Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant financial return (pro bono service).
In my placement, I provided therapy to a young child who had experienced domestic violence. This principle of service felt especially relevant, as I often had to adjust my schedule to meet both the child’s availability and emotional needs, sometimes I would even extend sessions when they needed extra time to feel safe or open up. The emphasis on elevating service above self-interest reminded me that showing up fully for this child meant putting their needs at the center of our work, even when it wasn’t always convenient. It also raised an important personal question: how do I give my best in these sessions without burning out over time?