Intuition, learning and social work: reflections, strategies and experiences

Intuition is an inevitable component of social work practice. Paradoxically, however, a kind of taboo seems to surround this topic now. In fact, in the past the debate about the nature of social work such as an art or a science was resolved in favor of the second option, probably to achieve greater legitimacy in society and in the academic world. However, a recent survey conducted with the involvement of workers in social services in Italy (Sicora 2010) has shown not only that intuition is always present in the work of helping professionals, but also that there are strategies that can be used to compress significantly the degree of error caused by the "not rational". Incidentally, both intuition and rational reasoning are needed in social work practice even if they often produce systematic errors. Reflecting on these mistakes makes us better understand how we think and feel and help to correct our practice. Such thinking is very close to the idea of "emotional intelligence" developed by Goleman (1995), who believes that feelings are a vital component in decision-making processes of the rational mind. They can be more useful when the subject is able to acknowledge and experience them, consciously creating an environment of harmony between mind and heart. Also the dual-process model of Kahneman (2002) gives a framework for a better understanding of the whole process. This activity can be empowered by the use of conceptual tools like reflective frameworks (i.e. Borton’s key questions, Gibbs's reflective cycle) and techniques of analytic or creative reflective writing. At the same time open and structured discussions with colleagues about mistakes improve the quality of the “learning organization” where people can express and receive criticism using effective strategies.