What does 'use of self' in a social work relationship refer to?

'Use of self' in a social work relationship primarily refers to the social worker's ability to leverage their own personality, experiences, and values to facilitate a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. Being a role model for the client embodies this concept, as it involves demonstrating positive behaviors, attitudes, or decision-making processes that clients can observe and potentially emulate. This aspect of 'use of self' allows social workers to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust and engagement.

In this context, while providing personal advice, discussing the worker's personal life, or acting as a confidant may have their place, they do not encompass the broader and more impactful function of serving as a role model. Role modeling reinforces the idea that social workers can inspire clients through their actions and integrity, strengthening the overall therapeutic process.