Susret dva ljudska bića u socijalnom radu
The encounter between two human beings in social work

Summary/Abstract: The paper starts from the premise that the foundation of the social work profession is the encounter between two human beings. It reflects on the process of choosing the helping profession. The relationship between professionalism, warmth, and empathy is examined, as well as the boundaries of empathy. Further, the relationship between authenticity and subordination to the other in the encounter is explored, along with the process of preparing for establishing a direct and mutual relationship with the other. The process of introjecting the other into the wholeness of one’s own actions is considered. The integration of becoming and being in the encounter with the other is discussed. The meaning and importance of self-love in the helping profession are then examined. The influence of Eastern thought on our understanding of self and aspects of our “I” is discussed. The paper concludes with a personal reflection by the author on 60 years of working as a helper “at the service” of the client.

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