ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the non-directive method as the core method of social work. It addresses the following questions: What is meant by the non-directive method? What is meant by a client-oriented approach? What is the meaning of the concepts of congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard? The chapter also addresses the following questions: What is the function of the personal filing cabinet technique? What are the effective components of social work? The characteristics of the client-centred core approach were described, notably congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard, which are no longer self-evident in helping clients. The non-directive techniques were described that form the basic tools for the client-centred approach. Important are the elements of the silence, body language, verbalization and practical assistance, and the structuring and emancipating function of the personal filing cabinet. The chapter focuses on safeguarding, the sandwich technique, inventory, identification, scanning, main theme technique, scaling, empowerment and cost–benefit technique.
