Chapter 23

-9-

"Perception is reality." Professor Dingman paced the room and scratched notes on the board, apparently oblivious to the camera crew filming the lecture. Marilyn wondered if he'd chosen the subject for deliberate irony. "This is a common saying in the counseling field suggesting the client's perception of their situation is their reality. It is foolish then to attempt to treat the client outside of that reality. One of the main tasks of clinical social work is to empower the client to broaden their perception. On occasion, just a broadened perception is enough to set the client on a new path to a healthier life. Yet we'd be remiss to say perception is reality only applies to the clinical social work field. How might you need to address the concept in a community setting?"

"If you are bringing diverse communities together," Cameron said, "the perceptions and prejudgments the communities have of each other will get in the way."

Marilyn took a deep breath.