On Being and Having a Case Manager
stresses the importance of the
process
of building relationships in helping clients realize independent lives. Based on a two-year study of Marilyn and her case managers, this book emphasizes the
intentional
exchange of attention and information between case managers, clients, and others within the caring network and clearly outlines a practical method for all service providers, clients, family members, and close friends to follow.
Throughout the day, from moment to moment, relationships fluctuate among
doing for
,
doing with
standing by for support
, and
doing for oneself
. By observing Marilyn and her case manager, the authors prove the value of mutually and continuously monitoring these fluctuations within three primary domains-feeling, thinking, and acting-while carrying out daily activities. These findings show that managers are often stuck in
doing-for
modes of relating. Indeed, this may be one of the factors that contribute most to case manager and client burnout. While some clients with severe and persistent symptoms may, in fact, frequently require others to
do-for
, some like Marilyn may not require as much. They may need more
doing-with
and
standing-by
to encourage mastery and the internalization of confidence.