People tend to think of confrontation as an argument or verbal conflict. In essence, comparisons are perceived as negative actions, but comparisons don't have to be negative. In the context of social services, discussion is intended to bring something out into the open to gain a better understanding. By gaining understanding, the social worker can work with the client to move forward and make meaningful changes (Summers, 2009). Comparisons are classified into three categories: 1.) comparisons of a discrepancy between the client's expression of what they want to be and their perception of self (ideal vs. actual self); 2.) comparing a discrepancy between the client's ideas and verbal expressions of self-awareness (insight) and observable or reported behaviors; 3.) comparing a discrepancy between how the counselor experiences the client and how the client experiences himself. (Biggs, 2000, p. 58) The purpose of confronting a client is to facilitate the client's awareness of discrepancies and offer insight into how the social worker views a given problem. Comparisons are a form of intervention and should be used when appropriate. The goal of social workers is to engage with a client when they would benefit the most (Grant, 2009). At the most basic level, discussion should be seen as a tool used by social service professionals to explore differences and resolve possible conflicts between them. and their customer. The ability to engage with a customer is considered an advanced skill, but it is also an essential skill for a service worker. As stated previously, the social worker can use comparison to establish discrepancies and promote understanding of differences… it is critical for the worker to use comparison at the appropriate time and initiate a discussion carefully . The overall goal is for the comparison to be successful and have meaningful results. References: Biggs, D. A. (2000). Dictionary of consultancy. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=wCGbjQ6dyl0C&pg=PA58&lpg=PA58&dq=use+of+confrontation+in+counseling&source=bl&ots=LDM8V70Sp4&sig=_a-pqm5ZE29J50AHA6s2CMa3vC4& hl=it&ei=iI LCTujuOuLd0QHt7PGGDw&sa=X&oi =book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDIQ6AEwBDgU#v=onepage&q=use%20of%20confrontation%20in%20counseling&f=falseGrant, S. (2009). Comparison. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from http://www.csun.edu/~hcpsy002/Psy460_GrpTask07_Confront.pdfSummers, N. (2009). Fundamentals of Case Management Practice: Human Services Skills, 3rd Edition. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.