Social Work Under Pressure by Kate van van Heugten

Author:Kate van van Heugten [Heugten, Kate van van]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Social Work, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Services & Welfare
ISBN: 9780857002235
Google: L14CMkfGSnUC
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2011-08-15T04:28:48+00:00

In addition, child protection workers with personal experiences of childhood abuse may be more at risk of experiencing vicarious traumatization (Nelson-Gardell and Harris 2003). However, on a more encouraging note, workers who feel they have resolved their earlier traumatic experiences suffer less stress when dealing with situations of family violence (Bell 2003).

Trauma is encountered in many social work settings including statutory, NGO and private practice settings. Over recent decades, a significant body of research has built up about the impact of counselling survivors and perpetrators of trauma. Relatively well-researched topics include working with survivors of family violence (Ben-Porat and Itzhaky 2009); childhood physical and sexual abuse survivors (Brady et al. 1999; Chouliara, Hutchison and Karatzias 2009; Steed and Bicknell 2001; Van Deusen and Way 2006; Young 1999); perpetrators of sexual abuse (Carmel and Friedlander 2009; Crabtree 2002; Cunningham 1999; Ennis and Horne 2003; Hatcher and Noakes 2010; Moulden and Firestone 2007); and victims of crime (Salston and Figley 2003; Shubs 2008).

Self-care measures include the setting of clear boundaries around home and work lives, limiting exposure to trauma generally, and having supportive networks of colleagues and friends. It is important to nurture one’s own body by keeping fit or at least remaining physically active and eating healthily. Restoring meaning via connecting with spirituality, and making a point of noticing beauty, kindness and positive actions in the world are also often found to be helpful (Hunter and Schofield 2006). In earlier research that I undertook with social workers who had entered private practice, counsellors also noted the importance of screening clients for their suitability for the private practice setting, and not feeling one has to accept all referrals (van Heugten 1999).

Counsellors and psychotherapists use devices such as breathing techniques to remain grounded and calm in sessions. This enables them to observe and be mindful in the moment, and engaged without emotional over-involvement. Psychotherapists spend considerable time during their training in developing the capacity to shift between empathic attunement with clients and observational self-awareness. This may be a skill set that social workers could helpfully develop to avoid emotional contagion (Rothschild and Rand 2006). The practice of ensuring there is transition time between clients is part of the way psychotherapists’ and counsellors’ days are structured and note-writing also fulfils a reflective function. Weekly loads and holidays are structured to support balance, and four day weeks are relatively common.

Beyond attention to nurturing themselves in their immediate contact with traumatized clients, many therapists, counsellors and caseworkers also advocate for social justice. Taking action in relation to the broader sociopolitical issues impacting on service users’ lives helps workers avoid feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Social workers with psychotherapy or counselling training more frequently use personal therapy than do social workers without that additional training. Although social workers dealing with trauma are at an elevated risk for substance abuse, few seek professional help for these problems (McCormick 2003; Siebert 2001). Supportive and developmental supervision are highly valued (Hunter and Schofield 2006).

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