A Reflection on Classes
I learned to make a link between Policy and Clinical Social Work practice. I had the opportunity to review the impact of universal screening of domestic violence (DV) in health care settings and developed a policy recommendation plan for Alberta. I had the opportunity to consult a key policy maker in Alberta Health Service on universal screening of domestic violence in health care settings in Alberta. I was moved by the inspiration I received from this consultation that an individual’s advocacy role could bring so much attention to the issue of domestic violence within the Province and the need to routinely screen patients who visit health care center, regardless of their reason for seeking health. I am influenced by this act to continuously be the voice of those who have no voice in society. I am particularly challenged by this learning to always look for social injustices in society and how I can use successful social actions to influence such policies individually or collectively.
In working with people, I developed an understanding of the importance of language in therapeutic relationships and the need to seek feedback from clients. My Advance Clinical Interview Class taught me the importance of the Social Work relationship and how I can use this relationship to bring about a desired change.
In the Family Therapy 2 class, I was inspired and influenced by the ideas of Michael White and Harlene Anderson’s narrative approach to therapy. Re-authoring, externalization, and collaborative practice informed my practice. I am informed that the clients’ story can be re-told by giving meaning to their lived experiences and also by objectifying their problems. This course taught me that collaborative relationship is the basis of any therapeutic encounter. I have learned to see clients as “conversational partners” and engage clients in mutuality. I have been taught to embrace the simplicity in collaborative relationship and create the enabling environment for clients to tell their story. Saint George and Wulff (2011) suggest that “The beauty of collaborating is that there are no set roles; there is a flexibility and fluidity that allows for leading and following to be in motion” (cited in Anderson, 2012, p.14). Anderson’s concept of “Not-Knowing” reminds me of the virtue of humility. The concept helped me understand that clients are experts of their stories and lives. In practice, I learned to focus on the client thereby wiping away my pride of being an expert or therapist.
In working with people, I developed an understanding of the importance of language in therapeutic relationships and the need to seek feedback from clients. My Advance Clinical Interview Class taught me the importance of the Social Work relationship and how I can use this relationship to bring about a desired change.
In the Family Therapy 2 class, I was inspired and influenced by the ideas of Michael White and Harlene Anderson’s narrative approach to therapy. Re-authoring, externalization, and collaborative practice informed my practice. I am informed that the clients’ story can be re-told by giving meaning to their lived experiences and also by objectifying their problems. This course taught me that collaborative relationship is the basis of any therapeutic encounter. I have learned to see clients as “conversational partners” and engage clients in mutuality. I have been taught to embrace the simplicity in collaborative relationship and create the enabling environment for clients to tell their story. Saint George and Wulff (2011) suggest that “The beauty of collaborating is that there are no set roles; there is a flexibility and fluidity that allows for leading and following to be in motion” (cited in Anderson, 2012, p.14). Anderson’s concept of “Not-Knowing” reminds me of the virtue of humility. The concept helped me understand that clients are experts of their stories and lives. In practice, I learned to focus on the client thereby wiping away my pride of being an expert or therapist.