Ch 1 - An Interactional Approach to Helping

Dynamic Interaction

Interaction in which the parties involved affect each other reciprocally, with movements of one party affecting the other moment by moment.

center on a strengths perspective rather than on client pathology

positive working relationship with the client, currently referred to in the literature as the therapeutic alliance, a relationship that allows the social worker to be helpful.

Motivational Interviewing

A technique aimed at increasing client motivation to address addictive behaviors, utilizing the stages-of-change model.

Practice Theory Elements

Knowledge about people informs desired outcomes, which guides interventions in practice.

Goal Setting

The process in initial sessions where the social worker helps the client understand the type of help available and the social worker's role.

Skill

A specific behavior employed by the social worker in the helping process.

Resiliency

The capacity of individuals, groups, or communities to cope with crises and stressors in a healthy manner.

Grounded Theory

An approach to theory building using field observations to develop and test theoretical constructs.

Theoretical Generalizations

Testable propositions that are repeatedly supported by research.

Medical Model

A framework focusing on study, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of clients.

Interactional Model

A paradigm where both client and practitioner influence each other, providing a more accurate description of the helping process.

Contracting Process

An initial effort by the worker to establish the purpose of contact and clarify roles and client issues.

Dynamic Systems Theory

A theory where the behavior of each participant affects the behavior of others within the system.

Interlocking oppressions

refers to oppression and privilege associated with intersectionality 

oppressor without

Prolonged exposure to oppression leads the client to internalize the negative self attitude and self images

Autopressor

participating in their own oppression 

Vulnerable Client

A client affected by oppression and stressful life events due to social factors.

Client-Centered Approach

Focusing on what is going right with the client rather than what is going wrong.

Ambivalence

Mixed feelings about a problem, leading to a desire to both confront and deny the issue.

Symbiotic Relationship

The mutual needs of individuals and their systems, which can become unbalanced.

Two-Client Construct

The view that social workers have two clients at any moment, such as the individual and their family or system.

Protecting Oppressed Clients

The social worker's responsibility to safeguard clients from oppression and hold oppressors accountable.

Symbiotic Diffusion

The obscuring of mutual needs between individuals and their social environments due to complexity and communication issues.

Mediation

The role of the social worker in helping clients and their systems identify common ground.

Third Decision

The choice clients make to confront their most difficult issues as the working relationship nears its end.

Preliminary Phase

The initial phase where the worker develops empathy regarding the client's issues before engagement.

Beginning Phase

The engagement phase where the worker clarifies the purpose and role in the client relationship.

Middle Phase

The phase focused on addressing issues raised in earlier sessions or new issues that have emerged.

Ending Phase

The termination phase where the worker helps the client review their work and prepare for future transitions.