Values and the Helping Profession:

Values have a powerful impact on the helping relationship. It is essential to be aware of your own values in order to truly be of help to others. After completing your Reading for this week, please complete the two values exercises on pages 88–89 of your text and then respond to the following questions:

• Summarize the results of your values exercise to the extent you feel comfortable sharing them.
• Select one of the three scenarios related to value challenges on page 90 of your text. Discuss an appropriate response to the challenge, including the next steps the practitioner should take. Would this situation present a moral challenge for you as well? Why or why not?
• Review the discussion about displaying your values on page 92 of your text. Imagine that you are a caseworker employed at your county human services agency, regularly meeting with your clients in your office. What decisions would you make in decorating your office regarding the display of personal photographs, religious items, or symbols of political or philosophical orientation after reading this chapter? Include the reasoning for your choices.
• Complete the Holmes and Rahe Stress Index on page 100 of your text. Discuss your reaction to the results. Were you surprised at your stress score? If so, do you plan to make any changes in response to it?
• What is your reaction to the “Hazards of Practice” discussed in the text on pages 99 and 101? Do you agree? Are there actions you can take to minimize them?
• Assuming you are employed in the same position as in the question above, create a plan of self-care to prevent the burnout that can become common due to high demands in these positions. Be specific in the type and frequency of activities you would include in your plan.
• How do you think culture impacts the helping process? Give specific examples.