In the article “But What Should I Say Next? 5 Tips for Social Workers,” Danna Bodenheimer stressed the need for competent communication in social work. Two topics from the related articles, “The Profound Act of Sitting With Difficult Emotions and the Value of Process in Social Work Practice” by Pamela Szczygiel and “Active Listening in Social Work: In this regard, the book “Value and Rewards” by Patricia Smith presents a deeper examination of how crucial relationship building and active listening are to the social work practice.
Relationship Building
Building relationships in social work practice has been acknowledged as a great cornerstone, highlighted by Bodenheimer and further elaborated on through Szczygiel’s consideration of the importance of sitting with clients to show an ability to contain difficult emotions. As a student of MSW, I recognize the crucial role relationships play in creating an environment where clients are free to be themselves without being judged. Unlikewise, the findings derived from Asamoah et al. This addition further emphasizes that relationship-building skills are more than just confined to therapeutic settings, as social workers also play a facilitating role in organizing efforts and supporting individuals through inclusive education for children with disabilities. The integration of these outlooks highlights the universality of significance in building a relationship across various social work settings.
Connection with the NASW Code of Ethics
This focus on relationship building aligns with the NASW Ethical Code’s core value, “Respect for Dignity and Worth of Person,” because a healthy therapeutic relationship reflects respect towards individual people. It focuses on ensuring that clients are treated with dignity and respect in their search for self-awareness and a road to recovery.
Incorporation into Social Work Practice
Combining the lessons learned from these articles with social work practice requires creating an environment that supports relationship development. This includes listening to the clients actively, recognizing their emotions, and providing a platform for real expression. I will apply these concepts in my practice by establishing trust and rapport with the clients, thus implementing an open dialogue about their experiences.
Active Listening
Based on Patricia Smith’s article, active listening in social work is crucial not only for hearing but also for understanding these emotions and experiences reflected through the clients’ words. As an MSW practitioner in training, I understand active listening is a basic skill applicable beyond the therapeutic setting. This view aligns well with the information provided by Kluger and Itzchakov in their review of listening at work. The following high points are brought up in the review regarding positive outcomes of quality listening: better job performance, leadership, trust-building intimacy, and reduced fatigue. Although it is obvious that listening is an essential aspect of such fields as social work, the review observes little mention of listening within organizational psychology and behavior. For a student, these realizations highlight the universality of active listening competencies in social work and within larger organizational and professional environments. Kluger and Itzchakov’s elaboration on the nature of listening also corroborates how active communication shapes the perceptions, relations, and outcomes in diverse spaces.
Connection to the NASW Code of Ethics
Active listening is based on the NASW Code of Ethics’s core value, “Service,” whereby active listening represents a service to the clients indicating their need/desire to be heard and listened to. This method focuses on human interactions and establishes a person-centered practice.
Incorporation into Social Work Practice
Active listening in social work entails a lot of mindful presence with clients, slowing down interactions to allow for uninterrupted time for each story. I intend to improve my active listening abilities through the implementation of interaction by practicing empathy and regularly asking for feedback on my effectiveness in this critical area of social work practice.
Finally, the insights gained from these articles highlight the importance of relationship-building and active listening as essential components in social work practice. As an MSW student, I strive to integrate the principles above in my practice, which also helps me build sincere connections with the clients and create a space for challenging emotions. By adopting these principles, I work to advance the wellness and liberation of individuals within a social work environment.
References
Asamoah, E., Tam, C. H. L., & Cudjoe, E. (2023). A systematic review of the roles of social workers in inclusive education for children with disabilities. International Social Work, 66(1), 36-51.
Cnossen, C. J., & Pearce, E. B. (2020). National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Introduction to Human Services.
Kluger, A. N., & Itzchakov, G. (2022). The power of listening at work. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9, 121-146.
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