An additional concept of family subsystems that social workers should be aware of is triangulations. Triangulation is a two-person subsystem under stress and unstable who recruits a third person, usually a child, to act as a go-between. For example, when parents fight a child might choose a side or when parents are in dispute and the child steps in and diverts the parental anger onto himself or herself (Collins, 2013, p. 92)
The last key concept social workers need to be aware of is a family operates according to established rules. Rules are sets of guidelines, laws, or traditions that tell us how to live with each other. Our patterns and rules for interaction have long-term and far-reaching effects. For example, if we believe in the predictability of life, we tend to plan. If we consider what happens is out of our control, we may deal with circumstances as they arise rather than trying to prevent or avoid problems (Fingerman, 2000). Since rules are value-based, understanding them will tell the family social worker much about what the family believes. Understanding family rules allows social workers to see how family members view their relationships with one another (Collins, 2013, p. 89).
The concepts described can be useful in working with families. Social workers can discover the families’’ strengths, limitations and resources. Social …show more content…
Hence, sympathy and empathy are not the same emotion. Sympathy is a feeling of sorrow, pity, or compassion for others. Empathy is a way for the family social worker to convey an understanding of family members’ experiences, behaviors, and feelings from the family member’s point of view. (Collins, 2013, p. 237). For example, they are putting themselves in their client’s shoes. Empathy portrays dignity and worth of a person and guides the social worker to respect everyone’s unique situation (Lacay,
The last key concept social workers need to be aware of is a family operates according to established rules. Rules are sets of guidelines, laws, or traditions that tell us how to live with each other. Our patterns and rules for interaction have long-term and far-reaching effects. For example, if we believe in the predictability of life, we tend to plan. If we consider what happens is out of our control, we may deal with circumstances as they arise rather than trying to prevent or avoid problems (Fingerman, 2000). Since rules are value-based, understanding them will tell the family social worker much about what the family believes. Understanding family rules allows social workers to see how family members view their relationships with one another (Collins, 2013, p. 89).
The concepts described can be useful in working with families. Social workers can discover the families’’ strengths, limitations and resources. Social …show more content…
Hence, sympathy and empathy are not the same emotion. Sympathy is a feeling of sorrow, pity, or compassion for others. Empathy is a way for the family social worker to convey an understanding of family members’ experiences, behaviors, and feelings from the family member’s point of view. (Collins, 2013, p. 237). For example, they are putting themselves in their client’s shoes. Empathy portrays dignity and worth of a person and guides the social worker to respect everyone’s unique situation (Lacay,