28 Mar Professional Use of Self
Order Instructions
Discussion Post #4: Professional Use of Self
See APPENDIX A for more information on DISCUSSION POST requirements.(attached)
POST #4: Professional Use of Self
Most students choose social work because they want to “help people” and/or be a change agent on a broader scale. However, it is also important to recognize this choice is a personal motivation usually based on prior life experiences. Transitioning from student to social work practitioner requires the person to adapt personal values and beliefs while considering the Code of Ethics.
Read the following article in The New Social Worker titled, “An Introduction to Use of Self in Field Placement”, and answer the following questions in relation to the article.
http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/field-placement/An_Introduction_to_Use_of_Self_in_Field_Placement/ (Links to an external site.)
Discussion Questions (Students should respond to each question fully and integrate the reading along with other resources):
Belief System: What is my worldview? How do I explain pain and suffering?
Relational Dynamics: What are my strengths in building relationships with clients? What are my weaknesses? How will I work on these?
Anxiety: What makes me anxious about working with a particular client? How do I address this anxiety appropriately without denial or exaggeration?
Self-Disclosure: Think of a time when you self-disclosed to a client. Briefly describe the situation. In retrospect, consider, “Was I doing that for the client or was it related to my own interest?” “What was that interest?” and “What is my goal in self disclosing my experiences?
