Therapeutic Relationship

The therapeutic relationship is a working relationship in order to best meet the needs of the client. There are several facets of the relationships that will be explored here.

First and foremost, the differences between the social worker and client can be a source of hesitancy in working together but if the two can still create a safe and inviting working relationship, this can help the client progress in even more ways.
Clients who are older working with a younger social worker may feel as though the social worker does not understand his/her plight. Furthermore, a younger social worker may look at all older adults as having limitations that may prevent that client from fully utilizing the resources and interventions the social worker has to use and may hold back on utilizing them fully.
Clients who are female working with a male social worker may automatically agree with anything the social worker says due to submitting to male authority. Also, male clients working with a female social worker may be uncomfortable with a female authority figure. Social workers do best to point out observations in order to open the door for further conversation and still create a good working relationship.
Clients who are homosexual may believe that since most of society is against same-sex couples that the social worker will judge them for their sexuality as well.
Clients from different racial and/or cultural backgrounds may feel misunderstood if the social worker is not aware of customs that the client practices and implements.

In all of these situations, the social worker would do best to first be self-aware of any judgements that they have themselves and be able to go into sessions/meeting with clients without letting those judgements impact the work that they are doing. Social workers can ask questions about the client's differences at an appropriate time in order to open discussion for their perceptions in a safe and inviting way so that they do not affect the work. Social workers using the code of ethics recognizes that each person has value.

There are also different theories in relevance to social work practice.
The empathetic relationship theory states that the social worker appreciates what someone else is feeling even if the cause is not current. Social worker would need full background information to fully understand the complexities of the feelings/emotions. In order to fully incorporate empathy into the therapeutic relationship, the social worker much be conscious of their own thoughts toward the person or situation. Tune-in before hand in order to be aware of feelings and to prepare for them
The accepting relationship theory is all about the worth and dignity of each human being. This means to accept the client as an individual by showing concern about how they are feeling and coping.
The authentic relationship means that the social worker acts in a way that is open and honest with the client while at the same time not allowing the client to know the judgments that the social worker has. If the client does not believe the social worker's honest, they cannot move forward. It is best for the social worker to be consistent and to present their true personality w/o taking anything that the client says personally. Social workers can admit to mistakes if one occurs and be sure to follow through on promises and agreements.
The power relationship refers to the social worker's expertise gathered through experience, credentialing/education, and involvement in organizations/groups. The client comes to the social worker and gives them power b/c they are willing to change their bx based on Social worker's experience. The social worker then must balance the power and authority that they have and use it dependent upon the situation such as if the social worker has to involve authorities.

Transference/Countertransference
Transference is when a client has thoughts/feelings about the social worker that has been applied to the social worker due to past experiences and situations. These thoughts and feelings can be either positive or negative. However, either way, they hinder the working relationship. It does take longer to work with a client who is experiencing transference b/c they require an extra intervention to help them realize their feelings and where they are coming from.
Countertransference is when the social worker has thoughts or feelings about the client due to past experiences and situations with other clients. It is best in this situation to a) be self aware and b) seek consultation with a peer or supervisor. This way the social worker can gain a 3rd party perspective and help keep themselves on track with viewing this client as an individual.