Analysis of a social work student/client interaction

Analysis of a Social Work Student/Client Interaction Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor Course Date Analysis of a Social Work Student/Client Interaction Summary X, a 50-year-old single mother of four living off a disability stipend, is seeking support through counseling as part of her services plan to recover her sobriety and regain her children's custody. She was sent to our substance abuse program by her social worker at the Department of Child and Family Services. This shows the high level of involvement with social services. X seems to be at least somewhat motivated to make some meaningful changes to her circumstances, but when we interact, she gets nervous and seems to be struggling emotionally at times. Our evaluation shows us this woman's primary task of staying sober is to have custody of her child restored. The intervention plan includes the treatment of substance use disorder through counseling sessions, group therapies, and other referral services for her social and emotional well-being. Moreover, the goal is to develop a supportive therapeutic alliance that will guarantee the engagement and motivation of the patient in the recovery period. Consecutive Transactions One Social Worker: Hello, welcome to our session. Client: Thank you, I need help with anxiety and substance abuse as I need to get better for my children. Two Social Worker: X shows doubt and hesitation about her ability to change by looking down and fiddling with her skirt. Client: "I don't know if I can do this." Three Social Worker: Yes, you can, you are here it shows you are ready to start. "It's ok to be afraid. We're here to help you," Client: What if I go back to alcohol after the process? Four Social Worker: "Change can be challenging," I say, "but you've already taken the first step by seeking help." Client: What if I cannot? Five Social Worker: X glances at me momentarily, her countenance softening as she considers what I've said. Client: If I fail, I will have failed my children and family. Six Social Worker: "You're stronger than you think," I keep saying, "and we're here to support you every step of the way." Client: thank you for the words of encouragement Seven Social Worker: X nods slowly, her posture softening as she feels determination and hope again. Client: Where will we begin? Eight Social Worker: I keep my eyes on her and give her a comforting smile, subtly reaffirming my dedication to her healing process. Client: I hope I will get the help I need 1st Client/Worker Transaction X admits she needs help to become a better person and return to her children in transaction one. Her occasional anxiety and the brief distress that occurred during our chat translated to her being both determined and stressed by the challenges that were ahead of her. I nodded and kept eye contact to build rapport, demonstrate X's intentions, and express empathy and understanding (Shulman et al., 2009). I wanted to support her in her efforts and to create a space where she could say whatever came to mind without fear. For the question, I directly related to X’s main point on improving her life and getting back with her children. I listene...