Sarah Sherman
Dear class,
According to Hepworth et al, 2017 "rapport is engaging with the client to build a relationship". I would start with making the client feel comfortable with me. The client must be able to trust those they are working with, so making them feel heard and understood is a great start. Asking open-ended questions and getting as much information without making the client feel like they are being interrogated would help. Culture is important in every person's life, so being able to understand the culture in which the client is from will go a long way. When it comes to physical attending behaviors, the position in which the social worker sits, or whether sitting behind a desk is of importance. Sitting behind the desk sends off messages of authority over the client according to Hepworth et al, 2017. The social worker needs to look invested in the client, by being interested in what the client is saying.
Reference:
Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., Rooney, G. D., & Strom-Godfried, K. (2016). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. ISBN-13: 9781305833803