Self-Reflection Essay

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The next variable I choose to address is sexual orientation. The impact of sexual orientation on can be great or minimal on several levels. The most important component of the relationship is the worker having a sense of understanding of their own views of heterosexuality and homosexuality. Regardless or sexual orientation, each client should be treated with respect and dignity. A client could present problems with their sexuality based on discriminatory experiences from the views of society. An effective worker will support a client’s well-being and advocate for justice for all individuals.

Similarities in sexual orientation can enhance the therapeutic relationship in the fact the client may feel more open to express their feelings when working with someone whom they share the same sexual orientation. On the negative side, the differences in sexual orientation can cause a client to feel uncomfortable with a therapist or worker who does share the same view of sexual orientation. The client can feel like they will be judged based on their sexual orientation. These feelings can be real or imagined, but it up to the therapist to be able to set aside personal biases for sexual orientations of the individuals that they work with. If this cannot be done, then it is the responsibility of the worker to seek supervision and if necessary excuse themselves from working with a particular client.

Before a worker should assume that they cannot work with a client based on sexual orientation, the worker should first determine the nature of the client’s problem and determine whether they are able to assist that client. Another issue with sexual orientation that a worker should seek not to do is attempt to guide a client to change their sexual orientation. This is not the role of the worker and although they may not agree with a person’s sexual orientation, their role is to accept the client as a human being that deserves to be treated with dignity and deserving of the workers professionalism.

Thirdly I will discuss the impact of spirituality on the therapeutic relationship. The presence or lack of spiritual orientation can be critical in the professional relationship. Spirituality is a as a set of personal beliefs that come from how and individual perceives themselves and their relationship to the world that is seen and a world beyond the natural world. Spirituality guides individuals to find meaning and purpose in life as well as connections to others. Spiritualtiy is individualized and can be expressed in many different ways. It is personal in nature and differs from religion in the fact that is less organized and does not follow specific customs or rituals.

Clients may rely on their sense of spirituality to cope with personal issues. A client’s spiritual beliefs are essential to their lives and their stories. Workers can have the same sense of spirituality in coping with everyday life and having faith in something beyond this world. These similarities between workers and client can enhance the relationship. Differences in spiritual beliefs can also be a hindrance in the relationship. When differences in spiritual or religious views collide, there can be a feeling of judgment or condemnation experienced by the client. It is common for workers not to approach the subject of spirituality or religion unless it is first initiated by the client. This allows for the client to express their views at their own pace and on their own terms.

How can I relate to these variables personally? I can first honestly say that I see the faces of addiction changing. I do not wish to sound like a person that is racist or harbors any type of ill feelings toward any race or ethnicity. But I must say it has been my perception that the faces of our clients are changing. Twenty five years ago the epidemic of crack cocaine effected African Americans at a much higher rate than any drug in history. Those seeking treatment from addiction were males and females of the African American race that were fighting to recover. Today, with the epidemic of opiate addiction and overdoses, there are more young white females that are filling the beds of treatment facilities. As a social worker and person in recovery, of course I want to see any addict suffering and seeking help to be free from their addiction. But as I looked at the population of our clients, there is a ratio of 12:2 Caucasian to African American women in our facility. I cannot help but wonder where the African Americans that are seeking treatment are, personally I feel like they have been pushed to the back burner for the benefit of young white addicts. Professionally, however, I must not let this attitude cloud my judgment and hinder my treatment of all women I seek to help. I treat all clients with dignity, respect, and support them in their process of recovery. I make no distinctions in the services that I provide and I connect with all my clients on the basis of individuality, without regard to race or ethnicity.

In the matter of sexual orientation, I am a heterosexual female. Our clients are both heterosexual and lesbian. This in no way determines how I treat them. The matter of sexual orientation is not an issue, and unless the client directly speaks about it, it is not a factor in our professional relationship. Our agency has recently opened our facility to help a transgender male to female client, though she has not gone the sexual reassignment surgery. My initial reaction was based on her being anatomically a male and I did not understand how she was being admitted into a gender specific treatment facility. I am not proud of my personal initial bias of a person in need. The agency provided trainings in sexual orientation, LGBT and how to serve the population. The trainings were very informative and helpful to me. I have since become sensitive to the needs of this client and work with her personally on a daily basis. I no longer see her as a transgender female, but I person in need of help, support, encouragement and love. I am glad that she has a place where she can feel safe and is receiving the treatment that she needs.

My plan to work with clients includes continuing my education in the field of social work and learn more about this helping profession. I will attend culturally sensitive trainings and learn ways that I can better serve clients. I want maintain and uphold the values of the social work profession and always be in the mind to advocate and strive to improve the lives of the vulnerable, underserved, and oppressed. My passion is to help those suffering from substance abuse/mental health issues.

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