The ultimate aim is then to cultivate skills that he can use on his own to help him maintain a constructive life and relationships.
What is interesting is that, although we are completely different in terms of culture, values and background, my client and I both have the same basic expectations and needs in terms of the social work relationship. We both need the professional to understand us on the basis of our own values rather than those of the professional working with us. We both need to cultivate skills that will ultimately help us work autonomously on the problems we face.
The only difference is, potentially, the degree and nature of the problems we face, as well as the time it would probably take us to cultivate the skills needed to help us face our problems independently....
These differences will occur on a case by case basis, but the important principle is that, as human beings in need, we need the same type of relationship with the social worker.
References
Coady, N. And Lehman, P. (2007). Theoretical Perspective for Direct Social Work Practice: a generalist-eclectic approach. Springer Publishing Company.
Dhooper, S.S. And Moore, S.E. (2000). Social Work Practice with Culturally Diverse People. Sage.
Hepworth, DH, Rooney, R.H. And Rooney, G.D. (2009). Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills. Cengage Learning.
Kirst-Ashman, K.K. And Hull, G.H. (2009). Understanding Generalist Practice. Cengage Learning.
Walsh, J. (2010). Theories for Direct Social Work Practice (2010). Cengage Learning.
