How To Engage Communication In Social Work

Communication is a large part of being a social worker whether it is communicating with a client, a co-worker, or a different agency. The first part of communication is engagement. Finn and Jacobson (2003) explain that engagement "is about being fully present, doing the communicative an relationship-building work, and becoming more critically aware" (p. 187). You have to engage communication in order for it to start as well as continue. The process of engaging includes listening and reflecting on words, body language and thought of not only the client but also with yourself in order to make sure the communication is positive. I will be examining and reflecting upon my first two dyad sessions as the helper in SOWK 3041 in order to set clear
I displayed openness with my accepting body language which was relaxed and opened. I tried my best to follow the SOLER acronym that was described by Gerand Egan (1994) in Attending and Listening by Murphy and Dillon (2003). I displayed respect by keeping eye contact with my client to make sure she knew I was listening as well as using gestures throughout our sessions such as saying "okay" or "mhmm" to show that I am listening. Furthermore, actively listening to a client can exhibit respectfulness because showing that what they have to say is valid and important despite what internal noises I may be dealing with. There will always be differences between my clients and I, even though we may appear to be similar to each other. I believe that it is how I deal with these differences that matter. I know I will experience differences that will cause myself internal noise throughout my practice but I find that if I try to ignore my internal noises and just direct my attention to my client that it will be more beneficial to my client. I am not saying I should avoid my internal noises all together but rather focus on my client during our sessions then work on and reflect why I was experiencing those specific internal noises