The social care relationship is the centre of social care practice. Central to developing an ability to relate to others is a relationship with the self. If social care workers do not learn about the self, prior to practice, they have the potential, consciously or unconsciously, to become "entangled" in the outcomes of others. Learning about the self involves understanding values, beliefs and taking responsibility for self-care including one’s own health, wellbeing and workload. Social care relationships may be challenging and students need to learn how to maintain professional boundaries with service users within a variety of social care settings, and be able to identify and manage any associated challenges. In this module, students will also learn how to have a critical understanding of the dynamics of relationships between social care workers and service users and the concepts of transference and counter-transference.
Introduction to the Use of Self in Social Care
-The Social Care Relationship, Holistic and embodied practice, the role of context and the influence of the social care setting on the use of self. The role and impact of effective interdisciplinary team working in meeting service user needs. Frameworks for Use of Self: Maurice Fenton: SOS Framework; Brown and Lyons: Social Care Relationship Framework.
The Dynamics of Relationships
Contemporary approaches to transference and countertransference and the social care relationship. The dynamics and challenges within professional relationships and the role of self-reflection in the transference/countertransference matrix.
Self-care in Social Care Practice
The nature of self-care, conceptual frameworks for self-care; Fenton (2015) SOS Framework. The relationship between personal and professional self-care. Developing a self-care plan that includes a focus on health, wellbeing and workload balance.
The Self in Bounded Embodied Practice
The body in practice, touch and relating in physical spaces. Understanding boundaries in space and place and relationships.
Personal and Continuing Professional Development
Learning personal and professional development needs. Understanding the role of continuing professional development systems including performance management activities.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |