Learning from your clients--

How many of us has this happened to? You sign up for a continuing education course only to arrive a find that one of the presenters is currently your client. More than likely, very few of us have had this experience. Should you encounter this situation, I'd encourage you to reflect on the ethical principles of your chosen profession as well as any policies your current employer has, if you are not in private practice. For social workers, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics simply discourages dual relationships that present risk of harm or exploitation. The code of ethics also advises social workers to engage in appropriate boundary settings in situations where the dual relationship is simply unavoidable. 

Now that I have covered all your liability concerns, here is where I believe allowing your clients to assist you in enhancing your clinical skills can be beneficial. Consider that one of the most prominent psychologist, author, and developer of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has struggled with mental health. Whom better to teach you then an individual who has had lived an experience. This very principle has been researched in the use of peer recovery specialist to engage and retain individuals in treatment. One study found individuals were significantly more likely to return to treatment with the use of peer coaching (Simon et al.). The reality check here is that the individual who’s been in the chair before is doing a better job at client engagement than degrees on the wall. We as clinicians and/or social workers may want to consider asking our clients, what can be done differently to help. Imagine what your client’s insights can do to enhance your ability to engage and retain them in treatment. 

While your client's may not be functioning at a level where they can host CEUs any time soon, do not pass up the opportunity to learn from them as they sit in the chair across the room from you. As you continue to grow as a clinician, also consider adding literature to your library from authors with lived experience (I have added a few references below). 

https://www.nytimes.com/video/health/100000000877082/the-power-of-rescuing-others.html

Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive behavioral therapy of borderline personality disorder (Vol. 51). New York: Guilford Press.

Saks, E. R. (2007). The center cannot hold: My journey through madness. Hachette UK.

Simon, G. E., Ludman, E. J., Goodale, L. C., Dykstra, D. M., Stone, E., Cutsogeorge, D., ... & Pabiniak, C. (2011). An online recovery plan program: can peer coaching increase participation?. Psychiatric services, 62(6), 666-669.

Workers, N. A. (2008). NASW code of ethics (Guide to the everyday professional conduct of social workers). Washington, DC: NASW.

Workers, N. A. (2008). NASW code of ethics (Guide to the everyday professional conduct of social workers). Washington, DC: NASW.