Seven Principles of the Social Work Relationship Felix Biestek

Seven Principles of the Social Work Relationship Felix Biestek

PURPOSEFUL EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS Recognition of the client’s need to express feelings freely Worker listens purposefully Worker neither discourages nor condemns the expression of feelings Sometimes worker actively stimulates and encourages expression of feelings

CONTROLLED EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT The worker is sensitive to the client’s feelings Makes effort to understand their meaning A purposeful, appropriate use of the worker’s emotions in response to the client’s feelings Controlled and objective emotional involvement in the client’s problem Controlled emotional involvement in the client as a person

ACCEPTANCE The recognition of client’s innate dignity, worth, equality, basic rights, and needs – Regardless of client’s individual qualities arising from heredity, environment, behavior, or any other source. Acceptance does not mean approval of the client’s behavior, attitudes, or standards Acceptance includes thought and feeling elements, and is expressed primarily in the manner of service.

INDIVIDUALIZATION The recognition and understanding of each client’s unique qualities Differential use of principles and methods to assist client toward change Individualization is based on the right of human beings to be individuals Right to be treated not just a human being but as this human being with these personal differences.

NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE Based on the conviction that the helping process precludes: – assigning guilt or innocence – degree of client responsibility for causation of the problems or needs Does include making evaluative judgments about the attitudes, standards, or actions of the client

CLIENT SELF-DETERMINATION Based upon the right of the individual to make their own choices and decisions The client has a right and a need, within certain limitations, to have freedom in making their own decisions/choices Worker has a duty to respect that right, in theory and in practice – refrains from any direct or indirect interference – positively helps the client to exercise that right.

CONFIDENTIALITY The protection of secret/private information disclosed in the professional relationship Confidentiality is a basic right of the client An ethical obligation of the worker Necessary for effective helping The client’s right, however, is not absolute – The client’s information is often shared with other professional persons within the agency and in other agencies Written permission is required to divulge information to other agencies