While completing the Master of Social Work Program through West Virginia University, a topic I have come to learn about is professional use of self. The use of self in social work practice is defined as “combining of knowledge, values, and skills gained in social work education with aspects of one’s personal self, including personality traits, belief systems, life experiences, and cultural heritage” (Dewane, 2006). Professional use of self or professional sense of self is a concept used in social work and described as a way we combine our unique skills, strengths, experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge with our worldview and unique personal traits.
In social work and many other relationship-based professions, individuals have an obligation to help while building and sustaining positive relationships with their clients. It is essential to build rapport and trust when working with and supporting a client. During my advanced field placement, I learned that the concept of professional use of self is frequently discussed, but its meaning and importance are not always well understood. For myself, I feel I’m able to understand the concept of use of self but struggle with the aspect of self-disclosure (when you share personal information about yourself with your client). Now of course there are circumstances when it is appropriate and when it is not appropriate, but I have found myself to be timid in sharing information.
In efforts to enhance my personal use of self, I am mindful that one of the most important tenets of self-disclosure is to be purposeful. Working with The EdVenture Group I have had the opportunity to meet and support unique individuals across the state of West Virginia who are like-minded and come from similar backgrounds of myself. When doing so, I have found the ability to utilize my professional use of self by combining my knowledge, background, experiences, personality and sense of humor to develop an understanding for the situations and challenges that educators, students, and caregivers are facing. Which has allowed me the opportunity to form genuine connections and to embrace my Appalachian culture.
“Melding the professional self of what one knows (training, knowledge, techniques) with the personal self of who one is (personality traits, belief systems, and life experience) is a hallmark of skilled practice.”
An essential part of personal use of self and professional practice is self-care. Self-care is important when it comes to looking after your own health and maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. Self-care empowers individuals to be the best that they can be regarding their overall health and quality of life. Dismissing self-care can lead to burnout, a state of physical or emotional exhaustion caused when we do not take enough care of ourselves or by prolonged stress. Burnout can also result in low morale, decreased empathy, and even individuals switching careers.
Symptoms of Burnout:
- Fatigue
- Feeling apathetic or dissatisfied with your work
- Changes to your diet
- Changes to your sleep pattern
- Headaches
Tips for Self-Care:
- Regular exercise
- Eat healthy and regular meals
- Stay hydrated
- Make sleep a priority
- Set goals and priorities
- Practice gratitude
- Find an activity you enjoy
- Focus on positivity
- Stay connected but disconnect when needed
About the Author
Victoria Taylor is a Program Manager with The EdVenture Group and Family Engagement Specialist with the West Virginia Family Engagement Center. Victoria graduated from West Virginia University with her Master’s in Social Work, and a B.A. in Criminology along with minors in Law and Legal Studies and Addiction Studies. During her undergrad, she completed internships with CASA for Kids of Monongalia and Preston Counties and the Northern District of West Virginia Drug Court Program which allowed her to explore her interests while gaining new perspectives of how she can help individuals in her home state of West Virginia. Victoria supports the organization’s family engagement, prevention, and leadership programs, and she manages development and implementation of programs that benefit youth, educators, and broader communities throughout Appalachia.