Personal Reflection

Reflecting on the role play as the social worker, I can opine that it was a mix of the difficulties and the success moments. The first challenge was working with Jai’s reluctance to change for the better and accept sobriety; it was necessary to be cautious about his right to choose a better way to handle his problems. Another challenge was the ability to be empathetic with clients while at the same time avoiding cross over and becoming friends with them.

An achievement was to establish rapport that enabled William and Jai to express their concerns freely, which is important in family intervention. For me, it was a blend of empathy and responsibility, where I wanted to help the clients and also work to ensure they go through the right process of healing.

Key moments included implementing trauma informed care and strengths based practice which William and Jai found comforting and systematic in their process of healing. Focusing on their strengths and histories helped them to see how they can move on, thus stressing the importance of understanding, perseverance, and time in social work.     

Connection to Theoretical Knowledge 

In the role play, various aspects of social work theories and models were applied to meet the needs of William and Jai.

• Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP): This approach focuses on acknowledging and combating oppression and prejudice that may be present in clients. In this case, I wanted to establish an equal power dynamic in order to help both William and Jai feel valued and heard. 

• Trauma-Informed Care: Knowing that past abuses can greatly influence present actions and interactions, I incorporated trauma-sensitive practices to recognize the struggles that each encountered. This approach is about safety and not re-victimization, which is paramount when working with survivors (Baird & Alaggia, 2021). 

• Systems Theory: Since people are always involved in larger systems, I used this theory to analyze the interaction between William and Jai. This way of thinking helped me to see the family as a system where they could be certain patterns and interactions that led to the current problems and thus, work more effectively.

• Strengths-Based Approach: This model is based on the assessment of the clients’ strengths and resources that can be utilized (Ezell et al., 2023). I emphasised on William’s willingness to work on his relationship with Jai and Jai’s bravery to attend the session. Thus, by concentrating on these strengths, I tried to enhance their self-confidence and desire to change.

The combination of these theories was done intentionally to ensure that the intervention is comprehensive and client-focused. Thus, by using Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP), trauma-informed care, systems theory, and the strengths perspective, I was able to address the complex situation of William and Jai and facilitate their recovery and personal development. 

Communication Skills and Relationship Building

In the role play, establishing rapport with William and Jai involved basic skills in communication and relationship. Non-verbal communication such as eye contact, head nods, and verbal affirmations helped them to feel that their opinions were being listened to and appreciated. This helped me establish rapport with the participants and make them comfortable to share their stories with me.

The use of open-ended questions enabled the participants to express their emotions and thus enhance teamwork and cooperation (Moon et al., 2024). Body language such as sitting with an open body and maintaining eye contact with the participants further enhanced the trust and support. Emphasizing William’s concerns about improving his relationship and Jai’s readiness to engage in the process helped them to feel more empowered and adopt positive attitudes toward change. 

The two most efficient skills were active listening and empathy because they provided the basis for trust and openness, which created the basis for communication. All of these relationship-building strategies were helpful in establishing the necessary rapport that allowed William and Jai to feel at ease when addressing their difficulties, and to engage in purposeful, constructive interactions aimed at their self-improvement.

Ethical Considerations

• Respect for Persons: This principle focuses on the fact that people are of equal value. In this case, I respected William and Jai’s self-determination and self-esteem by listening to them and recognizing their emotions and experiences. 

• Social Justice: This principle is about equality, and reducing inequality (Morley et al., 2020). I focused on helping William and Jai to overcome the barriers that stem from the system that caused his substance use and her challenges, thus embracing the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics.  

• Professional Integrity: This principle entails that one should always be truthful, open, and accurate in their work (Morley et al., 2020). I gave clear information about the process of therapy, explained what the patient can expect from me and what he should expect from the process, and did not disclose any information about the patient to anyone, which helped to establish trust and show that I am a professional and an honest person. 

• Trauma-Informed Care: This approach acknowledges the fact that people have been through some traumatic experiences. In response to both, I introduced trauma informed care acknowledging the struggles we both went through to make the therapeutic setting safe and nurturing. 

• Strengths-Based Practice: This is the most important aspect of the standard that has to do with working with clients’ assets. I supported William to focus on change and encouraged Jai to attend the session as a sign of courage to use strengths in healing. 

Cultural Sensitivity

In the role play, I was able to show cultural competence and professionalism by listening to William and Jai and respecting their individual experiences. I used questions that allowed them to express their views to the extent of feeling that their opinions were valued. I made sure to affirm their emotions and did not force my own opinions on them, thus making it possible to discuss anything. This approach is also consistent with the concept of cultural competence in social work assignment practice, where the role of cultural backgrounds of clients is highlighted (Gottlieb, 2021).

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References

Baird, S. L., & Alaggia, R. (2021). Trauma-informed groups: Recommendations for group work practice. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(1), 10-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-019-00739-7 
Ezell, J. M., Pho, M., Jaiswal, J., Ajayi, B. P., Gosnell, N., Kay, E., ... & Bluthenthal, R. (2023). A systematic literature review of strengths-based approaches to drug use management and treatment. Clinical Social Work Journal, 51(3), 294-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-023-00874-2 
Gottlieb, M. (2021). The case for a cultural humility framework in social work practice. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 30(6), 463-481. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2020.1753615
Moon, J., McNeill, L., Edmonds, C. T., Banihashem, S. K., & Noroozi, O. (2024). Using learning analytics to explore peer learning patterns in asynchronous gamified environments. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00476-z 
Morley, C., Le, C., & Briskman, L. (2020). The role of critical social work education in improving ethical practice with refugees and asylum seekers. Social Work Education, 39(4), 403-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1663812 

[Scene: Elizabeth, the social worker, meets William and his son, Jai, in a warm, spacious room in a community hall. Elizabeth sits across them with a friendly facial expression to make them comfortable.]
Elizabeth: Good Evening, William & Jai. I’m Elizabeth. Firstly, I want to say that both of you are very brave to be here today and I thank you both for the opportunity to help you both.   
William: Thank you, Elizabeth. It has affected us in one way or the other and I would like to make things right.  
Jai: Yes, it has been challenging and I have no idea how I feel about it being here.
Elizabeth: That’s okay, Jai. This is perfectly normal and acceptable not to know what is going on all the time. In the context of the “family”, it is my job to rebuild trust. This is a comfortable platform where you can be yourself. 
[Elizabeth speaks to William].
Elizabeth: Would you like to tell me more about your substance use history and how it has affected the relationship with your son? 
William: I have tried to quit, but it’s a cycle and I know that I have failed to be there for Jai. He had to do so much by himself and I want to be a better father.  
Elizabeth: Thank you for sharing that. One of the biggest steps towards coming out of the problem is accepting it.
[Elizabeth turns to Jai.]
Elizabeth: How did your father’s addiction impact you?
Jai: It’s like he was never there. All problems had to be solved individually. I even began to take alcohol, supposing that would be of some use, but it was not. 
Elizabeth: Thank you for sharing, Jai. This is a big load to handle and using chemicals can sometimes seem to be the way of dealing with it. Being honest is a vital part of moving forward.
[Elizabeth addresses both.]
Elizabeth: Both of you have been equally victimized. Let me assist you in solving the issue. We shall use the family systems approach where we construct develop empathy, effective language, and positive interaction.
William: I really want that. I want to be a better father to my son. 
Elizabeth: That commitment is something that we can leverage on, William. Jai, to be here today and to be willing to speak with me is very brave.
[Elizabeth describes how substance use should be discussed.]
Elizabeth: To have a positive change in the relationship, we need to talk about substance use. William, your way to recovery can inspire others and Jai, to be able to get to know how to manage stress more effectively is beneficial for you. We’ll take this step by step.  
Jai: I don’t know if I want to be done yet, the concept of stopping is something that I have not mentally programmed myself for. It’s the only way I can cope with things; this is the way I have learned to run my life.
Elizabeth: That’s understandable, Jai. That is why it is not easy to change something that is applied in a sense as a method of addressing a certain issue. We will act patiently and look for the options that would be comfortable for you.
[Elizabeth introduces trauma informed care.] 
Elizabeth: One of the approaches that we shall use is the trauma informed care. This means that we will also concentrate on the challenges that each of you has faced. People in their interpersonal relationships are influenced by a factor that is termed as trauma. If we know our histories we can go forward safely without offending anyone.
William: Yes, I know I’ve been harsh on Jai. I want to change but the problem is I have no idea how to go about it.
Elizabeth: It is always easier said than done, but the hardest part is always to start. We will set achievable goals so that we can be able to achieve the wanted change.
[Elizabeth introduces strengths-based practice.]
Elizabeth: We will also make sure to concentrate on your strengths. William, that you are willing to fix the relationship is commitment. Jai, your willingness to be here is a strength also. These strengths can be employed in achieving some advancement. 
Jai: I don’t feel strong. The feeling is that everything is falling apart.
Elizabeth: I understand, Jai. It is strength when it does not feel like it, to show up and be vulnerable, even when the world is weighing you down.
[Elizabeth describes the healing process.]
Elizabeth: First, as individuals, we will have individual meetings to offer a chance to reflect on your experiences. After that the family members will attend a family therapies session. I will also tell you of support groups so that you are able to get people who are in the same situation as you. Does this sound like a plan?
William: It does. I wish us to be friends and have better relationship and for Jai to understand that he is safe with me.
Elizabeth: Trust is built gradually. Every little thing will count and with time the issue will be addressed and resolved. 
[Elizabeth addresses potential challenges and consistent assistance that will be offered.]
Elizabeth: Relapse is not uncommon, recovery is a journey and if you are struggling, it is important for you to know that you are not alone. I will be with you to help you when you face adversities and, for sure, we will celebrate every success.
Jai: I’ll try. I just don’t want to feel that way again.
Elizabeth: That’s understandable, Jai. Let us break it down to that level where we can get some kind of progress without putting too much pressure on ourselves. Each bit of progress counts.
[Elizabeth stresses the need to have people to turn to.]
Elizabeth: We will also develop an identified network of support that may include friends, other relatives or other community resources. It may be invaluable for the support.
William: I think that would help. I want him to have friends to count on at least though I know I am not an ideal person.
Elizabeth: Oh, that’s an excellent mindset to have, William. Most people wish they had friends and family members that can support them during such a time.
[Elizabeth concludes the session.]
Elizabeth: Both of you are appreciated for your honesty. Now, we have to set appointments for each person and then have appointments for the whole family. Does that sound okay?
William: Yes, it sounds good. I’m ready to start.
Jai: I’ll give it a try.
Elizabeth: Thank you. I am here to help you with this process which is something that both of you have to do. To refresh your memory, change is a process and we are going to progress at a comfortable speed.
[The session ends with Elizabeth providing details how to book the next appointments and the resources to use for help.]