Empathy in Social Work

Empathy is one of the most powerful and effective tools a social worker can develop, use, and model for clients. Read Box 6.3 “More About Empathy” on page 157. Using the information you read about empathy observe a stranger, someone who may be struggling with life or suffering in some way. (They are all around us!) Do this observation in a public place like a bus stop, coffee shop, restaurant, or social service agency. (A visit to a DES Family Assistance office in the community would be ideal. To find the closest DES/FAA near you go to https://www.azdes.gov/FAA/contact.asp ) Without being obvious, mimic the person’s movements. Walk the way they walk. Move the way they move. The goal is to put yourself in their situation and to feel what they may be feeling just by observing the person for at least 10-15 minutes, then immediately write down your observations.

Write a brief description of what you saw and felt including a description of where you went and how you decided who to observe. Describe your feelings and thoughts as you tried to put yourself in the other person’s shoes but also describe what you think the person you were observing was feeling and thinking. What are your mirror neurons telling you about their intentions, motives, and feelings? Do you think you experienced empathy toward the person you observed? Why is this, empathy, important as a human being and for humanity but especially as a social worker?
Write at least 300 words, break into paragraphs for each question. Reply to two others, one most like and one most different.