Where do you feel the most comfortable and peaceful? Is it in your backyard when you know that you’re shielded by tall trees? Do you feel better when you can listen to your favorite song and completely tune things out? Social workers with an MSW degree have to find not only what makes their clients tick, but also how to get them to show trust. A social worker who has a case involving several children who have been placed in foster care might need to figure out if the kids would like to play at the park or sit at a fast food restaurant and talk. It is very important for social workers to foster the right kind of environment so that there is trust, progress, and growth.
Comfortability During Intake
Intake describes the process where social workers meet with their clients for the first time and figure out what should be done first. If an online MSW holder knows that he or she is going to meet a client with dementia, it may be helpful to talk to that person in a place that they feel most relaxed. Sometimes it is not possible to change the environment itself, such as going to do intake at a hospital or a prison. Likewise, you can try and take a more calming work environment with you by keeping a calm and steady voice or wearing calming scents like lavender.
Go For What You Know
While a masters in social work online graduate will most certainly want his or her clients to feel at peace, the person performing the services also needs to be relaxed. You can’t perform your best and give your clients the attention you need if you are only concerned about their comfort. Your job itself can be quite stressful at times, so pamper yourself with a bath. On your off time, go to the spa, and plan a vacation for a couple of weeks a year. Since the nature of your field is uncontrollable, it is best to just go for what you know.
Making Your Office a Safe Space
Whether you are only in your office for a few minutes at the beginning and end of the day or you sit there pretty much all day long, it needs to be a safe space. First, it should reflect you, your hobbies, family, memories, and other comforting thoughts. Feel free to be you in your office, as it will make it feel like a sanctuary, and in addition, your clients will get to know your human side. If they see you smiling and feeling joyful while you’re in your office, they will want to join in. A comfortable office can be a complete mood changer when dealing with social work.
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