The ‘Self’ and ‘Use of Self’ in Social Work: A Contribution to the Development of a Coherent Theoretical Framework

This paper explores the ‘use of self’ in social work and what is meant when referring to the concept of a ‘self’. It begins by looking at infant psychological development and theories that attempt to explain how, as human beings, our unique self is formed and what factors play a part in this process. It considers whether experiences in infancy later shape who we are as people and professionals, and how we might come across to others. This first...