Chapter 4 Chapter Overview & Learning Objectives

Chapter Summary

This chapter familiarizes students with the foundational principles, functions, and knowledge bases associated with the direct practice of social work with individuals and families. In this chapter, direct practice is framed as encompassing both clinical work—helping individuals and families express, manage, and transform feelings, thoughts, and behaviours—and case management—helping individuals and families access resources through service navigation and advocacy. Students are provided with myriad examples outlining how these functions take shape in different organizational contexts with divergent presenting issues.

A focal point of this chapter is the importance of establishing and maintaining a relational base with individuals and families throughout the social work encounter. It discusses a variety of communication skills, such as attending, open and closed questioning, reflecting, and summarizing, that social workers can use to form a relational base with individuals and families. Common factors, or elements associated with relationship development, are introduced and students are provided with examples of how they may facilitate the development of care and concern, genuineness, empathy, and collaboration. The contested issue of self-disclosure and neglected topics such as establishing hope and considering language barriers are also introduced as important factors in relationship formation and maintenance.

Finally, this chapter orients students to social work practice with individuals and families by outlining four different phases of the helping process: exploration/assessment, contracting/planning, implementation/intervention, and ending/evaluation. Activities and tasks associated with each phase are outlined, and tools to help with task performance are provided. Unique skills and tools associated with work with families at all stages are also introduced.

Learning Objectives

The goal of this chapter is to do the following:

1. To outline different aspects of social work practice with individuals and families.
2. To understand the critical role of relationship-building and maintenance in practice with individuals and families.
3. To identify the different phases of practice with individuals and families.
4. To learn about the skills and tasks associated with direct practice.
5. To appreciate the importance of assessment as both a process and a product.
6. To identify techniques and tools specific to working with families.