what areas have you shown insufficient self-control?
Answer:
With regards to strong self-control in my life I have exhibited is such areas as
time-management, organization and I listen to others opinion and not automatically give
my opinion on the topic being discusses. Poor self-control within my life would be that of
my temper and my ability to snap at people quickly when I find they are irritating me.
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3. Repetitive patterns of maladaptive behaviour, sometime called
bad habits, compulsions or addictive behaviours can
significantly interfere with your degree of self-control and the
quality of your social work service to others. Identify that
repetitive maladaptive behaviour in your own life that could
impair your functioning as a social worker?
Answer:
Repetitive patterns of maladaptive behaviour for me would be that I am not very
opinionated, so in good and bad situations I find it hard to articulate my feelings. Thus I
might have a hard time stating to the client there own maladaptive behaviour. I am very
stubborn in my own way, so it is hard for me to accept others prospective. So working
with co-worker or other individuals it might be hard for me to accept other opinion due
to the fact that I am fixed on my own views and ideas. These are areas that I need a lot of
work in, so I can be the best social worker I can be.
4. Discuss those aspects of social work practice that are likely
to require you to exercise the greatest amount of self-control?
Answer:
Aspects within the social work practice that are likely to require me to exercise
great self-control would be domestic violence cases. Individuals whose safety and
autonomy are in jeopardy and are still choosing go back to the abusive relationship will
force me to use extreme self-control because if I don’t I could alienate the client.
5. Outline a plan to strengthen you self-control in those areas
that might adversely affect your performance as a professional
social worker?
Answer:
Outline to strength self-control
1. Write down all situation that self-control might be an issue
2. Analyze all situations to develop strategies to combat these situation
3. Try to look at stories from other people prospective
Exercise 2-5 Prejudice and Discrimination
1.
Make note of at least one occasion when you personally
experienced a prejudiced attitude or engaged in discriminatory
behavior toward:
a) Someone of the other sex
Hearing a prejudicial slag
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b) Someone of your own sex
Not speaking up when sexist comments are made about women
c) Someone of another ethnic group
Listening to a story that degrade a certain ethnic group
d) Someone of your own ethnic group
Not speaking up when someone assumes all white people are snobby
e) Someone older than yourself
Listening when people say that all old people are cruel and mean
f) Someone younger than yourself
Belittling younger people’s opinions with the assumption they don’t know as much.
g) Someone about your own age
People my age don’t know how to drive
h) Someone of a homosexual orientation
Listening to gay slang
i) Someone of a heterosexual orientation
Listening to straight slang
j) Someone of a higher economic group
That people with a higher income are snobby and have spoiled children
k) Someone of a lower economic group
Listening to people say that all poorer economic classes live in trailers and need social
assistance
l) Someone of your own economic group
That they are to work-oriented and forget the meaning of family.
m) Someone you think is better educated
That the better educated, think they are better than everyone else
n) Someone you think is less well educated
All less educated people work at Wal-Mart
o) Someone who looks different from you
That different looking people are violent
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p) Someone who looks similar to you
People say that white people think their better than everyone else
q) Someone more physically able bodied than you
That body builders are dumb
r) Someone less physically able bodied than yourself
That smaller built people are all weak
s) Someone you consider more intelligent than yourself
Those Doctors are mean and belittle their patients
t) Someone you consider less intelligent
People say that all construction workers are pigs
u) Someone with different beliefs
That Muslims are terrorists
v) Someone who has a similar belief system
That Christians are all fanatics
2. Discuss how prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behavior
might influence your personal life. Then address how such
attitudes and behavior might affect your effectiveness as a
social worker?
Answer:
Prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviour could influence you like by
make you feel self-conscious, insecure and afraid of those around you. This can
effective my effectiveness as a social worker by causing me to avoid those group that
cause me to feel uneasy. Then the whole cycle of prejudice and discrimination
continues because I would be unwilling to ignore by bias and help those individuals.
Exercise 2-10 Acceptance
1.
How would you know when someone truly accepts you? How
would the form of acceptance vary if he or she differed in some
identifiable way from you?
Answer:
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The way that I would know if someone truly accepted me would be through
there attitude towards me, if it was open and appreciative of the similarities and
differences. The form of acceptance may differ when there is a difference between us
by them becoming judgmental, and negative towards something in my life that they
don’t believe in or accept as part of their life
2. Have you ever been truly and completely accepted by someone
who differed from you? If so, what did it feel like? How did this
acceptance affect your beliefs, attitudes, and behavior?
Answer:
Yes, I have been truly accepted by a different group. In the summer of last year,
I was coming home from work when I got a flat tire. There was no one around and I
found myself becoming panicky. It was around 9:30pm at night and I was on a county
road trying for the first time to change a tire. When all of a sudden five motor cycle
where coming down the road, they pulled off and walked towards me, my heart was
pounding because all that was going through my mind was the rumour I heard about
‘Hell’s Angel’ and the murders they committed. One of the gentleman asked if I
needed any help, I hesitate and than handed the tools over to the men. They changed
my tire and I got to know these gentlemen and who they really stood for. They had
families; some work full time and just biked as a hobby. All the stereotypes and
prejudice I held for biker went right out the window. From that moment on I never
looked at bikers the same way instead of viewing them as ruff, violent killing machine I
was able to see that they are human beings just wanting to be accepted just like the rest
of us.
3.
Have you ever truly and completely accepted someone who
differed from you? If so, what do you think enabled you to do so?
If not, what prevented you?
Answer:
Yes, I have truly accepted people who are different from me. I have many
friends who are of different nationality, races and ethnicity. It doesn’t matter to me
their sexual orientation, religion or background because it’s the people on the inside I
have gotten to know and love. I have many friends who are gay and lesbian and if I
had chosen to discriminate and not be open to their livelihood I would have missed out
on so much. Going to seminar and rallies that state that need for the prejudice to be
over. If I had chosen not to be friends with individuals who are African American I
would have missed out on gaining the knowledge first hand on the history behind the
slavery and the courage these individuals held. By opening myself up to different races,
cultures and orientation I have been able to broaden my knowledge and understand
better the need for acceptance and what strategies need to be implemented to help other
to destroy their own prejudices and discriminations.
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4. How do you think people acquire intolerant attitudes about
other people? How do you think people develop the capacity to
accept others who differ from themselves?
Answer:
I think that people acquire intolerant attitudes about others because people are
so easy manipulated by stuff they hear or witness. This causes intolerant attitudes to be
develop and they escalate into deep hatred to other group be cause people are not
willing to take the time and truly understand other circumstances. By can develop a
capacity to accept other by listening and finding the truth with regards to situation
because only them can people truly be accepted for who they our.
5. In order to transcend those powerful internal and external
forces that tend to perpetuate prejudice, intolerance, and
discrimination, outline the key points of a plan by which you
might strengthen your capacity to accept others, especially
those who differ from yourself
Answer:
To be able to strengthen your ability to accept others you may:
1. Attempt to walk a mile in the other person shoes. By doing this we might be able to
understand better the situations and circumstances of these individuals.
2. Instead of look at the difference of the individuals examine the similarities you
might have with each other.
3. Be open to hearing the stories of their peoples history which will enable a fuller
understand of where they came from and who they are as an individual
Exercise 2-6 Social Support
1. Where and from whom do you experience the greatest, and the
least, social support?
Answer:
I experience the greatest social support from my family. They have always been
there supporting me in every area in my life and with their encouragement I have been
able to achieve many things. I experience the least social support from my part-time
job. Many of my colleges do not understand how time consuming University can be.
They put down the education I am receiving and except me to contribute hours upon
hours to my place of employment which is impossible especially when I am in school.
2. What kinds or forms of social support do you most like to give,
and to receive?
Answer:
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The kinds of social support I like to give are that of kindness and understand.
When and individual is having a hard time deal with specific situation hearing caring
words and knowing that there is an individual who understand what you are going
through make the situation easier to bare. This type of social support I except within
my life as well.
3.
In what ways would you like to change your social support
systems? Why? What steps might you take to make those changes?
Answer:
I wouldn’t want to change my social support in anyway; I find my family and friends to
be there for me through everything that occurs in my life. They are always there to talk
and always give me a shoulder to cry on.
Chapter 3 Ethical Decision Making
Exercise 3-1 Ethical Decision Making
1. As a social worker in the oncology unit of the general hospital,
you frequently work with clients who are dying. An intelligent,
articulate, 88 year old woman, Ms. T who has suffered from
intense pain for several months, informs you that she has
hoarded powerful analgesic medicines and intends to take her
own life during the night. She says that she wants to say goodbye to you and to thank you for all your help during this time.
However, she asks that you please do not interfere with her
plans.
Answer:
The actions I would take is that I would report her to the appreciate authorities
because you as her social worker is responsible for the well-being and safety of the
individual.
2. As a social worker in an elementary school system, you
frequently work with young children in small groups. During a
meeting with several girls in the 8 to 10 year old range, one girl
says that almost every night, her father comes into her bedroom,
puts his hands under her pajamas, and touches between her legs.
Answer:
As a social worker I would have to report this because this girl is being harmed
by her father and it is my duty to protect her.
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3. A 25-year old man, father of two children, comes to a first
interview with you, a social worker in a family-counseling
agency. During the course of the interview, he reveals that he
and his wife argue a lot. He says that she won’t stop arguing once
she starts and that when he tries to walk away, she pursues him,
yelling.
He indicates that in those situations he becomes
enraged. He reveals that on several occasions he has pushed her
and once he punched her in the face, breaking her nose.
Answer:
If this individual has a history of abuse you need to be aware of it. You can ask
the individual if he will harm his wife again and if he indicates “yes” you need to report
it to the appropriate authorities. The social worker has the duty to warn and protect and
will need to inform the wife that their might be other episodes violence. The social worker
needs to inform this woman because she is potential at risk for harm and might need
protection.
4. You have recently been employed in an agency whose clientele
is primarily African American and Latino. All the professional
staff are white. Several of the secretarial and support staff are
African American. No one employed by the agency is Spanishspeaking.
Answer:
I have an ethical obligation for equality and everyone within the work place deserves to
be respected. I would advocate ensuring that equality for employment is realized.
5.
You have been working with a married couple who has
indicated a desire to improve the quality of their relationship.
You and the clients have agreed that direct, open, and honest
communication is a relationship goal. Each has also expressed
that sexual fidelity is an important dimension of their marriage.
Between the fifth and sixth meetings, you receive a telephone
call from one of the partners who says, “I think it would help you
to know that I an involved romantically with another person. My
spouse does not know and I know that you will not reveal this
information because of your legal obligation to maintain
confidentiality. I want you know about this other relationship
because I think it will help you to help us. I have come to respect
your expertise. You are doing a wonderful job. Thank-you.”
Answer:
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Due to the confidentiality aspect of the code of ethic I would not inform the
wife. However, I would discuss with this gentleman the many alternatives to telling the
wife and how it would be beneficial to the marriage. However, it will be up to the
spouse if he chooses to disclose this information
Chapter 4 (Talking and Listening)
Exercise 4-4 Active Listening
1. Client: My life is in shambles. My wife is divorcing me and she
is going to take me to the cleaners.
Answers:
Is it safe for me to say that you are overwhelmed and you felt like you are no longer in
control of your own life? You are very concerned that your wife is going to drain you
financially.
2. Supervisor: I am disappointed that you did not follow up on
the Sanchez case. You know that those children are at risk.
Answers:
I hear you saying that you are anger with me because I failed to complete the task asked
of me and that is to protect those kids.
3. Professor:
I wonder if the match between your personal
values and those of the social work profession is a good one. It
appears to me that your attitudes are quite different from those
required of social workers.
Answers:
I sense that you feel that the social work values are very different from mine. You are
concerned if social work profession is really the right career for me to undertake.
4. Client: My husband thinks I am an alcoholic. I’m here because
he made me come. Sure, I drink. I drink a lot. But he’s the reason I
drink.
Answers:
Am I right in saying that you are angry with you husband for forcing you to be here,
however, you do realize that you drink a lot but you blaming your husband for the way
that you drink.
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5. Classmate: I’ve missed the last three classes and don’t know
what’s going on in here. Today is the day of the midterm exam and
I know I’m going to flunk. I’m so uptight, I can’t think straight.
Answers:
I hear you saying you feel unprepared for the midterm exam because you missed some
classes. This is causing you to feel worried, anxious, and concerned about the exam
that is happening today.
6. Colleague: I am working with a family that is driving me up
the wall. I know I have a problem here. I get so angry with this
family for not trying to help themselves. I work so damn hard
and they don’t do a thing!
Answers:
I sense that you are feeling hurt and angry at the family progress. You have work so hard
with this family and you feel like you’re the only one working towards the contacted
goals. You disappointed in the way the family is reacting to the therapy.
7. Child: Sometimes my mommy’s boyfriend is mean to her. He
hits her and she ends up crying a lot. I don’t like him at all.
Answers:
Am I right in saying that you hate you mommy’s boyfriend because he is mean to her.
Chapter 5 (Preparing)
Exercise 5-1: Preparatory Reviewing
1. Highlight the information contained in the report that you,
as a social worker, would want to remember for your first
meeting with Mrs. Cannon.
Answers:
** Mrs. Cannon telephoned from her place of work
** Amy the daughter of Ms. Cannon is 14 years old
** Issue is that Amy came home after her 9:00pm curfew late smelling like alcohol
** The first meeting Ms. Cannon want to be alone
** This is Mrs. Cannon’s first meeting with a mental health agency
**The father had recently filed for divorce, six weeks ago and is no longer living with
them
Exercise 5-2: Preparatory Exploring
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1. Write the questions you would ask and identify the information
you would seek as you use the skill of preparatory exploring of
Fr. Sanchez
Answer:
I would ask Fr Sanchez:
^^ How long had he known the family
^^ How well did he know the family
^^ Through this agency what did the family wish to receive
^^Had the family ever received help from any other agency or support system.
^^ Is the family aware of the referral the priest is making to the agency
^^ What services had the church offered the family
^^Had any of these services worked for the family
^^Is the family willing to get help
Exercise 5-3: Preparatory Consulting
1. Identify the information you would seek and the issues you
would address with your supervisor
Answer:
The information that I would seek consultation about would be:
^^ Within this situation what are all the options
^^ What are our legal obligations
^^ Within our own agencies what steps should be taken
^^ What agency, if any should a referral be made
Exercise 5-4: Preparatory Arranging
1. Discuss how you would use the skill of arranging in preparation
for the meeting with Mr. Somes.
Answer:
What I would do to prepare for the meeting would be:
 I would make sue officer would be outside the door, due to the nature of the
individual
 I would discuss with my college that he would have to leave due to the nature of
the discussion
 I would ensure the client felt comfortable before I told him the nature of his wife
illness
 I would encourage that he would read some books or pamphlet about grief and
the loss of a loved one.
Exercise 5-5: Preparatory Empathy
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1. Engage in the skill of Preparatory empathy as if you were
about to meet the parents of the AIDS patient in this situation.
Record your thoughts and feelings in the space below
Answer:
I thoughts and feelings I would prepare:
 The main thing that needs to be researched is the grief process this family will be
going through.
 I would try to understand the feelings and situation the family would be going
through by using preparatory empathy
 The child might feel anger that he would be dying from this disease. However, the
parents might be anger at the son for contracting the disease
 Sadness, sense of loss, and the overwhelming thought of loosing the child.
 Shock and dismay will definitely be an emotion both parties will be feeling.
Exercise 5-6: Preparatory Self-Exploration
1. Write what you would discover about yourself as you engage in
self-exploration before meeting Cathy’s father
Answer:
I might be affected by the interaction in the sense that:
 Feelings that this man who molested this child should be punished
 Frustrated at the fact that this man violated this child
 Sorrow that this child had to experience such a horrible act
Exercise 5-7: Centering
1. Please describe the activities you would undertake in order to
center yourself before meeting with the client
Answer:
The activities I would undertake in order to center would be:
 Question why I didn’t get the 7% raise like the others
 Question, why I was the only one who didn’t get the raise
 Understand and come to terms with the feelings I have such as disappointment,
and resentment towards those who received the raise
 Resolve that I will talk to my supervisor in regard to the issue
 Realize that others work hard and to begrudge them the raise is unfair on my part
Exercise 5-8: Preliminary Planning and Recording
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1. You have been assigned to collect information and formulate a
recommendation a to the placement of a 12 year old, whose
parents are divorcing. Develop and record a preliminary plan for
the meeting.
Answer:
 To the 12 year old boy and the parent, I would identify myself and my position
within the agency
 The laws and right of the situation needs to be examined
 My first responsibility is the child but I will ensure that I meet with all the
members of the family.
2. Ms. Rivera indicates that her brother who is a veteran of war
has trouble keeping jobs, drinks heavily, has trouble with
nightmares, as well as occasionally has violent outbursts.
Lately she is concerned because he has threatened to take his
own life. He won’t go to the agency, so you agree to meet him at
his home. The first meeting will be at 5:30 at his home. Develop at
preliminary plan for the meeting.
Answer:
 I would introduce myself, my agency, and my role at the agency
 The code of ethics and the rights of the individual will be discussed.
 Clarify the concerns Ms Rivera id having with regards to Hector and his
behaviour
 Explore what Hector would like to get from our agency
 Indicate the services that are available to Hector
Exercise 5-9: Summary
1. A family of seven has been sleeping in their car, on their way
to another city in the hopes of finding work. They have run out of
money and are nearly out of gas. They are referred to your
agency. Engage in preparatory empathy.
Answer:
The parents must be feeling sad, hopeless and overwhelmed. The family is having
a difficultly uprooting their life in hopes that they can find work. The parents might be
angry with themselves that they are having trouble taking care of their family financially
but also emotionally.
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2. Through self-exploration, identity those personal factors
that might affect you as you provide services to this family.
Then describe how you would center yourself.
Answer:
Through self-exploration I am angry at the parent for being so self-involved and allowing
these children to suffer. In the social work profession it is common practice to protect the
children so by centering myself and developing an understand that they are trying to
better themselves and the families future that if the parent where able to support their
children they would.
3. Record the preliminary plan for your first meeting with the
family.
Answer:
 I would introduce myself, my agency and the role I provide
 Explain the general purpose of the meeting
 Explain the limits to confidentiality and the duty to report if indication of child
abuse
 Inquire what the family would like to get out of the service that will be provided
 Ask were they would like to see themselves in the future
4. A 33-year old man is accused of molesting his girlfriend’s 13year old daughter. He must undergo counseling to avoid jail
time. The man was living with his girlfriend, now he lives alone.
Engage in preparatory empathy as you ready yourself to meet
with your prospective client.
Answer:
He might be feeling upset and anger with the fact that he might be face jail time.
He could feel hurt that he will no longer have a girlfriend but disappointed that he got
caught.
5. Through self-exploration, identify those personal factors that
might get in the way of your helping the man. Then describe how
you would center yourself.
Answer:
I feel hatred and disgust towards this individual. I am angry that he causes pain
to this young girl. I am sad that this girl had to experience such a horrible action. A way
that I can center myself is by realizing that he is a sick and that he needs to get help.
6.
Prepare the preliminary plan that results from your
preparation to meet this man.
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Answer:
 I would introduce myself, my agency, and my role within it
 Any and all ethical and legal obligations.
 Explain that anything her report to me I will have to inform the court
 I would ask him what he would like to get from this service.
7. You work at (CPS), you receive a call from a neighbor of the
Smith family that the parents are neglecting and abusing their
children, ages 1 and 3. The children play in a filthy backyard,
full of animal waste, and dangerous materials while the mother
sleeps. The man of the house allegedly drinks heavily and beats
both mother and children. Engage in preparatory empathy as you
prepare to meet with the family.
Answer:
The parents could feel angry toward the CPS for making a house visit. The parents could
also feel betrayed by their neighbour. The children could feel abandoned and scared with
regard to both the parent actions.
8. Through self-exploration identify those personal factors that
might affect the quality of your professional service. Then
describe how you may center yourself.
Answer:
I am anger with regard to the fact that those children have been neglected and
beaten by both parent. I will be able to center myself by realizing these parents need
to receive help before they will ever be able to see their kid again.
9. Prepare the preliminary plan for the meeting
Answer:
 I would introduce myself, my agency and role
 Inform them that you’re here to protect the child
 Inform them of the duty to warn and protect
 What they hope to do with regards to getting their kids back
 What they want to get out of are agency
10. You serve as a social worker on the cancer ward of a
children’s hospital. You receive a request from a Doctor that you
join her as she informs the parents of an 8-year old girl that
their daughter has leukemia. Engage in preparatory empathy as
you ready yourself for the meeting.
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Answer:
The parents must be devastated after discovering that their child has leukemia.
Scared they their daughter might die. The parent also might feel anger with regards to
their child having to experience such a horrible ordeal.
11. Through the process of self-exploration, identify those
personal factors that might inhibit the effectiveness of the
situation. Then describe how you might center yourself
Answer:
I feel empathy towards the family and sad that such a young child has to
experience such a horrible event. I will have to center myself by realizing that I
have a job to do and my judgment can’t be impaired.
12. Prepare a preliminary plan for the meeting.
Answer:
 I would introduce myself, my agency, and my role within it
 Clarify the code of ethics and the important of confidentiality
 Acknowledge the emotions each family member is experiencing.
 Make the family aware that there are many services available to help them
Chapter 6 (Beginning)
Exercise 6-1: Introducing Yourself
1. Assume that you are a social worker in a residential nursing
facility for elderly persons. You are scheduled to meet with
family members concerning the possibility of placing their 85year old parent there. What would you say and do in introducing
yourself.
Answer:
I would state my name (Kellie Holgate), extend and shake hands with the family. I would
state that I am the social worker in the residential nursing facility and smile warmly. I
would state my role within the agency and begin the conversation with a joke or make
some comments about the weather to get the conversation flowing.
2. Assume that you are recently hired as a social worker in a
training center for the developmentally disabled children and
young adults. Today, you are about to lead a group of six or eight
teenage residents. The students are already seated in the room
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when you arrive. Although a few of them may have seen you
walking around campus, none of them actually knows you and you
don’t know any of them. What would you say and do in introducing
yourself?
Answer:
I would smile warmly and say Hello to all the individuals in the room while going around
the room and shake each person’s hand. I would introduce myself (Kellie Holgate) and
incorporate an ice breaking exercise to show the individuals that it is a safe and
comfortable environment. I would insure that they know they can call me by my first
name which would make me an equal with the rest of them and destroy the power
imbalance.
.
Exercise 6-2: Seeking Introductions
1. You are about to begin an interview with a recently divorced
55-year old man. As you walk together to your office you can
smell a strong odor of alcohol. How would you introduce yourself
and seek his introduction? Discuss your rationale for the words
you chose.
Answer:
I would state my name while extending my hand, smiling all the while. Explain my role in
the office. I would then ask him his name, well making sure I kept eye contact the whole
time. In regards to the alcohol on his breath, I would ask general questions to get the
conversation flowing, if he does bring up the drinking I would let it go but if he
continually came into the agency smelling like alcohol I would mentions it to him later.
2. You are about to begin an interview with a 77-year old widow
who is hard of hearing. She can make out most words if they are
spoken clearly, distinctively, and at a low pitch. How would you
introduce yourself and seek her introduction. Explain your
rationale for the words and actions you chose and why?
Answer:
I would make eye contact and extend my hand to perform a hand shake with the women. I
would smile and introduce myself in a loud a slow manner. I would ask for her name by
stating you name is*** which will enable and introduction to take place. The reason why
I would be using such technique is because most of by interaction is non verbal instead of
the name stating which will enable the women to realize that it is a warm environment
she is entering into because of the hand shake, warm smile and constant eye contact.
3. You are about to begin a first interview with a family of seven
members. You know that it is a blended family and that not all of
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the children have the same last name. You do not, however, know
which children are from which relationships.
How do you
introduce yourself and seek introductions? Would you say or do
anything else? Discuss your rationale for the words you chose.
Answer:
I would smile and extend my hand for a hand shake with each separate individual. I
would state my name and than asking for each individuals full name thus hoping I would
be able to determine who belonged to whom. I would ask the family of seven what they
enjoyed doing with each other in hopes that it would break the ice and start the
conversation flowing.
4. You are about to begin an interview with a perspective client.
As you introduce yourself and seek an introduction from her, you
realize that she speaks a language that is neither English nor
Spanish. And you do not understand her. What do you do, discuss
your rationale?
Answer:
Firstly, I would determine if she does speak English, if not I would inform my supervisor
and see what alternative there is to help her. Whether she needs to be referred to another
agency or if we can help her with the assistance of an interpreter. I would have to
determine what language she does speak to determine the route to take.
Exercise 6-3: Describing Initial Purpose
1. You are a social worker with a public housing agency. You are
currently in the process of interviewing all residents of a
building in an effort to determine their social service needs.
You have just knocked on the door of Mrs. Strong’s apartment.
She is a single mother of five children, age range from 9 years to
6 months. Write the words you would say to show your initial
purpose.
Answer:
I would introduce myself to Mrs. Strong and state that I am a social worker from
a public housing agency. I would state my role within the agency and ask if there is any
social service need that needed to be addressed and inform her that I am talking to all the
residents within the building.
2. You are a social worker in the emergency room of a general
hospital. Paramedics have just brought in an auto Accident
victim. Doctors are performing lifesaving methods. Family
members of the victim arrive. It’s your job to provide them with
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a place to wait and explain to them in general terms what is
occurring. You go up to the family introduce yourself, and guide
them to a private area. Write the words you would use to describe
the initial purpose, as well as role?
Answer:
In this case I would explain to this patient’s family that my purpose as well as role in
these situations is to take you to a private more comfortable area, and stay with you
while you wait for news.
2. You are a social worker in a nursing home. A new resident
arrived over the weekend, and you go to her room for the first
visit. You intend to introduce yourself and get acquainted. You
realize that you will need to undertake a complete social history
before the week is out. What you say to describe the initial
purpose of the upcoming meeting.
Answer:
I would introduce myself and smile warmly. I would state my role within the
agency and explain the reason why I am visiting her. I would make it clear that I will
need to complete a social history so I can better understand her needs.
4. You lead counseling groups for children who have been sexually
abused. You are about to begin a new group, composed of five
girls. You have met individually with each girl, but they have
never met together. You ask each to introduce themselves, they
all do but in a soft voice. You want the group to be a warm, safe
and secure environment. Write the words you would say in
describing an initial purpose for the meeting.
Answer:
I would explain to the girls, the purpose of the group but I would make it clear that they
will run the group. Explaining that they can take the sessions wherever they want it to go.
They don’t need to feel pressure to talk about things that they feel are too private and
they need to be open to the experience, so it can be productive for everyone.
Exercise 6-4: Outlining Client Roles
1. You are a social worker meeting for the first time with a
couple who has marital difficulties. Mr. and Mrs. Koslow, who
have been married ten years and have two children. They have
identified as a purpose for the first meeting to explore the
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problems and concerns that led the couple to come to the agency.
You now want to outline the roles of the clients.
Answer:
For these session to work I would make it clear to the couple that everyone needs to talk
openly, express their emotion and acknowledge the other person feeling. Everyone needs
to feel respected and feel free to discuss anything that is concerning them. This will
enable a positive outcome to take place.
2. Assume that you are a social worker meeting for the first time
with a family of four. The eldest daughter has reportedly begun
to smoke marijuana and to drink beer and wine. The mother is
very concerned and has brought the entire family to meet with
you. You want to outline the roles of the clients in the process.
What would you say?
Answer:
In order for these sessions to be productive everyone needs to feel respected, so when on
person is talk the rest much listen even if what is being stated it is not agreed upon.
Anything that is concerning an individual should be brought up so that the issue can be
discussed and resolved. Open communication is key for this to be a positive process.
Exercise 6-5: Discussing Policy and Ethical Factors
1. You are a social worker with a public housing agency. You are
currently in the process of interviewing all residents of a
building in an effort to determine their social service needs.
You have just introduced yourself and described an initial
purpose and role to Mrs. Strong’s. She is a single mother of five
children, age range from 9 years to 6 months. Write the words
you would say to discuss policy and ethical factors
Answer:
I would inform Ms. Strong that anything stated her today will stay within the
session. I am required to report any child abuse or if anything indicate harm to others or
self. If any question, feel free to stop me anytime within the session. Let’s get started
2. You are a social worker in a nursing home. A new resident
arrived over the weekend, and you go to her room for the first
visit. You intend to introduce yourself and get acquainted. You
realize that you will need to undertake a complete social history
before the week is out. Following a reintroduction of yourself
and a description of the purpose and role, you want to outline the
27
ground rules for the working relationship. Write the words you
would say in discussing policy and ethical factors with this new
resident.
Answer:
I would inform the resident that anything stated her today will stay within the
session. I am required to report any child abuse or if anything indicate harm to others or
self. If any question, feel free to stop me anytime within the session. Let’s get started
3. You lead counseling groups for children who have been sexually
abused. You are about to begin a new group, composed of five
girls. You have met individually with each girl, but they have
never met together. You ask each to introduce themselves, they
all do but in a soft voice. You want the group to be a warm, safe
and secure environment. You’ve described an initial purpose for
the meeting; now discuss the ethical factors as they might relate
to this group of five girls.
Answer:
I would inform the ladies that one of my main jobs in this meeting is to always have your
best interest in mind. So anything said is confidential unless I feel that it might cause you
or others harm. I would explain to the girl that I want them to feel comfortable and
confident enough in me, so they can trust me enough to share their feelings. Is there any
questions? Make sure we respect one another, and let’s get started
Exercise 6-6: Seeking Feedback
1. Write the words you would use in seeking feedback regarding
purpose from Joan and Emily
Answer:
Joan: Does everything sound o.k to you? Or are there still things that you need clarified?
Emily: How does this sound? If you ever want me to go over something don’t hesitate to
ask.
2. Write the words you would use is seeking feedback from Joan
regarding policy and ethical factors
Answer:
Do you understand everything that I just went over? If you need clarification please let
me know? I want you to be comfortable with everything I discussed with you?
3. Write the words you would use in seeking feedback from Mr.
Battle concerning what you have said thus far.
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Answer:
I want this to be a growing process for you, so if you have any questions about what we
have discussed so far please feel free to state them?
4. Write the words you would use in seeking feedback from Mr.
Battle concerning what you have said thus far.
Answer:
I know that this is your life, Mr. Battle, so if there is anything you don’t understand,
please let me know so we can discuss these issues. It is important that your concerns are
brought up, so you can receive the best quality help our agency can offer.
Exercise 6-7: Summary
1. Earlier in the day, a woman telephoned the agency and said she
wanted to talk with someone about an incident that had occurred
about 1 week earlier. A man she had met in a bar drove her home
and then raped her. She had thought that she would be able to
manage her feelings about the crime by herself. However, she now
realizes that she needs help to cope with the aftereffects of the
violation. She said, “I am falling apart”. What you say and do in
beginning a meeting?
Answer:
Hello my name is (Kellie Holgate) (Shake Hands) what’s your name? I am the social
worker at this agency. Just so you know whatever we discuss within this session will stay
in this session. The only reason I would ever inform anyone about what we discussed is if
I felt you were about to harm others or yourself. The reason why we are meeting is to
discuss anything that the she wants to discuss. It is her chose of where the session goes
and we can talk or not talk it is up to her. Do you have any question thus far? If not let’s
get started.
2. The agency receptionist informs you that in the waiting room
there in a 55-year old man, agitated he is saying “I have to die”
repeatedly. You proceed to the reception area and ask him to
accompany you. What do you say in the beginning?
Answer:
Hello my name is (Kellie Holgate) (Shake Hands) What’s your name? I am the social
worker at this agency. Just so you know whatever we discuss within this session will stay
in this session. The only reason I would ever inform anyone about what we discussed is if
I felt you were about to harm others or yourself. I was wondering if we could start off by
discussing what was mentioned in the lobby. Let’s sit down and talk, if that is okay with
you?
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3.
Recently, a 14-year old African American has told her
schoolteacher that she is pregnant by her white boyfriend. She
states she has to have an abortion, soon. The school teacher tells
you, the school social worker. You set up an appointment with the
girl what do you say in beginning?
Answer:
Hello my name is (Kellie Holgate)(Shake hands) What’s your name? I am the social
worker at this agency. Just so you know whatever we discuss within this session will stay
in this session. The only reason I would ever inform anyone about what we discussed is if
I felt you were about to harm others or yourself. You teacher told me that your concerned
about something? Do you want to start with that?
4. An 8-year old victim of sexual molestation seems to be in a
state of emotional shock. She has not spoken a single word since
the incident was discovered several days ago. The child has been
referred to you, a social worker who specializes in work with
victimized children. A home visit is scheduled for the present
time. The child’s mother answers the door. What would you do and
say in beginning, first with the mother and then the 8-year old
girl, herself?
Answer:
MOTHER: Hello, I’m Kellie (smile, shake her hand), I am a social worker here at this
agency. Everything we say in this meeting is will stay in this meeting unless I feel that
there might be harm to yourself or others., I realize that you have been through a great
ordeal. I want to make this as easy for you as possible. If you ever have any questions,
just ask. I want you to be aware of everything that is going on.
CHILD: Hi, there sweetie. My name is Kellie, what’s yours. (Smile) I know you’ve been
through a lot. I am here to help you, is there anything that you want to talk about? I know
your probably scared and feeling a bunch of feelings. Whenever you want to talk I am
hear to listen. If you ever have any questions please just ask me
5. A 42-year old woman nearly beaten to death several times
over the past 10 years wants help in dealing with the situation.
She sought help in a battered women’s shelter, were you are a
social worker; you are about to meet with her for the first time,
what do you say to begin?
Answer:
Hello my name is (Kellie Holgate) (Shake hands) What’s your name? I am the social
worker at this agency. Just so you know whatever we discuss within this session will stay
30
in this session. The only reason I would ever inform anyone about what we discussed is if
I felt you were about to harm others or yourself. We can start with whatever you want to
talk about but I want you to know that you can trust me and we will be able to discover
strategies that will help you get your life back on track?
Chapter 7 Exploring
Exercise 7-1: Asking Questions
1. You are in the midst of the first interview with Mr. K., a
recently divorced 55 year old man. You have introduced
yourself and have addressed the other aspects of the
beginning phase of practice. You are now ready for an
initial exploratory question. At this point, you know only
that Mr.K.’s concern relates in some way to the divorce.
Therefore, you want to encourage him to explore that topic
in depth. Write the words you would say in asking this first
question. Once recorded, indicate whether it is opened or
closed ended. Discuss your rationale for choosing this
particular question. How do you think Mr. K. would respond?
Answer:
The question that I would ask to have him explore the issue of his divorce would
be: (1) How are you feeling since the divorce?
Open ended questions are “phrased in a manner that encourages people to
express themselves expansively and extensively “(224). Therefore this question that I
will be asking Mr. K. is an opened-ended question because it enables the individual to
explore the hidden meanings behind what he is really feeling. I believe that Mr. K.
will respond is a positive way and express feelings of anger, betrayal and despair.
2. You have just begun to interview Mrs.O., a 77 year old widow
who lives alone in a small apartment. You have already
introduced yourselves, outlined some of the services that
might be of interest to Mrs. O. and addressed other
dimensions of the beginning phase. Now write the words you
would say in asking an initial exploratory question. Once
recorded, determine whether it is open or close ended.
Discuss your rationale for choosing this question and
anticipate how you think Mrs. O. would respond.
Answer:
The question I would ask Mrs. O is: (1) Have you always lived in this apartment?
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This is a close ended question because it “elicits short responses” (223). The
reason I chose to use a close ended question is because it is a great introductory tool
and it enables the individual to become comfortable with the whole process they are
experiencing. I believe that Mrs. O. response would consist of how long she has lived
within the apartment, which would open the door to a multitude of question that could
bring Mrs. O. to explore her life since her husband’s death.
Exercise 7-2: Seeking Clarification
1. You are in the midst of the first interview with Mr. K., a
recently divorced 55-year-old man. You have introduced
yourself and addressed other aspects of beginning. You are
in the midst of exploring the person-issue-situation. Mr.
K. says, “I feel so bad. It really hurts. I miss her terribly.
I’m not sure I can go on.” Write the words you would say in
seeking clarification of what he has just said. After you
have written your response, discuss your rationale for the
words you have chosen. How do you think he might react to
this question? Now try preceding your attempt to seek
clarification with an active listening response. What effect
does that have?
Answer:
Seeking Clarification: What do you mean when you say “I’m not sure I can go
on”. This relates to the on a personal level, thus it will cause the client to response in a
way that will require further exploring of not only his feelings but also acknowledge any
actions he might be considering with regards to his wife leaving. An active listening
response that I would use is “I can sense that you our feeling a lost of control, despair,
which is making you feel horrible as a person”. This will give Mr.K. a reason to examine
more of the feelings he is experiencing but this might enable a better connection between
worker-client, if the client feels understood.
2. As an outreach worker for elderly persons, you are in the
midst of an interview with Mrs. O., a 77 year-old widow who
lives alone. At one point in the conversation, Mrs. O.
abruptly stops talking and looks blankly away. For perhaps
45 seconds, she does not respond to any of your questions.
Then suddenly, she shakes her head slightly and redirects
her attention to you. Write the words you would use to seek
clarification in this situation. After you have written your
response, discuss your rationale for the words you have
chosen. How do you think Mrs. O. might react to this
question?
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Answer:
Seeking Clarification: “I can see you need to process this situation, is their
something you need to talk about?” This allows her time to know that I am
understanding the silence and for her not to rush, but as a Social Worker I am still
available for her to talk when she is ready. Mrs. O. will react in a way that will enable
her to came back and reconnect with her feelings.
Exercise 7-3: Reflecting Content
1. You are in the midst of an interview with Mrs.O., a 77 year
old widow who lives alone. Following an episode in which
she appeared to lose awareness of her surroundings, Mrs. O.
says, “I do occasionally have these spells. I don’t pass out
or fall down or anything like that. I just kind of wake up
after a while.” Write the words you would use in reflecting
the content of Mrs.O.’s message. After you have written your
response, discuss your rationale for the words you have
chosen. How do you think Mrs. O. might react to your
content reflection?
Answer:
Reflection: You’re saying that even though you don’t physically hurt yourself by
falling. These spells do occur where you loose consciousness for a while. This is
relating to the client content which will open the conversation for further exploring
her feelings about the spells. Mrs. O. might react by examining how she feels
physically but also emotionally about these spells.
Exercise7-4: Reflecting Feelings
1. During you first interview with Mr.K., a recently divorced 55
year old man, he says, “I am absolutely lost. There is no
reason to go on. I feel like someone reached into my gut and
wrenched out my insides.” Write the words you would say in
reflecting the feelings Mr.K. has expressed. After you have
written your response, discuss your rationale for the words
you have chosen. How do you think he might react to your
reflection? Identify two Alternative feeling reflections
that might also apply in this situation?
Answer:
Reflection: You’re feeling confused and miserable due to the fact that your wife
has life you alone to care for yourself. Your feeling as though you can’t function
without her which is making you feel sick inside.” Relates to client emotionally will
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cause more exploration of what he feels inside. He might react in a positive way
because he feels understood and he might feel comfortable enough to explore deeper
into what he is experiencing. Two alternative reflections:
1. Your feeling angry with your wife for leaving you and your feeling
physically sick at that fact that you might not be able to get her back.
2. You’re feeling abandoned and hurt that your wife could just leave you
after so many years and now you’re experiencing uncertainty about
your future.
Exercise 7-5: Reflecting feeling and Meaning
1. In the midst of your first interview with Mr.K., a recently
divorced 55 year old man, you are exploring his feelings
about his situation. He says “I was so used to her being
there. I needed her but I never told her so. Now that she’s
gone, I realize just how much she meant to me. “Write the
words you would say in reflecting the feeling and meaning
contained in what Mr. K. has said. After you have written
your response, discuss your rationale for the words you
have chosen. How do you think Mr. K. might respond?
Identify two alternative feeling and meaning reflections
that might also apply in this situation.
Answer:
Reflection: “I’m hearing that you feel like you took her for granted. You’re
feeling remorseful and regret at what had transpired.” By reflection on the
meaning and feeling of what Mr. K. had said indicates that he is understood, thus it
will enable further exploration of what he is experiencing. Two alternative feeling
and meaning reflection:
1. Your feeling regret that your never vocalized how you were feeling to your
wife and now your feeling a sense of loss because she is now gone.
2. I’m hearing that you’re were very dependant on your wife and now that she
is gone, your fearful of what the future holds.
Exercise 7-6: Partializing
1. You are interviewing Mr. K., a recently divorced 55 year old
man. He says, “I think I’m on the brink of a nervous
breakdown. I can’t do my work. I can’t sleep at night. I don’t
eat. All I do is think about her. I wonder what she’s doing
and whether she ever thinks of me. It’s affecting my job; I
think my boss is getting tired of my mistakes. I’ve also
forgotten to pay some bills. Creditors are calling all the
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time. My whole life is a mess.” First, separate and identify
each of the elements in the client’s message. List them in
outline fashion. Which do you think is most important? Now
write the words you would say in attempting to partialize
what Mr. K. has said: After you have written your
partializing response, discuss your rationale for the words
your have chosen. How do you think Mr. K. might react?
Answer:
Outline list from most important to least important:
1. Can’t eat or sleep
2. brink of nervous breakdown
3. Job is being affected
4. Bills pilling up
5. Feels lost without wife
Partializing what Mr.K. said:” A lot of things are happening in your life. It sound
like it’s affecting many areas in your life. Since there is so many issues, not eating or
sleeping, trouble at work and credit problems- could we start by looking at each one
separately. Is this okay with you? What issue is affecting you the most? Will start with
that one” Since Mr. K will be picking which issue is effecting him the most, puts some
control back in his life. If Mr. K. doesn’t pick the eating and sleeping problem we as
Social Worker need to make sure this is addressed before most of the problem are
discussed. Mr. K. might react as positive to the whole process.
Exercise 7-7: Going Beyond
1. You are interviewing Mr. K., a recently divorced 55 year old
man. You are in the process of exploration when he says, “I
guess I’m a real wimp! I want so badly for her to com back
home. All I do is think of ways to get her back. I make these
plans about how to contact her; how to persuade her to
change her mind. I constantly wonder what she’s doing and
whether she ever thinks of me.” Write the words you would
say in going beyond what Mr. K. has said. After you have
written your response, discuss your rationale for the words
you have chosen. How do you think he might react to your
response? Identify another way you might go beyond what he
said.
Answer:
Going Beyond: “Your saying that you want to take the innovative, so you can
show your wife how much you love her.” By going beyond what the client is really
saying, you are able to being great clarity to the issue the client is experiencing.
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This might put Mr.K. into putting his plan into action and attempt to get this wife
back.
Additional Response:
1. You are wondering if you told your wife the way you really feel, would this
whole situation of happened?
Chapter 7 Summary Exercises
1. Case Situation: You are in the midst of the first interview
with a teenage couple (An African American male and white
female) who have sought counseling in advance of their
forthcoming marriage. She says, “I know there are going to
be lots of difficulties and that’s why we’re here. We don’t
want the problem to get in the way of our feelings for each
other.”
Answer:
a) Write the words you would say in reflecting the content of
her statement?
- You realize there is going to be issues with the upcoming marriage but you
don’t want these difficulties to effect the feelings you have for one another
b) Formulate an open-ended question to follow her statement?
- How are you feeling about the upcoming marriage?
- Are you anxious about the wedding?
c) ) Write the words you would say in seeking clarification of
her expression?
- What do you mean when you say “You know there is going to be a lot of
difficulties?
Following your response, she says, “One of the biggest problem
has to do with my parents. My mom is fit to be tied and my dad is
even worse. He’s ready to kill Johnny, and he doesn’t even know
him. I’m’ afraid they won’t even come to the wedding. That would
really hurt.”
d) Write the words you would say in reflecting the feeling and
meaning contained in her message.
- I’m hearing that your mom and dad have a big problem with the wedding
and your feeling overwhelmed and hurt with the whole ordeal.
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e) Demonstrate how you would use the skill of going beyond in
response to her words.
- You sometimes wonder what it would be like if your parents did respect
your decision and gave Johnny a chance.
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