Direct Practice in Social Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Direct Practice in Social Work - Essay Example Therapy is likely to be most effective when a therapist is fully integrated into the treatment relationship; hence a therapist’s ability to fully and honestly express feelings and perceptions may be helpful in dispelling the notion of a â€Å"false front† being put forward by the practitioner (Clark, 2007:71). The objective of treatment is to gain authenticity in the therapist-client relationship, but these disclosures should be â€Å"purposeful and well timed† if they are to be beneficial (Clark, 2007:71). If on the other hand, such self disclosure is not purposeful and is done in a judgmental sort of way, it could be problematic because it could undermine the efficacy of the treatment and thereby, the therapist’s objective of gaining authenticity in the relationship. 2. The client Linda is a sexually abused person with a very negative perception of herself. Hence, it may be much better to focus upon the client herself and work towards helping her deal with her negative perceptions of herself rather than involving the therapist’s personal reactions to the client. Linda sees a rift between the therapist and herself, she perceives the therapist as being in a position of superiority. Hence if the therapist talks to Linda about her personal reactions to her client, then it needs to be done in a positive, focused manner. Rather than the therapist using a self involved statement such as â€Å"right now, I’m feeling a little cornered†, it may be more effective to couch the therapist reaction in a more positive and honest way. For example, if the therapist had responded more honestly by stating, â€Å"I have not personally been through such a shattering experience as you have but as I listen to you, I am impressed by the strength an d courage you have displayed in this situation. While you may feel that I am in a superior position, I tend to view this situation differently; I feel that you are far superior to me because you have displayed