Summary
In this episode of the Pro Social podcast, Matthew Watson and Dr. David Derozotes explore the significance of dialogue in social work, particularly in clinical practice. They discuss how dialogue can bridge differences, foster relationships, and create inclusive communities. The conversation delves into the skills required for effective dialogue, the importance of ground rules, and the application of psychological paradigms in dialogue practice. Dr. Derozotes shares insights on internal dialogue, the dynamics of couples and family therapy, and the role of dialogue in addressing societal issues. The episode concludes with creative approaches to enhance dialogue and the potential for dialogue to transform communities.
Takeaways
* Dialogue is essential in clinical social work practice.
* Dialogue can bridge differences and foster relationships.
* The skills of dialogue are applicable across micro, meso, and macro levels.
* Facilitating dialogue requires creating a safe and inclusive space.
* Ground rules are crucial for effective dialogue.
* Listening for understanding is more important than speaking.
* Dialogue can be both a means and an end in therapeutic settings.
* Internal dialogue influences our external interactions.
* Creative approaches can enhance dialogue effectiveness.
* Dialogue can help address societal issues and promote peace.
Chapters
* 00:00 Introduction to Dialogue in Social Work
* 03:33 The Importance of Dialogue in Clinical Practice
* 06:30 Bridging Differences through Dialogue
* 09:32 Understanding Dialogue Practice
* 12:30 Dialogue as a Means of Co-Creation
* 15:33 Engagement and Assessment in Dialogue
* 18:26 Applying Psychological Paradigms to Dialogue
* 21:28 Internal Dialogue and Self-Reflection
* 24:27 Dialogue in Couples and Family Therapy
* 27:24 Group Dialogue and Community Building
* 30:38 Ground Rules for Effective Dialogue
* 34:22 Creating Inclusive Communities in Education
* 38:30 Ground Rules for Effective Dialogue
* 40:29 The Art of Sharing Perspectives
* 44:27 Navigating Hierarchies in Dialogue
* 47:25 Dialogue as a Tool for Peace
* 49:51 Real-Life Examples of Dialogue Transformations
* 53:17 Creative Approaches to Break the Ice
Dr. David Derezotes relevant works:
* Derezotes, D.S. (2025). Climate change in person, community, planet. San Diego. Cognella.
* Derezotes, D.S. (2022). Inclusive social work practice. San Diego, Cognella .
* Derezotes, D.S. (2020). The Eternity dialogue: Understanding global transformation. San Diego, CA: Cognella.
* Derezotes, D.S.(2014), Transforming historical trauma through dialogue. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Two Films reference in the podcast:
* Another Side of Peace — a 2004 documentary that follows Roni Hirshenzon (an Israeli father who lost two sons) and his work with Palestinian partners leading dialogue and reconciliation efforts
* “Two Rivers” (featured in the Toward Right Relationship program) — a short documentary used in reconciliation workshops that follows a rural community undertaking steps toward right relationship with local Indigenous peoples (this project is based in the Pacific Northwest; the Friends Peace Teams page describes the film and its use). If you recall a small-town, community-workshop kind of film, this might be it — though it’s described on the Friends Peace Teams resource and is centered in Washington state rather than Oregon.
ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.
This course was recorded on November 6, 2025.
It is intended for a beginning social worker audience, while also appealing to parents and other helping professionals.
Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com
* Credits:
All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
