Conscious Use of Self: Tuning the Instrument of Social work Practice with Cultural Competence

The authors provide definitions and describe teaching methods and strategies related to a renewed understanding and development of the concept of “conscious use of self” a term defining the social worker as the “instrument” purposely used to promote change with client systems. The article clarifies how conscious use of self affects the development of an effective helping relationship, the medium through which change occurs in social work practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating cultural competence within students' understanding of conscious use of self as well as applying the concept at both micro- and macrolevels of intervention.