Respond to at least two colleagues by describing insights you have gained from reading their post.
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I leverage my strengths in empathy, personal experience, and expansive professional training (connecting macro and mezzo practice to micro) to develop my professional social worker identity. I have always been very attuned to other people's feelings like pain, sadness, anger, etc. and have channeled this into my professional work by recognizing a person's humanity and using empathy in all of my professional interactions. This is especially important in social work, where we work with vulnerable people and many people who have been dehumanized by various systems (justice, education, child welfare, etc). I want to improve recognizing and sharing more positive emotions with clients as well, which is something I've been focusing on in my field placement (e.g. celebrating small and big victories, helping clients reframe their thinking on change as something more positive, affirming client strengths, etc.)
I think it's relevant to touch on my own trauma history as this contributes significantly to my professional identity. I grew up in an abusive home, and my ACE score is 6. Statistically, I should be in much worse shape than I am at 33 years old. Consequently, I am avid about helping others heal from their own trauma so they too can start to enjoy life. Because of my history there is a risk of transference. Having a theoretical framework informed by own passions helps me maintain professionalism with clients I can relate to. Clinically, I like to use attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, and CBT to support these efforts.
Use of self can be a powerful and impactful strategy with clients working towards change. I think this is best used when the client may be feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or isolated in their change process with a limited support system. It's equally important to be mindful of the differences in a similar situation as well. For example, in a previous role I had as Victim Advocate, many clients felt hopeless and isolated from the abuse they experienced. As an advocate, I would sometimes disclose that I had gone through a similar process a long time ago to provide empathy and offer hope. But, unlike many of those clients, I do not have children. Rather than let this difference divide us I actually found it helpful to acknowledge it directly in my disclosure: "I had to get a protective order a long time ago, too. It's hard enough going through this process on your own, and I imagine much more so with children involved." Disclosing the shared experience is helpful to supporting the client, but you also don't want to invalidate or dismiss unique factors in their situation.
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Personal and Professional Identities in Practice
At my internship with Begonia Community and Family Services, my personal and professional identities intersect daily in how I engage with clients and collaborate with colleagues. Personally, I bring empathy, patience, and cultural awareness into the therapeutic space—qualities that help build rapport with clients’ parents during one-on-one and group sessions. Professionally, my role as a social work intern is guided by the values of the NASW code of ethics, including service, the importance of human relationships, and commitment to client well-being. These values shape how I assist in psychological assessments, support treatment planning, and contribute to community-based programs. My awareness of intersectionality, how individuals' identities shape their experiences of oppression and privilege is also critical in practice (Al-Faham et al., 2019). Recognizing the layered identities of clients allows me to approach each situation with sensitivity and helps me tailor interventions that are inclusive and empowering.
Use of Self: What I Bring and Withhold
I have learned that the “use of self” in social work is both a personal resource and a professional responsibility. In my work at Begonia, I bring forward qualities such as emotional attunement, strong listening skills, and a nonjudgmental stance, particularly when working with parents navigating complex family dynamics. However, I intentionally withhold personal disclosures, opinions, or assumptions that could shift the focus away from the client or compromise ethical boundaries. Deciding when and how to use myself in practice is guided by ethical standards, situational context, and consultation with supervisors. This reflects the profession’s emphasis on reflective practice and critical self-awareness (Forenza & Eckert, 2018). For example, during psychological assessments or treatment planning discussions, I monitor my internal responses and assess whether speaking up will enhance or detract from the client’s care. Practicing discernment in this way ensures that the use of self remains intentional, appropriate, and ethical.
Influence of Identity on Skills, Actions, and Choices
My evolving social work identity significantly influences how I apply skills, make decisions, and engage with clients and team members. As a student and emerging practitioner, I recognize that my actions are shaped not only by training but also by my worldview, lived experience, and professional goals. This is consistent with research that highlights social worker identity as shaped by context and the roles we assume in different systems (Forenza & Eckert, 2018). My commitment to advocacy, cultural humility, and client empowerment informs how I help develop programs that promote community engagement and client independence. It also affects how I participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, ensuring that my contributions reflect both the client’s voice and the values of the social work profession. Understanding intersectionality has strengthened my capacity to identify structural barriers and address them in a way that supports equitable access to care (Al-Faham et al., 2019).
References:
Al-Faham, H., Davis, A. M., & Ernst, R. (2019). Intersectionality: From theory to practice. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 15, 247–265. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-101518-042942Links to an external site.
Forenza, B., & Eckert, C. (2018). Social worker identity: A profession in context. Social Work, 63(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/SW/SWX052Links to an external site.