Back to Basics
by Lori Cooper, MSS
One of the first essential social work skills is so simple, yet so easy to forget. Silence - a tool that allows your clients an opportunity to reach deep, trust, and express feelings in their way, without fear of judgment. Perhaps it is the first time they are allowed the opportunity to share, or feel comfortable doing so. It can be extremely uncomfortable at first, but trust with time it will get easier. Leave “empty space” for your clients as they put their thoughts and feelings into words. You can encourage and prompt as needed but first and foremost give your clients the space to express themselves.
You will learn from every experience, always. Reflecting on a session, whether independently or with a co-worker or supervisor, can offer so much information. Sometimes you will figure out what doesn't work and learn from that. Every session will not end on an upbeat note, which is okay. Change doesn't always feel good, especially initially. What you learn from each session can be carried with you in your own repertoire of tools. Trust yourself, your intuition, and your knowledge base. If you reach a roadblock, try something different.
Another simple skill: don’t give up. The seemingly “little” steps your client takes are important. It may be all they can do at that point in time. You are helping to provide the tools for your client to be successful. It may not be at your anticipated pace. Your client may also take a step backwards. This is a chance to discover what works, what doesn't, and allow yourself and your client to try new methods. Social work can be an extremely stressful profession, as we don't have all the answers. Nevertheless, we can’t stop trying. We carry with us an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the well being of our clients. Sometimes it feels like we are getting nowhere. This is the time to regroup and remember what we and our clients are capable of doing.
Take care of yourself. This means both emotionally and physically. Too often, we push ourselves when we are drained. This does no good for our clients or for us. We need to be our best to do our best. Find what works for you - short breaks, exercise, music, venting. One of the worst things is to go from one emotionally charged session to another without taking a moment to regroup. We all need outlets on a consistent basis, as social work surely is a stressful field. We owe our clients the best of us.
Continue to learn through conferences, literature, and other means. There are constantly new techniques and resources that can assist you and your client. Keep up to date on new medications, community resources, and other areas related to your specific client needs. Network and do your research. We strive to have our clients maintain the gains they have made, and knowing and providing updated information is essential.
To me, these simple tools are essential as the essence of what social workers do. We fully listen, provide support, enhance personal skills, and keep trying to find resolutions, while taking care of ourselves to consistently help our clients find stability, let go of past hurt, and make progress. No small feat. We need to help our clients find the tools and resources to continue to thrive when they are discharged.
Social work is a superbly rewarding field, and we hold the power to make it work. Believe me, it does feel good to know what we, as social workers, can do!
Lori Cooper, MSS, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from West Chester University in 1987 and her Master of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College in 1991. She supervised a community-based program for dependent and delinquent youth and their families for more than 20 years and worked at Children and Youth Services and residential facilities for juveniles.