Researching co-created processes of help using the new language of social work

Processes of help are an important but neglected topic in scientific research: how do we do social work, what are the specific, social work ways of helping? Who have been the participants in creating our knowledge base? We... [ view full abstract ]

Processes of help are an important but neglected topic in scientific research: how do we do social work, what are the specific, social work ways of helping? Who have been the participants in creating our knowledge base? We need reflexive research of theories for practice to build specific social work scientific knowledge. My purpose is 1. to present arguments for intensive reflexive research on theory in and for practice, and 2. to present the concept and the model of co–created social work processes of help and the new language of social work as results of reflexive research envolving both social workers and users. A theoretical concept and two reflexive research-based models for social work practice will be proposed, presented and explored as possible definitions of social work process: the concept of co-creating in processes of help, the working relationship and the individal project of help. The use of the new language, reflecting postmodern changes in theory and practice, defines co-creative processes in conversations : there are words for dialogue and sharing, built on the strength perspective (D.Saleebey) and the ethic of participation (L.Hoffman), words defining the social worker as appreciative ally and the user as expert in experience, opting for words that are positive, empowering, inclusive. The concept of working relationship enables social workers to challenge complexity in an unique way and accept uncertainty as a welcome fact of social work practice and research. Research results in social work with families and social work in schools are arguments for using the proposed co-creative models and enable us to conclude: we need intensive reflexive, participative research of helping processes to develop social - work- specific scientific knowledge and further explore the co-creative paradigm.