You will reply to the threads of at least 2 classmates (200–250 words each). Discussion Board Forums 4 and 5 will each require 3 replies. When addressing each specific topic, integrate relevant ideas from the various course texts and materials. In your replies, extend the discussion by analyzing and building upon your classmates’ ideas. Threads and replies must demonstrate course-related knowledge and assertions be supported by references in current APA format. Use first person and single-spaced formatting and indent new paragraphs. Your threads and replies must be well written, well organized, and focused.
Rosamelia Solorzano Rivas
Forum 4
Elaboration of The Concepts of Empathy, Warmth, and Genuineness to Establish a Therapeutic Alliance with Clients in the Human Services Field
According to France and Weikel, there is value in having a worker-client relationship that is quality, as this directly impacts on client improvement more so in the realm of human services (France and Weikel, 2014). France and Weikel highlight that empathy, genuineness, and warmth are critical in building a therapeutic relationship in the realm of human services. Given these attributes’ importance, there must be a greater understanding of what they mean and how they can be used to develop a therapeutic bond between workers and clients in human services for client improvement.
Being genuine is having honesty when attending to a client. It involves avoiding being judgmental or being stereotypical towards a client (Stewart, 2012). Stewart et al. talk about perception being an active process (Stewart, 2012). They contend that perceptions of clients influence how workers select the people they will attend. Stewart (2012) argue that stereotypes of clients affect people’s perception and service delivery. They highlight that avoiding being judgmental can help address this problem. Genuineness would require workers to show that they keep their word; they should be natural with their clients and admit when they do not hear or are wrong.
In terms of empathy, it speaks to the ability of workers to understand their clients and to communicate that understanding to them (France and Weikel, 2014). Workers can nurture a trait of empathy by being reflective. Compassion comes from understanding clients’ challenges, especially by understanding the toughness of their routine and the challenges of their work environment and letting them know that you share and understand their problems (France and Weikel, 2014).On the other hand, warmth towards a client entails being respectful to the client and stop being judgmental of their behavior, which cures the problem of perceptions and stereotypes (Stewart, 2012). It calls for restraint and consistently demonstrating a demeanor that reflects an attitude of care and interest.
References
France, K., & Weikel, K. (2014). Creating Positive Relationships. In Helping Skills for Human Service Workers (3rd ed., pp. 55–85). Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas, Publisher.
Stewart, J. (2011). Making Meaning Together. In Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication (11th ed., pp. 161–230). New York, United States: McGraw-Hill Education.
Steven Wiseman
The Word Dwelt Among Us
As I look at this discussion board assignment for this week, I can not help but view the assignment in light of what is currently going on in the culture today with the Black Lives Matter movement and the discussions that it is creating both in person, in politics and on social media. Stewart (2012) discusses empathic listening as “laying aside your own views and values in order to enter another’s world without prejudice”.
Today’s culture, it is vital that we plan and execute the skill of empathic listening. Many of us, including myself, have a certain viewpoint or value when it comes to the discussion of race or even when it comes to the discussion of kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner. Now, while I am not here to debate these issues via discussion board, I do want to show vulnerability and mention that I struggled with these two discussions.
Through all these protests, riots and discussions, I have to remember to lay aside my personal view and values in order to listen to what is trying to be said. One person, in my unit, mentioned that I was looking at these conversations through lenses of a person who is a combat veteran, served in the military with various cultures/races and someone who has grown up in a middle class white home in a middle class mostly white neighborhood. These are years of views and values that I have had to push to the side to hear what my neighbors, friends and fellow serviceman are trying to say.
Now this has not been easy over the last week. I have spent much time yelling for my hurt friends, crying and being a shoulder for those who need it, questioning and asking the hard questions of myself and others. I have to have hard conversations with my children as they want to know what is going on in the news and with their classmates.
As I continue to wrestle and listen with this, I am reminded of Scripture. In John 1:14 (ESV), “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. A. W. Tozer (2009) talks about the word “dwelt among us” in this Scripture is literally “the Word pitched a tent and lived with people”. I need to continue to listen empathically and continue to live among the cultural discussions.
References
Stewart, J. R. (2012). Bridges, not walls: a book about interpersonal communication (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Tozer, A (2009). And He dwelt among us: Teachings from the gospel of John. New York: Bethany House
Publishers
2 days ago
Kaci Arnold
Discussion Forum 4
In chapter 3 of Helping Skills for Human Services Workers, France and Weikel discuss the importance of empathy, warmth, and genuineness to establish a therapeutic alliance with our clients. According to France and Weikel, it is crucial that the human services worker develops a strong therapeutic bond with their clients, as this will build a better foundation. Decreasing the possibility of defensiveness and increasing the probability of willing cooperation are fundamental needs for human services workers (France & Weikel, pg. 55, 2014). Empathy means to be understanding with other people and being able to communicate your understanding to that person. Being empathic has also been something that I pride myself in being empathic, it is one of my greatest strengths, but it can also be my greatest weakness at times. France and Weikel (2014) explain warmth as having several meanings such as: 1.) recognizing the client’s fundamental worth as a human being. 2.) refraining from offering judgmental comments conveying your own opinions of issues being discussed or 3.) communicating that you care.
In Bridges Not Walls, Stewart (pg.192, 2011) reflects that empathic listening enables us to understand the other person, thoroughly and fully. While enhancing this idea in Helping Skills for Human Services Workers, France and Weikel (pg. 56, 2014) applied Carl Rogers’ theory for clients to perceive that the worker understands. Both texts also speak on counselors having reflecting skills. Reflecting skills enable us to communicate with our clients and help make sure that they understand.
Reference:
France, K., & Weikel, K. (2014). Helping Skills for Human Services Workers: Building Relationships and encouraging productive change. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Stewart, J. (2011). Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication (11th ed.) New York, Ny: McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 9780073534312
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