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Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations pp 261–282Cite as

Relational Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Practice Methods with People Experiencing Homelessness

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Part of the book series: Essential Clinical Social Work Series ((ECSWS))

Abstract

This chapter explores the multiple meanings of homelessness and the clinical social worker’s interventions based on a postmodern relational framework. It begins by discussing macro etiologies and their deleterious effects of being homeless. The chapter then provides specific and nonspecific interventions with people who experience homelessness. A case example is utilized to highlight the challenges of the clinical social worker’s ability to stay attuned to the multiple meanings of experiences in a life of homelessness and the management of countertransference in the face of extreme duress. It argues for the realignment of how the clinical social worker frames an understanding of homelessness, shaping the relational stance with a client suffering from this abhorrent social condition.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This case was supervised by the author; the use of “we” indicates joint decisions of supervisor and social worker.

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  1. NYU Silver School of Social Work, New York, USA

    Daniel C. Farrell LCSW

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Correspondence to Daniel C. Farrell LCSW .

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  1. , Silberman School of Social Work, City University of New York, n/a, New York, 10075, New York, USA

    Judith B. Rosenberger

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Farrell, D.C. (2014). Relational Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Practice Methods with People Experiencing Homelessness. In: Rosenberger, J. (eds) Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations. Essential Clinical Social Work Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6681-9_16

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