Applying creative research methods to develop understanding of empathy in social work: a relational practice gallery and relational practice poems

The growing application of creative methods as a humanistic craft in social work research reflects an appreciation of their methodological value. Creative methods can enhance democratisation and inclusion within the academic research process, yet challenges limit their potential. Although applied to develop understanding of social work practice more broadly, creative methods have not yet been included in research focused on empathy. This article aims to contribute to the flourishing of creative methods by outlining a visual and a poetic method applied to develop understanding of meanings and experiences of empathy by focusing on social workers’ perspectives. Situated within the English child protection system (2021–23), the constructionist research design was constrained by COVID-19. The article describes the visual method (relational practice gallery) and the poetic method (relational practice poems) and includes example representations. The application of creative methods enabled social workers’ previously relatively unheard voices to be included in new understandings of empathy and illuminated the nuances of their ascribed meanings and intricate, emotional and situated relational empathic practice experiences. Limitations and methodological considerations are discussed. The article contributes to building research capacity among researchers exploring relational social work practice, for whom creative methods might be novel or daunting, and to the flourishing of creative research methods more broadly.