Enhancing
Motivation in
Social Work
Jamaica L. Molina
1. Managing Rational
Reactions and Obstacles to
Rational ReactionsChange
to Change:
Social workers often encounter clients who may initially
resist change due to various reasons such as fear of the
unknown, skepticism about outcomes, or past negative
experiences with change.
Effective strategies include:
● Building Trust: Establishing a trusting relationship is
fundamental to overcoming resistance.
● Exploring Ambivalence: Motivational Interviewing
(MI) techniques help explore and resolve ambivalence
about change.
● Setting Realistic Goals: Breaking down larger goals
into smaller, manageable steps can make change less
daunting and more achievable.
Obstacles to Change:
● Building Trust: Establishing a trusting relationship is
fundamental to overcoming resistance.
● Exploring Ambivalence: Motivational Interviewing
(MI) techniques help explore and resolve ambivalence
about change.
● Setting Realistic Goals: Breaking down larger goals
into smaller, manageable steps can make change less
daunting and more achievable.
2. Challenges in
Working with
Involuntary Clients
Involuntary clients are individuals who are
mandated by law or circumstances to
receive social services, often without their
full consent or cooperation.
Challenges include:
● Resistance and Defiance: Involuntary clients
may feel coerced or resentful, leading to non-
compliance or hostility towards the social
worker.
● Legal and Ethical Issues: Balancing legal
mandates with ethical standards of client
autonomy and dignity is complex.
Strategies:
● Building Rapport: Despite the involuntary nature of the
intervention, building a respectful and empathetic relationship
can foster cooperation and reduce resistance.
● Exploring Client Perspective: Understanding the client's
concerns and perspectives can help tailor interventions that are
more acceptable and aligned with their needs.
● Providing Choices: Offering choices within the parameters of
the mandate can empower clients and increase their sense of
control over their situation.
3. Resolving Negativism
and Hostility
Understanding Negativism:
Negativism and hostility often stem from
underlying issues such as frustration, fear, or
a sense of powerlessness.
Strategies
● include:
Active Listening and Validation: Acknowledging the client's
feelings without judgment can help defuse hostility and
encourage open communication.
● Empowerment: Helping clients identify areas where they can
exert control or make decisions can reduce feelings of
helplessness.
● Conflict Resolution Skills: Social workers trained in conflict
resolution can effectively manage confrontational situations and
redirect negative energy towards constructive dialogue.
4. Cultivating Hope
Importance of Hope:
Hope is a powerful motivator in
social work, influencing resilience
and willingness to engage in change.
Strategies include:
●Strengths-Based Approach: Focusing on clients'
strengths and past successes can instill hope and
confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.
●Goal Setting: Collaboratively setting realistic and
meaningful goals can provide clients with a sense
of purpose and direction.
●Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating
progress, no matter how small, reinforces
hope and motivation for further growth.
●Connecting with Support Systems:
Encouraging clients to draw support from
family, friends, or community networks
can sustain hope during difficult
Thank You!
