Assessment 2: Professional Reflection & Analysis of Self (during intensive) Essay Example

Reflection Four

Reflection Four

The primary topic for today’s presentation was the narrative approach. I have learned the importance and necessity of utilizing this approach as a social worker which will enable me to focus on the problem that an individual is going through as opposed to their identity and background. I was enlightened more regarding the narrative therapy and more so the necessities that are required of me as a social worker to form relationships, and specifically when working with the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander individuals (Carey, Maggie & Russell, 2002). It is essential for me to learn how to work with this group of people given that I am from China and I have come to Australia to study social work. Therefore, in today’s teachings I have learned that as I encounter clients that are from the Aboriginal community, I need first to allocate them ample time to listen to them and learn about their individual experiences so that I can understand the unique position that they hold in the community.

It is evident that the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities have gone through various experiences of trauma which may be termed as intergenerational trauma which needs to be addressed. I acknowledge that when utilizing the narrative approach while working with this group of people, I will be in a better position to understand their cultural, experiences, knowledge, and perspectives that they have of life. I was also enlightened on the ‘Uluru Statement, Treaty, Justice & Reconciliation’ which was aimed at transforming the justice system to be holistic, fair and equitable to all, including the minority groups which consists of the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander individuals.

Today we also engaged in practicing some narrative interviews in our groups which consisted of three people. In our scenario, the client was named Emily who was 14 years and had a problem which was that she is having a problem to fit in properly in her school; she is feeling disconnected and therefore, wants to return to her home in Central Australia. However, Emily just won a scholarship in her school and currently lives with her aunt, and at the same time she feels obligated to just stay in Adelaide. My role in this scenario was that of an interviewer, therefore, it was expected of me to utilize the narrative approach as an interviewer to evaluate the best way to help Emily.

References

Carey, Maggie & Russell, Shona 2002, ‘Externalising – commonly asked questions’, The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, no. 2, pp. 76-84.