The Helping Process

The Helping Process

Demont L. Powell

September 26, 2016

BSHS/395

Prof. Iliff

The Helping Process

This paper will identify and describe the three steps involved in the helping process.  It will also describe the significance of case review, report writing and documentation, and client participation during the helping process.  How strength-based approaches are used in each phase of the helping process will also be discussed.  Finally, this paper will attempt to describe the ethical considerations that must be addressed during each phase.  

There are three steps that human services professional utilize when it come to the helping process.  The first step is ASSESMENT.  In this step the client is interviewed in order to glean every bit of pertinent information related to the issue in which the client is seeking assistance.  This begins with the interviewing process.  Building a rapport, active listening, reflection of feelings, and gathering information is essential in this process.  PLANNING is the next step in the Three-step process.  This is where, based upon the information gathered in the interview process, the professional and the client must come up with a workable plan of action.  This plan must have reachable and reasonably attainable goals.  The last part of the three-part helping process is IMPLEMENTATION.  This is where the client and professional put their plans into action in order to facilitate goal achievement.  This part of the process can include assistance from other agencies which makes concepts such as multi-agency coordination, interoperability, and advocacy very important.  

All-in-all, throughout this process, things like case review, report writing and documentation, and client participation are of the utmost importance.  Proper documentation can improve the quality of your work.  Reviewing the case allows for maintain a proper perspective and keeps you focused on the goals at hand.  Proper report writing keeps you from having to backtrack, and proper documentation can help to protect yourself and the rights of your client.  Active client participation ensures that the information you receive is accurate and that your efforts will be rewarded having a client who is a willing participant in their own progress.