Final remarks and activities for this section

Final Remarks
In this section of this course, we have tried to give an idea of the important factors in forming the relationship between the caregiver and the client. This relationship is the key to giving assistance of whatever sort.

On the one hand, the caregiver must identify with the client sufficiently. On the other, he or she must maintain objectivity. This is a difficult balance.

Another central point is obtaining and maintaining trust. As we have repeated, trust is very difficult to gain and very easy to lose.

Still another important part of the relationship is a regard for ethics. These never should be violated despite the frequently strong external pressures to do so. This is crucial.

Finally, we wish to remind you that we always are learning. Each client and each relationship teaches us something, however experienced we are.

In the next section of this course, we will discuss some ways of caring for yourself. Without that, it is difficult to survive, particularly under the circumstances under which some of us are working.

Final Activities

Describe some of the relationships that you have had with clients, good and bad. What have you learned from them?
How did you find this section? Are there things that we have left out? What would you like us to change in this section?

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