Discussion 1 Beginning with the S Family

You take some time to begin with the S family. You want to ensure that they understand the nature and limitations of the policies and ethics that might impact your work together. At this point, however, Mr. and Mrs. S seem quite ready to share their concerns about the tension and conflict within the family. You too are eager to make the transition from the beginning to the exploring skills.

Directing your first question to the family as a whole rather than to any particular person, you ask, What do you see as the major issues within the family? Each member shares their thoughts. Although the specific nature of the responses varied somewhat, there appeared to be considerable agreement that the strained relationship between the two teenage boys (biological children of the father) and their fathers wife (the boys stepmother) is a major issue. Their relationship appears to involve a great deal of tension, anger, and conflict.

As the social worker, you now want to explore the origin and development of the difficulties in this relationship and further the familys exploration of these issues.

1. Develop three questions and note if it is an open-ended or closed-ended question.
2. Note who you would direct each question to (e.g. Mr. S, Mrs. S, the boys, the other children, or the whole family).
3. Outline your rationale for choosing each question and selecting the person or persons you decided to address.
4. How do you think the various family members would react to each question?

Open ended questions and statements invite expanded expression and leave the client free to express what seems most relevant and important. For example, “Tell me about your relationship with your spouse”, “How do you see your future?”, “Tell me about your visit with your mother.”

Closed ended questions define a topic and restrict the client’s response to a few words or a simple “yes” or “no” answer. For example, “When did you obtain your divorce?”, “What year were you born?”, “Is your health insurance Medicare?”