Every day, members of our communities are faced with difficult challenges. For some, these challenges become too difficult to manage on their own. At these times, it can be helpful to talk with a social worker. Here are ten reasons why you may want to consult a social worker.
What is the social worker’s expertise?
Social workers are able to assess a complex social situation in order to dissect and analyze it in depth. They can then offer concrete advice on how to deal with the situation and how to live with it better. The social worker has a good knowledge of the resources that exist according to the problem encountered by each person.
It is important to note that people of all ages and from all walks of life can benefit from the expertise of a social worker at any time in their lives. One can consult for personal reasons, as a couple, as a family, etc.
Clinique GO™ social workers offer online social work consultation services. This service modality is intended to be versatile, completely confidential and secure. It allows you to benefit from the expertise of a professional without delay.
When to consult a social worker?
Here are 10 concrete examples of situations in which a social work professional can offer concrete support.
- Emotional support
When one is grieving, has experienced shock or trauma, or is going through a particularly difficult ordeal, it can be difficult to live with negative emotions and to deal with them. The social worker can act as a guide to help the client navigate through this ordeal and to help him/her bounce back.
It is important to note that the social worker can also offer concrete advice and support to people dealing with a mental health problem.
- The homologation of the protection mandate
The mandate of incapacity is a legal document in which a person is designated to take charge of the affairs of a person who is no longer capable of doing so by himself. This can be due to an illness, an accident, a loss of cognitive abilities, etc. The mandate of incapacity can concern decisions relating to property and/or to the person himself/herself, including decisions relating to health.
Social workers are the only professionals designated to carry out the psychosocial assessment required for the homologation of the mandate of incapacity.
- Difficulties experienced by a teenager
Adolescents may encounter various difficulties: academic difficulties, social adjustment difficulties, problems related to bullying, consumer problems, etc. Faced with such situations, they often have difficulty talking openly about them with their parents and loved ones in order to seek the necessary help. The social worker can be an external support and a relevant resource for adolescents and their families who are experiencing difficulties.
- Children with special needs
Some children have special needs, especially because of a disability, a developmental disorder, etc. Youth may also experience difficulties as they grow up and during their time in daycare or school.
When a young person has special needs, parents may feel overwhelmed and short of resources. The social worker can then intervene to guide the parents.
- Family Coaching
Family coaching is a service that covers many facets of family life. It can address different problematic situations, such as communication difficulties within the family, the issue of parental authority and discipline, etc.
The goal is to improve family relations and find concrete solutions to the problems encountered, taking into account the interests of each family member.
- Mediation in case of separation
In order to resolve the questions and issues that arise during a separation, particularly with regard to the responsibilities of each parent towards the children, the social worker can offer a family mediation service. This establishes a healthy foundation for communication and decision-making that is in the best interests of the children.
- Loss of autonomy and social isolation
Loss of autonomy, and the social isolation that often follows, is an important issue for seniors and aging persons. The social worker can help navigate the loss of independence and prevent isolation by offering advice to the person and their loved ones.
See our article about social work interventions to prevent social isolation among seniors.- Change of environment
When a person moves, changes jobs or a child changes schools, this can cause adjustment difficulties. It is then important to take charge of these difficulties quickly in order to promote daily development.
- Advice on seniors’ rights
Seniors are often vulnerable and are therefore prey to malicious people. The law provides protections for seniors in matters of abuse. In case of need, it is important to quickly consult a professional who will be able to support the senior and his or her family.
- Advice for parents in the adoption process
Some social workers have a good knowledge of the process of adopting a child, whether in Quebec or abroad. Parents who wish to start this process or who need support in this regard can ask for help from a professional.
Don’t hesitate to request an online consultation with a social worker. It is a very easy way to receive professional advice and personalized support without having to travel.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
