Exploring courage and compassion in social work
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol36iss4id1163Keywords:
Courage, Compassion, Social workAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Both courage and compassion can contribute to the process of managing adverse situations in social work, particularly where there are high levels of distress or confronting behaviour. Courage can enable social workers to enter and remain engaged in these situations, while compassion can be considered essential to support the relational work required to increase safety and contribute to sustained change. These concepts can also support social worker safety and wellbeing, helping mitigate the emotional impacts of the work.
APPROACH: This article defines and explores the potential application of both courage and compassion to social work practice. The potential contribution of both concepts to sustaining social worker wellbeing, safe practice and personal growth are also identified. The intention of the article is to invite further discussion and articulation of these concepts in social work practice.
CONCLUSIONS: Courage and compassion can offer ways to support social workers to be steadfast in their practice, while developing relationships that can contribute to increased wellbeing and safety for both themselves and others. This, in turn, can bring profound rewards through the experiences of vicarious resilience, compassion satisfaction, and even post-traumatic growth. Further application and discussion of these concepts within social work is warranted.
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