1.What impress you most about the story/sharing of Aviva Ingberg?

Answer:
What impresses me most about the story/sharing of Aviva Ingberg is her courage and resilience in
overcoming the challenges she faced as a child and as a social worker. She was born in a concentration
camp during the Holocaust and lost her parents and siblings. She was adopted by a Jewish family in Sweden
and later moved to Israel. She became a social worker and worked with traumatized children and families in
war zones. She also faced personal difficulties such as divorce and cancer. Despite all these hardships, she
never gave up on her passion for helping others and making a difference in the world. She also maintained a
positive outlook on life and a sense of humor. She is an inspiring example of a survivor and a healer.

2. What are unique to social work which you can describe?

2.1 person in situation
2.2 dignity and respect for the person
2.3 where can the problem of client be located?
2.4 listening (active), process of change and “reallistic hope”

Answers:
Some of the unique aspects of social work that I can describe are:

Person in situation: This means that social workers view their clients as individuals who are influenced by
their environment and their interactions with others. Social workers do not focus on the client’s problems in
isolation, but rather consider the whole context of the client’s life, such as their family, community, culture,
history, and resources. Social workers also respect the client’s strengths, preferences, and goals, and work
with them to find solutions that fit their situation.

Dignity and respect for the person: This means that social workers treat their clients with compassion,
empathy, and kindness. Social workers do not judge their clients or blame them for their problems, but
rather acknowledge their dignity and worth as human beings. Social workers also respect the client’s
autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, and support their right to self-determination and participation in
decision-making.

Where can the problem of client be located: This means that social workers do not assume that the
problem of the client is within the client, but rather explore the possible causes and factors that contribute to
the problem. Social workers recognize that the problem of the client may be located in different levels of the
social system, such as the individual, the family, the group, the organization, the community, or the society.
Social workers also acknowledge that the problem of the client may be influenced by various dimensions of
diversity, such as gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or
socioeconomic status.

Listening (active), process of change and “realistic hope”: This means that social workers use effective
communication skills to establish rapport and trust with their clients. Social workers listen actively to their
clients, which means that they pay attention to what the client says and how they say it, and reflect back
their understanding and feelings. Social workers also help their clients to identify their needs, goals, and
resources, and to plan and implement actions that will lead to positive change. Social workers also provide
their clients with “realistic hope”, which means that they encourage their clients to have a hopeful attitude
and to believe in their potential, but also to be realistic about the challenges and risks involved in the change
process.

3. What does these concepts mean as qualities of (social) worker- client relationship?
3.1 partnership
3.2 “dropping the seed and backing away”
3.3 “I message vs you message”
3.4 sharing “here and now feeling.”

Answers:
Some of the concepts that mean as qualities of (social) worker-client relationship are:

Partnership: This means that social workers and clients work together as equals and collaborators in the
helping process. Social workers and clients share information, ideas, and feedback, and respect each other’s
opinions and perspectives. Social workers and clients also share responsibility and accountability for the
outcomes of the intervention.

“Dropping the seed and backing away”: This means that social workers do not impose their views or
solutions on their clients, but rather offer suggestions or alternatives that the client can consider or reject.
Social workers do not pressure or coerce their clients to change, but rather respect their readiness and pace
of change. Social workers also do not take credit or blame for the client’s progress or setbacks, but rather
acknowledge the client’s efforts and achievements.

“I message vs you message”: This means that social workers use assertive communication to express their
thoughts and feelings to their clients, without blaming or criticizing them. Social workers use “I messages”
to state their observations, feelings, needs, and requests, such as “I noticed that you seem upset today. I feel
concerned about you. I need you to tell me what is bothering you. I would like to help you if you are willing
to talk to me.” Social workers avoid using “you messages” that accuse, judge, or attack the client, such as
“You are always late for our appointments. You don’t care about your situation. You need to get your act
together. You should do what I tell you.”

Sharing “here and now feeling”: This means that social workers are aware of and express their emotions
that arise in the interaction with their clients, especially when they are relevant to the client’s issues or
goals. Social workers share their “here and now feelings” to show their authenticity and empathy, and to
enhance the emotional connection with their clients. Social workers also invite their clients to share their
“here and now feelings” to help them explore and understand their emotions, and to facilitate the change
process.

In conclusion, Aviva Ingberg’s remarkable journey exemplifies courage and resilience in the face of
adversity. Her story not only inspires but also underscores the transformative power of social work. The
unique aspects of social work, such as the person-in-situation perspective, dignity and respect for the
person, exploring the problem’s location, and active listening, emphasize the holistic and empathetic
approach social workers adopt. Concepts like partnership, “dropping the seed and backing away,” “I
message vs you message,” and sharing “here and now feelings” highlight the qualities essential for fostering
a meaningful worker-client relationship. Together, these principles and concepts underscore the profound
impact of social work in facilitating positive change and supporting individuals on their journey to
resilience and healing.
Knowledge and Philosophical Foundations of the Social Work
Profession

“A Student’s View of Social Work”

Aviva Inberg

MATIGA, JACKIELYN
BSSW 1B

RODRIGUEZ, SALLY O.
Instructor

2023