How Social Workers Change Lives: A Client Story

Social workers bring a commitment to their clients' well-being. They are dedicated professionals who make a real difference in the lives of those they work with.

The reality is that they change lives by advocating for those who need the most help within the community.

Today, we’re sharing a story about a client who worked with one of our social workers based in South Brisbane.

Firstly, let’s meet Fabio

With a background in social work and positive behaviour support from Sunshine Coast University, Fabio supports many clients who find themselves facing personal challenges. His expertise spans a broad spectrum, from helping manage anxiety and stress to building motivation and confidence, regardless of one's age or abilities.

Fabio's unique approach to therapy is deeply rooted in a belief in positive change. Drawing from his extensive experience, particularly in child protection, he brings a blend of hope, compassion, empathy, and advocacy to the table. This combination empowers his clients and fosters an environment where they can thrive and make decisions for themselves.

The background

This story is about one of Fabio's clients, a young individual diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1, bipolar disorder, and severe developmental delay.

This person faced considerable challenges, including obsessive-compulsive tendencies and difficulties in social interaction and communication.

The client’s expressive and receptive communication skills were significantly impaired, resulting in poor verbal and non-verbal communication abilities. These challenges create a complex framework for intervention, requiring a tailored approach addressing both developmental and behavioural aspects to foster growth and quality of life.

Supports and interventions

There have been considerable hurdles to overcome. However, by working with the client and their care team, Fabio has supported his client to meet goals.

Through initial assessments to understand the client's needs fully, Fabio developed a personalised positive behaviour plan, integrating evidence-based strategies tailored to the client's specific challenges.

Fabio worked with the client’s support network, including caregivers and other professionals to implement the plan and create a supportive environment conducive to the client’s growth and development.

This plan wasn't just about addressing problematic behaviours; it was about enhancing the individual's overall well-being and ability to engage with the world around them. The plan focused on proactive interventions and skill-building activities:

Respecting personal space: Through targeted interventions, such as visual cues and role-playing scenarios, the client has learned to recognise and respect personal boundaries, allowing others to feel more comfortable in his presence.

Navigating conversations: The client’s journey toward social confidence has involved learning alternative ways to engage with others. By focusing on active listening and asking open-ended questions, he has discovered the joy of genuine exchanges without relying on intrusive behaviors.

Understanding social cues: With support, the client has learned to recognise facial expressions and body language cues, enabling him to adjust his behavior accordingly.

Outcomes linked to growth and goals

As with many NDIS participants the outcomes of their therapeutic interventions are ongoing. However, Fabio’s client has showed significant improvements in managing obsessive-compulsive behaviors; they started to participate in social interactions more frequently; and their communication skills improved over time.

These changes not only improved their quality of life but also highlighted the profound impact of tailored, compassionate support.

We share this client story because it underscores the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic environment for clients so that they feel valued and understood.

Making a real difference

Fabio's journey with this client is a reminder of the power of social work and positive behavior support. It's a story of the change that can occur when someone receives the support and therapeutic care they need.

In a time where challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, we hope that this story demonstrates the profound difference social workers can make.

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If you or someone you know in South Brisbane is seeking social work support, reach out to our Therapy Pro team to find out Fabio’s availability in the area.