1. The attitudes of good human services workers influence their interactions with their clients in that:
When a worker judges his or her own mistakes critically, that worker can then understand those of clients
more accurately
A correspondence exists between positive and supportive attitudes toward a client and the establishment of
rapport with that person
Errors in judgment are stumbling blocks to personal growth
The personal struggles of the worker are different from those of the client
2. A worker establishes a warm atmosphere by:
Directing the client to better decisions than the client would have made on his or her own
Expressing honest disapproval when the client’s decision is likely to lead to further trouble
Refraining from suggesting change in order to avoid confrontation with the client
Being friendly, nonjudgmental and receptive
3. In order to develop our sense of empathy, we need to:
Learn to listen with the third ear
Learn to sympathize with the client
Learn to use the phrases and speech patterns of the client’s culture or subculture
Realize that the client does not need to be talked down to, that he or she can understand the advice we give
4. It is the role of the human services worker to support patients’ efforts to take charge of their lives and make decisions.
This support can take the form of:
Giving honest criticism when the client makes a mistake
Assuming control of the client’s daily activities to ensure that goals are accomplished
Having realistic goals for the client and encouraging progress toward the goals
Insisting that the client take the necessary steps toward the goal when that person appears to be malingering
How Clients Are Discouraged
5. As case managers, we need to erect useful boundaries between ourselves and the client. This means:
Understanding the differences between our situation and the client’s situation despite possible similarities
Letting the client know that he or she can benefit from our similar experiences
Ensuring the client makes continued progress toward goals by stepping up our level of involvement in the case
Seeking employment in an agency that deals with issues similar to those in our own life
A Further Understanding of Boundaries
6. As case managers, we need to refrain from erecting boundaries that are not useful between ourselves and the client.
This means:
b
Understanding Attitudes