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Steps to Effective Confrontation in Social Work

The social work model utilized for facing confrontation with and between clients is based on steps derived from crisis intervention strategies. Common settings in which social work crisis intervention would likely occur are child welfare, schools, hospitals and medical providers, mental health and substance abuse organizations, and various nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Depending on the work environment, it may not be necessary to use each crisis intervention step.

  1. Establish Rapport

    • Provide empathy for the client in crisis. Practice active listening by intentionally engaging him while paying attention to his physical body language. This provides an opportunity for him to establish strengths.

    Encourage Emotion

    • Encourage the client to express feelings of anger, guilt or frustration about the stressor, which provides validation and empathy. This process should focus on her crisis, and helps to establish rapport. If she has difficulty expressing herself, help her along by asking her to utilize "I feel" statements.

    Discuss the Event

    • Ask the client to discuss the events leading up to his current crisis. You could start by asking him how he arrived at his current situation. Continue to encourage him to talk through the crisis with you.

    Assess Strengths and Identify Needs

    • Ask the client what she has done in the past to help her cope with similar situations, and what resources she may need. Pairing her strengths and tapping into preexisting internal resources is a great means to help her establish enough energy to cope with the current crisis. Continue to engage her and pay attention to cues.

    Formulate a Dynamic Explanation

    • Ask the client to explore the crisis and explain to you why he thinks this situation happened. It is important you understand his perception and how he feels he arrived there. Sometimes this can help him come to a conclusion on how to solve the problem himself.

    Restore Cognitive Functioning

    • Continue to reaffirm and highlight a client's strengths as you encourage her to talk about what she feels needs to happen in order for the crisis to be resolved. Detect whether she is motivated to change or participate in the solution. If she is not motivated, continue to explore underlying factors or alternative solutions.

    Plan and Implement Treatment Plan

    • Establish a treatment plan with your client by asking him to identify specific goals. Ask him what would need to happen in order for this goal to come to fruition. These objectives and action steps should be short so as to ensure his success.

    Termination

    • This step occurs when the client returns to the level of stability before the crisis occurred. Discuss the event with her and what coping mechanisms she can use for future situations. Encourage participation in community organizations and programs, and let her know you are available should she need further help in the future.

    Follow Up

    • Let the client know that you will stay in touch and follow up with him in the future. This helps you to keep an eye on his situation and help prevent future crises. Follow-ups help him stay motivated in the positive change process.

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