Rehab professionals should be keenly aware of their value-informed worldview. There is no denying that a wide range of preconceived notions, beliefs, values, and assumptions about the nature of reality and my place in it have been shaped by my family. Even though I do not identify equally with all sets of beliefs that undergird the family members’ behaviors, many decisions and actions I make are guided by value priorities that have been developed during my childhood. My predominant worldview is that the world is not a project that can be used for self-actualization, but rather a global society. Therefore, during my practice, all clients will be treated with an empathic understanding that is devoid of negative judgments (Parrott, 2014). By understanding the strengths and limitations of my worldview and taking a value-oriented approach towards practice, I will be able to function as a catalyst for change, which is essential for effective rehabilitation delivery.
Respect for an individual’s freedoms of choice and action is not an optional modus operandi for a rehab professional (Parrott, 2014). Evidence-based practice should always be informed by the principle of autonomy (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2014). However, I understand that this principle is relational in many ways. It means that a person’s capacity to act autonomously depends on a variety of both internal and external barriers. Therefore, taking into consideration the fact that when assisting clients, a rehab practitioner acts on behalf of the state and society, I will not be able to provide unconditional support for their right for self-determination. Nonetheless, I will try to deliver values-informed and legally competent assistance to all clients while showing respect for their autonomy.
References
Corey, G., Corey, M., Corey, C., & Callanan, P. (2014). Issues and ethics in the helping professions with 2014 ACA Codes. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Parrott, L. (2014). Values and ethics in social work practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Learning Matters.