SWC031 Case Study Assignment

INTRODUCTION

Supportive relationship complies with growth, change and empowerment that foster via open communication, mutual respect, shared goals and empathy. Whilst, components which could lead to harm are-control, manipulation, power imbalance and lack of trust (Whittington, 2023). Mary’s case highlighting the complexities arousing loss, grief and emotional turmoil followed by social isolation and loss of her husband, further she misses her daughter and wants to meet her grandchildren. Hence, Mary embodies the consistent struggles navigating due to diverse emotions. In the present essay, Marry’s case analysis will be undertaken and consequently, ways in which professional [Richard] managed her emotions will be described. Specific emphasis will be made on emotional intelligence and ways in which professional works collaboratively with client would be described. Additionally, capability of professional in using emotional intelligence for producing growth and healing will be explained. Moreover, whether professional is aware of his influence on client and client’s impact on him will be assessed.

This detailed case study is perfect for students seeking Assignment Help UK in Health, Nursing & Social Care, focusing on emotional intelligence, collaboration, and therapeutic relationships.

Ways in Which Professionals Worked Collaboratively With the Client

Collaborative working practice with client comprised with involving partnership approaches in which client and professionals works collaboratively. The core principle aligns with equal partnership, open communication, active listening, mutual respect, empowerment and empathy (Alderwick et al, 2021). Collaborative practices for social care professionals comply with professional working with clients such as Mary for delivering comprehensive services that assures consistent support to client. For individuals like Mary, collaborative working forms significant support; in present case context, this has been evident that Richard developed a collaborative environment by actively engaging in discussion, the professional has actively listened to Marry’ issues. There was a moment when Richard wanted to convey Mary that “Everything would be Okay”. However, he prefers to stay quiet and wanted to listen Mary’s experience. This shows that professional has not made any assumptions regarding client and tried to listen her. The Volunteer’s approach to listening Mary within conversation allowed her to express regarding her feelings, memories and fear. Also, the professional approach to listening without undertaking immediate solution contributing in adopting a person-centred approach.

The person-centred approach aligning with Carl Roger’s principle specifies that counsellor must undertake a person-centred counselling that leads to form a therapeutic relationship (Gray, Purdy and Ansari, 2022). It associates with empathy, empowerment, engagement and prioritising the needs and requirement of client. This approach results in developing sense of belongingness in individual and they share everything with professional without considering fear of judgement (Gray, Purdy and Ansari, 2022). Richard adopted person-centred principles and accordingly, he has shown consistent empathy towards Mary which led to boost trust in her; often, marry told him that she wants to meet him next Sunday. Over this Richard said yes, willingness of meeting again by client determining that she felt safe and secure throughout the discussion. Further, Mary got the opportunity to speak and in the first meeting she shared everything with Richard. Thus, therapeutic relationship in current case was evident and it was due to the collaborative approach followed by professional.

Richard’s interaction with Mary led to foster her memories and regrets comprising with her unfulfilled professional ambitions. Further, Mary shared about her past contributions and strengths which significantly depicts that she was able to witness her strengths. The strength-based approach by Rapp and Gosha demonstrating about an evidence-based approach that supports people suffering from psychiatric disability. This approach aligns with empowering client for identifying his/her strengths; this contributes in improving wellbeing of client. Aim of this approach associates with protecting individual’s experience and resilience for undertaking informed decision (Bolton et al, 2021). Interaction with Richard enabled Mary to recognise her past contributions while underpinning potential avenues related to personal growth. Despite suffering from physical and mental issues; Mary’s strength was determining about her potential and coping mechanism. In collaborative working it is important to empower client; empowerment is the principle of person-centred approach and Richard has significantly specified focus on this area which led to increase the engagement of Mary in discussion and empowered her to share about diverse experiences (Bland et al, 2021). Mary felt positive and Richard consistently listened to her without imposing any kind of judgement and this results in developing sense of belongingness in client which is essential for forming a collaborative partnership.

Richard’s sensitivity towards Mary’s social isolation and Loneliness articulating about holistic approach; professional emphasised on considering the needs and requirements of client and asked about her familia relationship for continuing the conversation. Richard has consistently developed flow and connection so Mary can consistently communicate with him. Hence, the proactive engagement developed opportunities for empowering client and. Thus, based on the analysis it can be said that Richard has effectively listened to Mary and he often adopted person centred approach which led to assure consistent support to Mary. In order to form a collaborative partnership, it is pivotal to consider the needs and requirements of client Richard has done the same.

Emotional Intelligence is Utilised by Professionals

As per Daniel Goleman; Emotional Intelligence [EI] refers to the ability of recognising, managing, understanding and influencing own and others’ emotions. It comprised with the skills of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social interaction (Payne, 2020). Social care professionals must possess EI abilities as this supports them to manage own and client emotions leading to improve individual outcomes and resilience capabilities. Lacking in this area creates wider complexities and further results in impacting client wellbeing in drastic manner. Developing emotional intelligence is essential for balancing and prioritising emotions equally (Payne, 2020). EI capabilities lead to supports in the procedure of healing and this can often develop harm if not used properly. In current case, there are certain moment in which EI was identified and this contributed in developing effective understanding between Richard and May. The awareness of professional regarding Mart’s emotional state signifying about his awareness of understanding the emotions of other individual. The teary eyes and feelings of inadequacy by Mary presented empathetic response aligning with security and trust. During all these moments Richard was attentive and this led to develop effective influence on Mary’s wellbeing. The client was able to share about her grief that is considered as an important attribute of healing.

Professionals can effectively foster growth and healing-centred relationship by using EI for building trust, secure environment, sense of belongingness and consistent communication (Moudatsou et al, 2020). Richard has effective emotional intelligence abilities underpinned by empathy and understanding and therefore, he was able to understand and acknowledge the motions of Mary and this led to develop sense of trust and connection. The safe space by Richard was developed and as a result, Mary felt comfortable in sharing her doubts and concerns. In order to heal, it is pivotal that an individual must express and communicate about their negative experience as this induces self-acceptance in them and contributes in healing procedure. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that Richard has effectively supported Mary that resulted in enhancing communication procedure throughout the discussion procedure.

Clear and empathetic language enable professionals to convey their message which further results in building rapport (Watson et al, 2022). This was witnessed in Richar interaction towards Mary; he followed empathetic communication throughout the discussion and therefore, Mary shared about her struggles, concerns and happy moments. Throughout the communication procedure Richard adopted non-judgemental approach that resulted in enhancing trust in Mary. Thus, this shows that professional has acknowledged the emotions of Mary. The contextual information from the case significantly depicting that Richard was able to understand the emotions of Mary and therefore, he did not make any assumption and further there was no judgement imposed by him. This leads to develop a sense of security in Mary and she shared about her regrets as well which is a form of expressing past traumas. In the experience of Mary; family system theory was witnessed; in accordance with this theoretical instance; families are interconnected and behaviour of each member and wellbeing influences the entire family.

The death of Mary’s husband has influenced her in adverse manner and further her, daughter and grandchildren live far away and this is frequently impacting Mary’s wellbeing. Throughout the Conversation; Richard emphasis on knowing about Mary’s family and this shows that he wanted to develop wider understanding regarding the ways in which family interaction and concerns impacted Mary’s wellbeing. Richard has implied this theory and accordingly he developed awareness regarding emotional responses of Mary towards her family. Richard has significantly used motivation, empathy and social interaction skills while communicating with Mary and this led ensure effective outcomes.

However, there were certain moments in which Richard was not able to manage his emotions. The struggles of Mary developed an emotional turmoil for Richard and this often led to impact therapeutic relationship development. Thus, this incident highlighting about the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation in professional. Self-awareness and Self-care proves to be pivotal for professional as it ensures about ethical practices (Weisz and Cikara, 2021). This supports in understanding own emotions and biases for building genuine connections with client. Lacking in this area often disrupts the professionals and hinders their ability to support and empower client.

Self-awareness is important for understanding own values and beliefs that consistently influence the interaction and judgements towards client (Peng, 2024). By developing understanding regarding own emotions and rection; Richard can build authentic relationship with Mary. Self-awareness supports professional to take informed decision while behaving in ethical manner; it develops an understanding regarding balancing own emotions that can impact the decision-making power of professional. Furthermore, self-awareness is considered as the foundation for emotional intelligence that enable professionals to understand their emotions and accordingly, they react in front of client. Whilst, self-regulation support social workers in terms of maintaining their composure and developing sound judgements in emotionally challenged situation (Peng, 2024). There might be possibility in future that Richard would not be able to take right decision as he would stick is emotionally challenge situation. The affection towards client must be in a limited situation; Richard was not able to manage his emotions and this significantly specifies that he needs to focus on this area for contributing in healing process.

In order to contribute in client healing; it is important that professional is empowered as only afterwards, support to client could be assured. In case the professional faces emotions fluctuation then, this results to influence client wellbeing (Bae et al, 2020). Therefore, in current case developing self-awareness and self-regulation is essential as it supports Richard to acknowledge his emotional response which is crucial for mitigating the probability of transferring his anxieties on Mary. Thus, by continued self-reflection and supervision, Richard can improve his emotional intelligence (Bru-Luna et al, 2021). By enhancing self-awareness and self-regulation abilities Richard can consistently focus on Mary’s needs. This leads to foster supportive environment that is conducive towards healing and growth.

Awareness of the Impact

Richard awareness of emotional exchange occurring between him and Mary is essential for forming an effective therapeutic alliance. In the first session, Ricard appeared to be attuned towards Mary’s emotional shifts by implementing consistent reflective listening for validating the experience of Mary. The open-ended questions have consistently encouraged Mary to express her issues and feelings in depth. Richard has presented effective understanding of family system theory by connecting emotional state of Mary with her family. This approach supported in underscoring the impact of broader relationship context that complies with her children, her late husband and lost siblings (Sharp, Bourke and Rickard, 2020). All of these situations led to contributed in her emotional landscape. Hence, this significantly shows that Richard was aware about his impact on client. He has effectively communicated with Mary and further developed favourable environment so that Mary can share her concerns and issues without having any fear of judgement. Therefore, there is no doubt in stating that Richard was aware about the influence he has made on Mary.

Richard’s desire for connecting with Mary and ensuring consistent support implying the recognition of her requirements for companionship at present state of the vulnerability. However, the professional is struggling as he is feeling inadequate after knowing Marry’s situation. Such kind of emotional influence can influence practitioner ability in forming therapeutic relationship. It is important for Richard to navigate these complexities by engaging in self-awareness and self-regulation supervision. This lead to enhance his capabilities in terms of supporting Mary without feeling overwhelmed due to her emotional distress (Sharp, Bourke and Rickard, 2020). Hence, in current case context the professional is aware of his influence on client. However, he needs to develop self-awareness as he is lacking in understanding the influence of client on his capabilities. Thus, by developing awareness professional would be able to ensure effective support to client without feeling any kind of emotional distress.

Theoretical Framework in Practice

In current case; professional has used anti-oppressive practice for ensuring support to Mary. Client was empowered and her strengths were recognised which significant states that practitioner has effectively focused on developing secure environment in which Mary was feeling secure. Richard’s approach reflecting about the professional values set by Bernard Moss and Shardlow advocating about an anti-oppressive framework (Rollins, 2020). Richard has assured that Mary is getting chance to express her feelings and grief. In this manner, client was empowered and her engagement was increased. Thus, recognition of Mary’s autonomy signifying about the supportive relationship formed between client and professional. Hence, the mutual trust respect and understanding was developed.

In context of attachment theory, this can be said that Mary has profound attachment with Ken and this is underpinning her emotional struggles. Sudden loss of Ken led to foster the insecurity, instability and emotional fluctuations for her. In such situation Richard encouragement to Mary led to ensure support to her and further developed sense of belongingness (Chernis and Adler, 2023). Hence, this is leading to fostering healthier attachment style and ultimately, this resulted in ensuring consistent support to Marry.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively; this can be said that Mary’s case has been underpinning important components which are crucial for forming collaborative relationship. In current case, practitioner has ensured significant support to client by adopting person-centred approach. Consequently, needs and requirements of client have been prioritised and a safe and secure environment was developed. Thus, there is no doubt in depicting that Richard prioritised the needs and requirements of client and therefore, Mary felt comfortable and she has consistently expressed her grief, issues and concerns. The strengths of Mary were witnessed by Richard and subsequently, professional emphasised on empowering her. In terms of emotional intelligence; it was evident that Richard has effectively employed motivation, empathy and social interaction skill. However, he was lacking in self-awareness and self-regulation; thus, practitioner should remain attentive about his emotional response while developing secure spaces for Mary so she can express her grief. Richard became emotional after listening to Mary’s struggles and such situation creates disruption in building therapeutic relationship. Hence, practitioner must focus on enhancing self-awareness and self-regulating abilities as this ultimately supports in managing own emotions and effective focus could be ensured while supporting to client.

REFERENCES

Books and Journals

• Alderwick, H., Hutchings, A., Briggs, A. and Mays, N., 2021. The impacts of collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations and factors shaping how they work: a systematic review of reviews. BMC public health, 21, pp.1-16.
• Bae, J., Jennings, P.F., Hardeman, C.P., Kim, E., Lee, M., Littleton, T. and Saasa, S., 2020. Compassion satisfaction among social work practitioners: The role of work–life balance. Journal of Social Service Research, 46(3), pp.320-330.
• Bland, R., Drake, G., Drayton, J. and Tullgren, A., 2021. Social work practice in mental health: An introduction. Routledge.
• Bolton, K.W., Hall, J.C. and Lehmann, P. eds., 2021. Theoretical perspectives for direct social work practice: A generalist-eclectic approach. Springer Publishing Company.
• Bru-Luna, L.M., Martí-Vilar, M., Merino-Soto, C. and Cervera-Santiago, J.L., 2021, December. Emotional intelligence measures: A systematic review. In Healthcare (Vol. 9, No. 12, p. 1696). MDPI.
• Chernis, C. and Adler, M., 2023. Promoting emotional intelligence in organizations. Association for Talent Development.
• Gray, B., Purdy, J. and Ansari, S., 2022. Confronting power asymmetries in partnerships to address grand challenges. Organization Theory, 3(2), p.26317877221098765.
• Moudatsou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Philalithis, A. and Koukouli, S., 2020, January. The role of empathy in health and social care professionals. In Healthcare (Vol. 8, No. 1, p. 26). MDPI.
• Payne, M., 2020. Modern social work theory. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Peng, L., 2024. Social empathy: how social work educators perceive and intend to engage in social justice. Social Work Education, 43(2), pp.442-458.
• Rollins, W., 2020. Social worker–client relationships: Social worker perspectives. Australian social work, 73(4), pp.395-407.
• Sharp, G., Bourke, L. and Rickard, M.J., 2020. Review of emotional intelligence in health care: an introduction to emotional intelligence for surgeons. ANZ journal of surgery, 90(4), pp.433-440.
• Watson, T., Hodgson, D., Watts, L. and Waters, R., 2022. Historiography of empathy: Contributions to social work research and practice. Qualitative Social Work, 21(4), pp.714-730.
• Weisz, E. and Cikara, M., 2021. Strategic regulation of empathy. Trends in cognitive sciences, 25(3), pp.213-227.
• Whittington, C., 2023. Collaboration and partnership in context. In Social Work (pp. 240-246). Routledge.