Family Simulation Case Study

Analysis of the Simulation
This case is one of the most challenging out of all the simulation done so far, simply because of the issues that was presented by the family. Understanding the power dynamics and intersectionality, being the Social worker, as fook stated “power is not something we use ad create not poses” (fook, 2003) and the power I hold is legitimate power because the family decided to see me with an understanding that I can help them (fook, 2003). I would first set up the room in a circle as the students in the original simulation did, this way I am not seem as the expert but an individual that is there to help them get to a place they desire. Adhering to the code of ethics is also very important for me, as number 6 state to maintain

confidentiality and only disclose information only if one must by law or if client consented to (OCSWSSW, 2015). When Judith disclosed she has made a transformation from a man to a woman. Social workers, like other professionals, have likely developed biases and internalized the dominant messages embedded in the institutional fabric of our society (Lundy, 2004, P.3). What does a family look like, for me a male and a female, being born a Christian, as this was a case for Marian as she kept saying “this is a mess” and doesn’t know what to make of this. Society is still not as accepting of trans people as Judith expressed. Being a social worker maintaining the best interest of the client (OCSWSSW, 2015), I would let them know it is normal for one to transition from one gender to another and they are not a mess.
It Might also be important to understand that this is a process and the goal is not to have the session over with but to help the family archive a desired Approach.

Focusing on how to practice and what happens in practice rather than aims and outcomes. For example, instead of trying to control the conversation by inserting objective question (Payne, 2005) allow the family to talk using open ended questions, which are questions that require longer answers (O’Hara et al., 2016). Not inserting my objective but allowing them to go in the desired direction exploring their feelings. This was evident in the simulation as Jenny could express her deep frustration for not being able to speak with her father. What was troubling for me was how there were less regard for Judith as she explained how the transition has cost her. That she doesn’t have the privilege or luxuries that most of us have being a transgendered person, we are so use to it that it is transparent and natural to most of us. (Claire, 2003). This I hope would have toke some of the blame off Judith and hopefully bring the family closer. Using the Strength based theory which focus on the Strengths, competency and resilience of clients, instead of the issues struggles, or problems (Healy, 2014). Focusing on some of the positive things that were said about the father before the transition, like how caring She was. In the simulation, Judith mentioned she was still the same person only thing changed was her gender. I would try

to highlight that statement to see how the family felt about that.
Personally, one of my main strength is my ability to encourage, I would use this to let the family know the love they have for each other. And reassure them that as a social worker my main interest was to maintain their, best interest (OCSWSSW, 2015). And am here to help with the process of restauration. Completely removing myself from the decision of the family using the anti-oppressive approach recognizing that my personal life and statutory work can be legitimate sites of anti-oppressive practice (Healy, 2014), allowing all members to express themselves. Not taking sides maintaining a balance of power that, Judith, Marian, Matt and Jenny all can speak and be heard. Again, not allowing my Christian values to dictate how I approach the clients, and having a neutral stance removing all assumption of what a family is or should look like.