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Social Dimension
Issue 1 | April 2018
A Note from Us Highlights & Events Fun Facts Our Gems Perspectives Announcements
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 - 8 Page 9 - 15 Page 16
PAGE | 1
WELCOME A Note From Us
Dear Members, followership and hopes to continue Through our publication efforts,
engaging you in the coming months. Social Dimension aims to:
Hope the year has started off in good • Keep members informed about
spirits for everyone! As part of A committee has been formed to SASW’s activities and initiatives
SASW’s Executive Committee and look into continuing publication in the profession
the Publications Subcommittee, we efforts for the association. On that • Engage members in vibrant
would like to extend our warmest note, I am delighted to introduce the
exchanges
welcome to members and members of our Publications Sub-
Committee who will be bringing to • Recognise contributions of
readership community.
you some highlights in the field. Social Workers
SASW’s Social Dimension online • Encourage sharing of practices
publication is grateful for your and knowledge
• Capture good work and
Publications Chair reflections in practice
Lead Social Worker, AMKFSC Community
Prema Mohan • Be a voice for the professional
Services Ltd
body where possible
Member
Ho Hui Ling Lead Social Worker, Care Corner Singapore Ltd
contributions in the sector, good
practices and many others! So, do
Member
keep a lookout for publications in
Cherylene Aw Centre Director, TRANS SAFE Centre
the near future! We will also be glad
to have you writing along with us.
Member
Should you have a write up or article
Assistant Director, Family Partnerships Platform,
Woo Peiyi to contribute to us, do write in to us.
South Central Community Family Service Centre
Contact details have been provided
in our newsletter.
Member
Lyon Koh Lin Lu
Assistant Senior Social Worker, AMKFSC
Lyon It was good catching up with some
Community Services Ltd
of you on the 24th March 2018 at
As cited in literature, the beginnings us with their unwavering Social Work Day 2018. This year,
of social work in Singapore can date commitment to the field. I continue the organizing team had set out to
as far back as 1946, when the Social to witness, with much gratitude, this celebrate the profession and Social
Welfare Department was set up to spirit of sacrifice and endurance, in Workers through the Carnival at
address issues of malnutrition many of you who continue to serve Marina Bay Carnival. Hope you had
during World War 2. Subsequently, in this profession selflessly. It is enjoyed yourselves with friends
in the post war period, situation indeed a great privilege through and loved ones as much as the
stabilized, and the focus shifted to publication and involvement in team enjoyed bringing the event to
the protection of children and SASW, to be able to learn from these you!
women. The set-up of the influential leaders in the profession.
Department of Social Work in the- The team would like to bring these We would like to thank all members
then only University in Singapore, in heartening experiences closer to for the years of support extended to
1953, marks the recognition of you through Social Dimension in the the association and looking ahead to
Social Work as discipline of study coming months. connect with you through Social
locally. Dimension!
We hope to bring you coverage of
Since then, many pioneers in the SASW’s events, interviews with Prema Mohan (Ms)
Chair, Publications (SASW)
field have left lasting impressions in professionals making outstanding PAGE | 2
Highlights & Events
Date Events
th
19 January 2018 SASW Work Plan Retreat. Attended by SASW Executive Committee
Members, Office Staff and Chapter/ Special Committee Chairs and
Co-Chairs
3rd March 2018 Pulse 3: About People in Communities who are Passionate about
Leading Communities
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: National Volunteer Philanthropy Centre @ 6 Eu Tong
Street, #04-88, The Central, Singapore 059817
24th March 2018 Social Work Day
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay,
The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
10th April 2018 SASW Dialogue Session with Mr Chan Heng Kee, Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Health
Time: 10.00am - 12.30pm
Venue: Lifelong Learning Institute
14th to 15th July 2018
Social Work Induction Camp
(TBC)
th
16 November 2018 Outstanding Social Worker Award
Social Work Practice Survey Professional Networking Session (PNS)
SASW under the Professional Networking SASW administers the PNS with funding from the Ministry of Health. Under
Session (PNS) initiative, is conducting a PNS, SASW organizes case discussions & talks and supports Communities of
survey to understand the gaps in Practice (CoP) and encourages cross sector projects related to healthcare
Singapore’s social work practice and in the issues. Case discussions and talks involve the use of case studies to enhance
provision of healthcare and social services. the learning of participants during these events. Look out for our Palliative
case discussions (PALNET) and Legal Forum in the second half of this year.
Under this initiative, SASW will be
conducting a series of Professional CoP and Cross-sector projects target a. role and practice-related problems;
Networking Sessions and cross-sector b. inter-setting/sector or cross-setting/sector service gaps, particularly for
projects to gather social workers and the community and Intermediate & Long-Term Care (ILTC) sector; and c.
related professionals in addressing the cross-cutting issues affecting social work practice and care transition.
common gaps raised through the survey
and develop a feasible solution for SASW currently support the four following CoP:
adoption. 1. Transition Care (from Restructured Hospitals to Nursing Homes)
2. Renal CoP
We will like to invite social work 3. Grief and Bereavement CoP
professionals to participate in this survey. 4. Community Care CoP
Please click here to access the survey.
Alternatively, please go to More information on these CoP will be put up on SASW website soon.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sasw_ For more information and enquiries, please contact:
x-sectorsurvey
Ms Faezah Sallimin: faezahsallimin@sasw.org.sg (98798952)
PAGE | 3
SASW Supervision Service
The SASW Supervision Service helps to select and match supervisors to social workers who are unable to
obtain supervision at their organisation. This is done in partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family
Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Health.
Eligible social workers can receive funding for up to 30 hours of supervision when matched with an external
supervisor through the SASW Supervision service. The social worker’s agencies can expect to pay a rate of
between $24-$40 per hour for the supervision service after the funding.
For more information and enquiries, please contact:
Email: supervisionservice@sasw.org.sg
Ms Faezah Sallimin: faezahsallimin@sasw.org.sg (98798952)
Ms Pearlyn Lee: pearlynlee@sasw.org.sg (97504223)
PAGE | 4
FUN FACTS Did you know…
Year Winners 2004 Mrs Wong Cher Meng
2017 Dr Vincent Ng Ms Ho Lai Peng
Ms Zahara Bte Mahmood Mr Shawn Koh Chu Bian (Merit
2016 Ms Nancy Ng Award)
Ms Chee Wai Yee Ms Joyce Tan Swee Yee (Merit
2015 Ms Lee Yean Wun Award)
2014 Ms Cheung Siew Li 2003 Ms Ngo Lee Yian
Ms Julia Lee Mrs Lee Lay Beng
2013 Ms Yogeswari d/o Munisamy 2002 Ms Maureen Fung Swee Kim
2012 Ms Esther Lim Li Ping Ms Koh Hwee Cheng, Esther
Ms Wu Mei Ling 2001 Mr Samuel Ng Beng Teck
2011 Ms Ng Tzer Wee Ms Pang Kee Tai
2010 Mrs Sylvia Mun 2000 Ms Goh Soon Noi
Ms Han Yah Yee Mr Arthur Ling (Merit Award)
2009 Mr Mohd Ali Bin Mahmood Mrs Deby Sarojiuy Krishnan
Mrs Seah Kheng Yeow (Merit Award)
2008 Ms Long Chey May 1999 Ms Ang Bee Lian
Mr Chan Whee Peng Dr Myrna Blake
2007 Mrs Yee-Chow Choy Yin 1998 Ms Sudha Nair
Ms Crystal Lim Ah Yan Mrs Winnie Phoon
Year Winners Ms Wu Ka Ma, Carmen
2017 Ms Lam Hui Cheng Kristine
2016 Ms Lee Kaiyi 2012 Ms Jean Koh Yan Fang
Ms Lin Jingyi Mr Ivan Woo Mun Hong
2015 Mr Isaac Teo 2011 Mr Mohamed Fareez Mohamed
Ms Lee Hwee Yoke Kitty Fahmy
Ms Koh Shi En Grace 2010 Mr Chua Chye Huat Alvin
2014 Ms Wong Li Jin, Michelle 2009 Mr Chua Wei Bin
Ms Lee Sin Yan 2008 Mr Lim Chong Chee, Bryan
2013 Ms Ng Shi Quan, Lynnette
PAGE | 5
Our Gems
In this Issue, Social Dimension features two veterans in the social service sector. On behalf of members SASW
Publications Committee will like to thank Ms Hayley Chau and Mrs Toh-Chia Lai Ying for taking time to interact with us.
About Ms Hayley Chau
Ms Hayley Chau, Deputy Director, Operations (Community),
Tan Tock Seng Hospital, has more than 20 years of experience
in various social work settings. She started out as a medical
social worker upon graduation, has experience working in
social service planning, and is currently in hospital operations
management. She has also worked jointly with a team that
was awarded with the 2017 National Healthcare Innovation
and Productivity Award in Care Redesign.
Amongst Ms Chau’s several noteworthy contributions is her
longstanding service to the Singapore Association of Social
Workers for the past 12 consecutive years in various
capacities.
What drew you to the Social Work spirit prevails. Although I do not What do you look forward to for the
Profession? practise direct social work now, the future of the profession?
principles I learnt, for example, the
I had initially wanted to be a teacher strengths perspectives, continue to As a profession, we have come a
before the change of mind to opt for guide me in my work endeavours. long way. Social workers today
social work instead. Taking General practise in such a diverse range of
Paper for A levels made me more Tell us about your journey with settings. The challenge that lies
aware about the issues of inequality SASW? ahead is on how the profession
and hearing about the profession continues to evolve with the
from a social worker friend further I've served in the SASW Exco for changing times and how to work
piqued my interest. more than ten years as my small way with different groups out there to
of vicariously contributing to the meet the needs of users holistically.
What does Social Work mean to profession and carrying on the I hope to see more social workers
you? mission of Social Work. In SASW, I and agencies which are able to work
witnessed and participated in the across macro, mezzo and micro
Being a social worker means being initiation of the first social workers levels, and to integrate ethical
an agent of change and/or control in day celebration in 2007, organizing practice with relevant research.
different ways. It means actively social work induction camps, as well
intervening to bridge better access as organizing various social work What would be some words of
to resources by the vulnerable celebration events and symposiums. advice you may have for beginning
among us, and recognising the Being in SASW has helped maintain social workers?
strengths people have instead of my link and bond to the profession
focusing on the deficits. When I was all these years as developments The first few years are crucial for
working in direct social work, I was unfolded over time. your development in the field. Look
often challenged and personally for opportunities to be mentored,
encouraged to see how the human
PAGE | 6
always be keen to learn, love your Reflections by Interviewer
work, and see the value in it for your
clients as well as for you. Ms Hayley’s unwavering commitment to social work and SASW has been a
remarkable contribution. Affectionately known as one of the “Founding
"Do what you can, with what you’ve Sisters” of SASW’s bi-yearly Social Work Induction Camp, she has been a role
got, where you are” (Squire Bill model for many of us. Her counsel and advice in the Executive Committee has
Widener of Widener’s Valley, anchored the generations ahead. Thank you Ms Hayley for the interview and
Virginia). on behalf of SASW, for the years of service with us. (Prema, Publications
Chair)
What attracted you to the study of How will you describe your journey
Social Work? as a Social Work Professional? What
were some highs and lows in your
I came from a family with a humble journey?
background and was an active
youth leader in secondary school - My exposure to Social Work started
that was the driving force that led with my field placement experience. I
me in the field of social work. Social was then doing community work
work was grounded in practice. involving senior citizens. To this day
this experience has impacted me
What does social work mean to greatly. Of the experiences I
you? remember, the most distinct is
having helped an elderly who
It is my way of returning to society. committed suicide and who was
going lengths to find her long-lost
parents.
On another instant, I had a chance to
support a mentally challenged young
adult who had been raped, by
placing
About Mrs Toh-Chia Lai Ying
Mrs Toh has been serving SASW as a volunteer committee member for about 19 years. She is currently working
with The Salvation Army. She was trained in Social Work from 1977 to 1979. She joined a statutory board doing
community outreach work for two years following her graduation. Following this, Mrs Toh, joined a
multinational corporation and spearheaded several initiatives. Some of these included, starting the Welfare
Section to oversee the setup of a medical clinic and the well-being of foreign workers.
In 1988, she was one of the first few social work professionals to be employed at Salvation Army to strengthen
the social work practice standards. Mrs Toh supported the Secretary for Social Affairs and the team in setting
up their childcare, student care centres and coordinating Social Programmes, including Case Referral and
Service Reviews. She has spent 30 years in various roles such as Social Service Coordinator, Human Resources
Director and Special Projects Consultant.
Mrs Toh has been known for her varied contributions in sectors beyond social work and her passion for
integrating her social work skills in the roles that she took on. She is also a strong believer of lifelong learning.
Mrs Toh currently pursues her Master in Applied Gerontology in Nanyang Technological University. She
hopes to contribute to elder service sector in the future.
PAGE | 7her in a temporary shelter and leadership, be able to think and lesser than other professionals. We
supporting her elderly mother. speak up on the spot, make full use have to remind ourselves that good
These memories are etched in my of IT to your advantage, be able to service based on our professional
memory. Both these experiences know enough to work in multi- code of ethics should be priority for
taught me about mitigating risk in disciplinary teams, encourage us.
communities where what clients innovation and lots more. Emotional
reveal outwardly may not totally draw alone is not enough. It is The employing agencies play a
represent what they might be natural in any career to aspire for valuable enabling role in promoting
feeling inside. progression and advancement. The the professional identities of Social
profession as a result has grown Workers by recognising the varied
My profession as a social worker leaps and bounds like other and critical roles they play in
begun with me starting a service for industries as we remain relevant enhancing service delivery and in
senior citizen in my first job which I and competitive. promoting an effective work
am still proud of. However, I was not environment where the Social Work
able to see this journey through as I Share with us your journey in Profession can flourish.
wanted to work in a refugee camp serving SASW for several years.
overseas. However, attempts to This profession has many faces,
achieve this dream was not Firstly, maintaining my membership therein lies our identity issues. The
successful. keeps me connected to the social profession should rally around itself,
work profession. Being part of SASW respect diversity but should also take
The rest of my social work journey, gives me a sense of belonging and I pride in values that we hold in
involved offering support in service cherish the friendships formed in common. Transferrable skills,
development for example in the the association. Love for the equitable rewards, leadership,
areas of child care services, profession and the appreciation I succession planning could help in
residential care services and have for the hard work that strengthening our professional
coordination of services for the members in the association put in identity.
organisation. keep me questioning about what I
can do for the association. What is your hope for budding social
My low point recently has been workers and aspirations for the
about not being able to do ground What are some regrets or pain profession?
work for a long time. I also missed points you have about the sector?
out on having peer support from What do you hope can be done to I hope that the profession will
classmates who studied Social Work attain some form of resolution? continue to make the young ones
in the University as well. feel welcome and keep them and all
Things are more regulated these professionals close through positive
Volunteering in church and days, and this is a double-edged influence, by maintaining morale,
involving in the elderly ministry has sword. This could result in the loss providing mentorship in times of
kept me close to social work. I see of spontaneity, warmth, worth and need and allowing room for
participating in SASW as a value – sometimes as professional everyone to be vulnerable and not
professional responsibility. we could be struggling with our judge one another. Such a positive
identity and feeling like we are professional culture will continue to
How has the profession changed sustain them.
over the years since you started on them with such positive energy.
your journey? Reflections by Interviewer
I would like to believe that we It was indeed a great privilege for me have a peek into Mrs Toh’s motivation
started with a pure heart of service and energy. Mrs Toh’s years of contribution, humility and generosity in spirit
but the challenge for now is that we has deeply touched me. The reminder that service should be the profession’s
have to use both hard, heart and ultimate motivation, has been anchoring. Thank you, Mrs Toh, for the
soft-ware to experience interview and on behalf of SASW, for the years of service with us.
breakthrough for clients. Over and (Prema, Publications Chair)
above this, you need to have strong PAGE | 8Perspectives
A Framework for Working with Multi-Stressed Families in Singapore
Past Attempts at Consolidating Practice
This reflection is based on a project that I undertook in month, Independent Study Module supervised by Dr
2006 while pursuing my Master in Social Sciences (Social Allison Rowlands on putting together a framework for
Work), in the National University of Singapore. beginner social work practitioners in working with multi-
stressed families in Singapore.
As a social worker then of four years in a Family Service
Centre, I was understandably grappling with several
uncertainties in practice. The rumination over what Interviews with five social workers with one a half to
theories and perspectives best inform my practice three and a half years of working experience, further
heightened my anxiety, as articulating my practice was suggested drawing on mainly drawing on three theories
increasingly a challenge. The postgraduate programme and perspectives to guide the framework. This is
therefore gave me the space and time to consolidate my summarized in the table provided below.
practice to the best of my abilities. I embarked on a six-
Family Centred Perspective Social Constructivism Strengths Based Perspective
(Informed by General Systems
Theory & Ecological Perspective)
Family ▪ A family is a natural social ▪ A family is a particular context ▪ A naturally occurring resource in
system extending over for practice clients’ lives that possess strengths
generations, has a family life ▪ Unique qualities or powers of its own
cycle and a structure of its own. reside in this system.
▪ Families display a recurring
pattern of interactional
sequences in which all members
participate.
▪ Through these interactional
sequences families help maintain
relationships or they modify
interactional patterns to
accommodate to changing needs
of family members.
Problem ▪ Lacks or deficits in the ▪ Socially constructed reality ▪ Result of a mismatch or
environment. ▪ There is not one objective truth disequilibrium between the client’s
▪ Dysfunctional transactions about a situation. needs and environmental demands
between the systems. and resources that is causing
▪ Dysfunctional adaptive difficulty, puzzlement and often
strategies pain (Cowger, 1992, pp.143)
▪ Result of interrupted growth and
development of an individual.
Change ▪ Change in one part affects the ▪ Oriented towards the future ▪ Change can only happen when you
rest of the system. ▪ Optimistic about change. collaborate with clients’ aspirations,
▪ Focuses on transactions among ▪ The therapist and those who perceptions and strengths and
person, family, larger social share in the particular goals and when you firmly believe in them
forces and systems. purpose of meeting, are (Saleebey, 1992, pp.42)
▪ Changing the way family involved in effecting change. ▪ Effected through tapping on
establishes rules, communicates naturally occurring resources in the
and negotiates differences has
PAGE | 9numerous implications for the clients’ world (Saleebey, 1992, pp.
development and well-being of 43)
its members.
Assessment ▪ Patterns of interaction, nature of ▪ Identifies client competencies, ▪ Strengths including physiological
transactions between person strengths and resources and factors (Cognition, emotion,
and environment. avoids being pathological motivation, coping, interpersonal),
▪ Past successes environmental factors, personal
▪ Future plans/ goals factors and obstacles (Cowger,
1992, pp.144)
Goals ▪ Strengthen or change patterns of ▪ To cooperatively search for the ▪ Seek to develop abilities and
transaction between systems. best in people and their capacities in clients by assuming
relationships – a search for the that clients already have a number
aspirations, qualities, skills and of competencies and resources that
commitments that give ‘life’ to may be used to improve their
their existence, sustain hope in situation
face of adversity and offer (Saleebey, 1992, pp.15)
possibilities for desired change
(Lowe, 2004)
▪ Co-constructed, client-directed
goals
Intervention ▪ Use of wide range of strategies ▪ Therapeutic conversation that ▪ Assuming a collaborative stance
and techniques. liberates suppressed, ignored or ▪ Helping give voice to and
previously unacknowledged acknowledging the authenticity of
voices or stories. individual’s story, values and beliefs
▪ Recognising individual’s efforts and
successes in surviving
▪ Giving attention and making links to
possible communities of interest
where the individual’s strengths are
respected and can begin to flourish
(Saleebey, 1992, pp. 9)
Components 2, 5, 6, 8 (observation by 3, 4, 6 (miracle & exception finding 7 (compliment strengths), 11
in the supervisor), 9 (Networking), 10 question), 7 (compliment strengths)
Framework (Constitutes feedback about session)
(Refer to
Framework to
working with
Low-income,
multi-stressed
families)
The table above attempts to capture how each However, through the interviews done with the selected
theoretical perspective defines the family, problem, social work practitioners, it was established that group
change, assessment, goals and intervention. and community level interventions over and above
casework were crucial in countering the impact of
The diagram below illustrates a possible framework for structural constraints that multi-stressed families face.
early engagement with clients facing multi stressors. It
serves more as an information gathering guide and does
not include a conversation guide or possible intervention
strategies that might best work in resolving financial
difficulties.
PAGE | 10PAGE | 11
Reflections Upon Looking Back are generously available, work with • Creating succinct risk
the individuals and families in need, assessment for the various
Looking back at the above is largely characterized by the vulnerable clientele that we
consolidation attempt now, I conversations that we have with encounter in the context of
recognize the need to further them. Skills such as empathy, the FSC, for example,
contextualise the framework to fit attunement, extending positive
children, families (namely,
the changing landscape of practice. regard, attentive listening,
family violence) and elderly
With the introduction of the Code of strengthen therapeutic
Social Work Practice (CSWP) for relationships and form the basis • Creating corresponding
FSCs in the periods between 2013 to upon which change can happen. reflective responses and
2014, casework practice processes questions to the various
have been fairly standardized and components of the
“The practice of Social Work
assessment framework has been framework
changes across time and
aligned to the Biopsychosocial
Spiritual Model (BPSS), along with a
context, necessitating The practice of Social Work changes
focus on risk for the vulnerable practitioners to step back to across time and context,
populations. Social Work consolidate the work that we do, necessitating practitioners to step
Practitioners across agencies are intermittently.” back consolidate the work that we
inheriting a common language to do, intermittently. Undergirding to
describe and analyse situations this is an assumption that every
Conclusion practitioner, beginner or otherwise,
faced by individuals and families. As
a result, the once pressing need to has implicit knowledges that inform
The practice journey for me practice. The challenge for us, given
consolidate and articulate practice
personally, stands at revisiting some the context of Social Work Practice
seem to have shifted, giving way to
of the above fundamental today, is to risk explicating and
more structured ways of thinking
knowledge and skills and integrating documenting, evolving practice
about clients and their families.
them with the recently-emphaised (with all its uncertainties) as
BPSS and risk sensitive assessments. realistically as possible, so that local
Though this shift in practice has its
Moving forward, some social work practice knowledges
merits, it does not negate the need
considerations for continued work and wisdom, in all its imperfections,
for practitioners to continually
on this framework may include: could be shared. In light of this,
consolidate practice and
• Incorporating social work what will we set out to do today?
experiment with intervention
knowledge base such as
strategies and make necessary
assessments and formulations that Systemic, Strengths Written By:
best support the need for these Perspectives into the BPSS Prema Mohan, Lead Social Worker,
interventive strategies. Beyond the framework when organizing AMKFSC Community Services Ltd
frameworks and guidelines, which data gathered from client(s)
References: Jong, P. D. & Berg, I. K. (2002) Interviewing for Solutions. USA:
Wadsworth Group
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Singapo
re Kaplan, L. & Girard, J. L. (1994). Strengthening High Risk
Families: A Handbook for Practitioners. New York: Maxwell
https://www.msf.gov.sg/about-MSF/our- Macmillan International
organisation/Pages/history-and-milestones.aspx
Saleebey, D. (1992). The Strengths Perspective In Social Work
Cowger, C. D. (1992). Assessment of Client Strengths in Practice. New York: Longman
Saleebey, D. (Ed). The Strengths Perspective In Social Work
Practice. New York: Longman Stanton, M. D. (1992). The Time Line and the “Why Now?”
Question: A Technique and Rationale for Therapy, Training,
Hartman, A & Laird, J. (1983). Family-Centred Social Work Organizational Consultation and Research in Journal of Marital
Practice. New York: The Free Press and Family Therapy 1992, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 331 – 343
Vosler, N. R. (1996). New Approaches to
PAGE | 12
Hepworth, D. H., Larsen, J. A. & Rooney, R. (2000) Direct Social
Work Practice: Theory and Skills, USA: Brooks/Cole Family Practice: Confronting Economic Stress. USA: Sage
PublicationsPerspectives
Personal Epistemology of “Therapy”
This reflection paper is contributed by Patricia Wee. Patricia is currently pursuing her Master degree in the School of
Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. She has several years of practice experience at AMKFSC Community
Services Ltd.
What is “therapy” and the to hold the client with acceptance from an unforgiving environment.
Conditions for a “therapeutic” and empathy. In this case, the The space should also convey safety
relationship? therapist holds the therapeutic and fairness, where clients can feel
space with suspended judgement of validation and deep understanding
Safety who the client is. from someone truly interested in
what they choose to share. I believe
I would describe therapy as a Respectful Collaboration that therapy can provide liberation
process personified in space, where to a human’s spirit, when the
healing takes place in a safe and Therapy, to me is about respectful therapist connects with the client as
contained environment. In this case, collaboration. There is plenty well as provides the conditions for
the therapy space comprises the written in the literature on the topic growth in the therapeutic space.
therapist, the client(s) and the of collaboration. However, I still Many renowned therapists have
therapeutic space between them. I struggle with how genuine referred to therapy as a dance
think it is important to give partnership looks like in the between the actors. I understood
attention to how the different therapeutic space. If I were a client, this analogy to show how two
actors give and make meaning of I would wish for my therapist to people negotiate and attune to each
the shared space, as well as how hear my story sincerely, and listen other to lead and follow in the
both co-construct this space. I for the spaces in between my words therapeutic space.
believe that the therapeutic space is to help me understand where I
intentional and political. The should travel in my therapeutic Culturally Sensitive
therapist by virtue of their training journey. I would wish for my
and employment assumes a therapist to walk alongside me in Helping professionals often cite the
position of power over the client every moment of the session, and to necessity to be culturally sensitive
who seeks help to find a resolution challenge me to recognize if what I as one of the hallmarks of socially
to their pain. Hence, I think it is want is what is best for myself. In just and responsible therapy.
professionally and ethically this aspect, I think this might be However, I remain skeptical to the
essential for the therapist to be what I would define as respectful notion that we can ever attain
intentional in their approaches, as collaboration – a process where my competence to work with all
well as to be upfront with their therapist is my equal and as human individuals, families, groups and
values with regard to who the client as I am, in accepting and witnessing community who seek our support
embodies and the issues that they my pain and to validate my with their pain. Hence, I am of the
shoulder into the space of therapy. I strengths. opinion that a cultural attuned
believe that therapy is a strategic therapist recognizes their own
exercise, and the intention to Growth-Focused and Life Giving histories, shortfalls, prejudice and
partner and support the client biases so as to take courageous and
should be an overt practice. The The therapeutic space should responsible action to refer the client
therapist should be unafraid to take provide life and energy. I likened it to therapists who are better
moral stands on difficult and to be like an oasis where tired attuned to the needs of people who
complex matters, while being able travelers can seek refuge and rest seek help.
PAGE | 13Contextualizing “Therapy” and The are largely White westernized healthy therapeutic relationship so
Role of Social Workers ideals. To be an effective therapist, I that the social worker can
believe that we need to embrace experience feeling deeply
In summary, the concept of therapy our indigenous cultures, histories understood and safely held.
is a socially constructed one. and wisdom to make sense of the
Elements of therapy changes with available knowledge and to co- Challenges in Help-Seeking
time, social and political climates, create more avenues of healing for
changing needs of the people who those who are in pain with us. Taking the First Step
seek support, and more. While I
believe there are universal I always feel torn in truly In my opinion, people seek support
experiences to emotional pain; understanding how the role of a and help when they are deeply in
what is considered “therapy” is also therapist and a social worker is pain, particularly when they feel
unique to its environment. In different and differentiated in the isolated or misheard by their loved
Singapore, we have heavily realm of “therapy”. There has been ones or community. People also
imported from the West what we much debate within the social work seek help to re-establish
think therapy should be. The reality profession, specifically discussions connections to people and
is that we often feel out of place around how social workers seemed relationships they treasure. Most
with the Westernized concepts and to have pursued the lure of doing importantly, people seek to heal
ways of resolving internal conflict: social work from the armchair, as when they consider seeking help.
the likes of differentiation, espoused by Specht and Courtney
individuation, promotion of self- (1994) in their book Unfaithful Despite that, I believe that taking
worth and the constant need to Angels: How Social Work Has the first step to build a relationship
increase self-esteem. Abandoned its Mission. The with a professional helper is not
narratives have since matured, and easy. Personally, I struggle to make
As an Asian therapist, I struggle to dialogue has emerged on how it is the first call to screen potential
reconcile how these concepts match needless to dichotomize the world therapists. I worry about the
our collectivist histories and ways of of (psycho)therapy and social work. therapist – who they are (history,
life, and to be cognizant that these However, the distinctions or ethnicity, identities), what are their
boundaries are more difficult to fundamental values and beliefs, are
decipher on the ground. How then they able to listen what I have to
do we balance internal share, will they like me and me,
transformations and keep the them? Most importantly, will I get
“I also firmly believe that a external world accountable for the better? It is frightening to imagine
social worker must assume social injustices suffered by the having to share the same physical
responsibility to seek and oppressed and vulnerable? and emotional space with a
develop a professional support stranger. And yet, many made the
Of course, I believe that a social calls and arranged the first
network to act as mirrors to
worker must maintain a social meetings. Because, people all want
their blind-spots, a base to justice and an anti-oppressive lens to become better.
return to in times of doubt and when partnering individuals,
uncertainty, and most families, groups and communities Assumptions and Biases, and Action
importantly to parallel a who have suffered and are in pain. I Taking
healthy therapeutic also firmly believe that a social
relationship so that the social worker must assume responsibility In individual therapy, I assumed that
worker can experience feeling to seek and develop a professional everyone is a motivated actor,
deeply understood and safely support network to act as mirrors to except in cases where people are
held.” their blind-spots, a base to return to mandated to seek help. However, I
in times of doubt and uncertainty, neglected to consider a different set
and most importantly to parallel a of dynamics in family therapy. The
PAGE | 14unique circumstance that family always felt that it is easy to say that clients’ pain, we risk perpetuating
therapy brings is that a member’s critical consciousness and reflective our alone-ness when we feel
symptom often requires a family’s practice can counter these emotionally and mentally
involvement – that is whether they interactions and processes in exhausted. As such, I believe
are present or not in session. And it therapy. My challenge is to ensure strongly that we have a professional
is always a challenge to convince key that there is sustainable action to responsibility to take care and be
actors of their role and part to play ensure these reflective practices accountable to one another by
in a loved one’s pain and recovery. take place. making sure that supportive
That said, it also implies that not structures are in place to support
every member is as invested as the Too often, we hear therapists and our professional work and health.
client to better things, especially social workers feeling overwhelmed
those who we think have – by mounting caseloads, competing Returning to my biases towards
perpetuated the “problem”. I have administrative demands, influx of certain personalities who seek
my reservations in working with more “complex” cases which therapy, I believe that the space to
certain personalities whom I think demand more of their energy and consult with, be vulnerable with,
have “courted” the problems and time, and increasing need to be and be truthful with colleagues can
resulted in consequences that affect more accountable to funders by be a great support and help. It also
the other people (usually pain) in chasing key performance indicators. reflects a parallel process where I
the family. I also have great In such climates, it is easy to push can experience being heard, my
difficulties partnering individuals time for reflective practice further feelings validated and to feel
who exhibit lack of “morality”, and down the priority list. Hence, I think supported to acknowledge that the
whose actions inflict hurt and harm that it is important to seek and best option is to refer the client to
onto others. My reactions sourced develop professional environments another professional. “Therapy”
from negative and unpleasant which prioritize critical reflection, brings such abstraction, that we are
encounters I have with certain and when possible to craft out constantly negotiating our
people in my life. And they have the protected time for reflective understanding of it as we develop as
propensity to trigger feelings of supervision. Therapy and social people. It is not an easy subject, but
anger and disdain in me. I am aware work practice can be isolating work. an essential one to wrestle, when
of the possible countertransference Due to the temptation to retreat we take on the role of the
that can result from such inwards when we hear and “therapist”.
interactions. Having said that, I experience ours as well as our
As social workers, what is
“Therapy” for you?
Written By:
Patricia Wee (Ms)
University of Chicago
School of Social Service
Administration
PAGE | 15Announcements
Write with Us! Forum
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Acknowledgement
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first E-Newsletter:
All Publications Sub Committee Members
Special thanks to Ms Grace How Mei Hui, Social
Worker, TRANS SAFE Centre for the design work.
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