Question

Explain the conscious use of self. Include how a human services professional may effectively incorporate conscious use of self. Name at least two elements included in knowing and understanding one’s self.

Answer 1

The use of self in social work practice is the combining of knowledge, values, and skills gained in social work education with aspects of one’s personal self, including personality traits, belief systems, life experiences, and cultural heritage (Dewane, 2006). It is the use of self that enables social workers to strive for authenticity and genuineness with the clients we serve, while at the same time honoring the values and ethics we so highly value in social work practice. In an effort to explain the use of self it often uses the micro skills coursework as an example of how use of self looks in professional practice.