In the profession of social work, a social worker will encounter numerous clients who all have unique and varying degrees of experiences and problems that they either actively are choosing to work on or are being mandated by a third party to seek help. Because each new client presents different challenges and issues for the social worker, they must have a foundation on which to rely to better understand where their client is coming from and what factors may be playing a role in that client’s life. Theory provides frameworks for social workers to begin to understand the depth of their client’s needs. These frameworks help provide a foundation for social work practice.
How Theory Plays a Role in Social Work Practice Theory helps explain
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This framework helps define what social work practice is because it addresses how social workers view people. Social workers are trained to look at the whole person and how every aspect of that individual’s life has been influenced by a variety of factors. The feminist term “intersectionality” assumes “there is no unidimensional aspect of identity, but that all identities intersect in powerful and compelling ways” (Berzoff, 2011, p.157-158). The intersection of each of the elements in the biopsychosocial framework impacts how that individual sees the world and perceives their reality. For example, combining biopsychosocial spiritual framework with feminist theory enables the social worker to see how problems presented are “grounded in the lived experiences of multiple and intersecting oppressions” (C. Cook as cited in Anastas, 2014, …show more content…
This is vitally important when working with victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Many times, intervention is associated with getting the victim out of the abusive situation, but those who aim to help often fail to see the multiple factors that may prevent the victim from leaving. By looking at clients affected by intimate partner violence through a biopsychosocial spiritual framework, social workers acknowledge and address multiple aspects of the individual’s life that are influencing whether they stay or go. Research by Nurius and Macy shows that “each individual appraises and copes with the threat of IPV in a unique biopsychosocial [spiritual] context” (2010, p. 1068). Their research with female victims of IPV in Washington shows that women who are presented with same or similar stressors may react in a different manner based on their interpretation of said stressor (Nurius and Macy, 2010, p. 1068). Using this framework, they found that women who claimed to have strong social support systems showed less incidents of depression than those who reported having poor social support systems (Nurius and Macy, 2010, p. 1080). The levels and types of violence experienced by these women varied, but the strong social support was one piece that linked these women together. Similarly, in a study conducted by Drumm et al (2013), the researchers found that
Social work professions need to understand the importance of how individuals interact both with other people and their environment, to have an understanding how individuals are affected by these interactions (Rogers, p. 2). According to Rogers (2016), “Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development (p. 2). Their work with clients begins with assessments to evaluations of intervention and is based in and supports of the core value system of the profession.
Social workers must strive “for a full understanding of the complex interactions between the client and all levels of the social and physical system as well as meaning that the client assigns to each of these interactions” (Andreae, 1996, p. 605).
The social work profession’s Standards of Practice outlines the boundaries in the relationship between social workers and their clients and sets a mandate of their responsibilities as a social worker (Alberta College of Social Workers, 2013, p. 30). In the Code of Ethics, boundaries are also set at a high standard as we must draw metaphysical lines between personal roles or interests and professional (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2005, p. 7) to prevent forming a dual relationship with clients. Another boundary is to halt the possibility of the social worker from using the time they have to help themselves rather than helping their clients (CASW, 2005, p. 6). In addition to these boundaries, it is crucial for social workers to not share too much of their personal life with clients by placing mental boundaries of how much they feel they can share of their personal life with their clients.
In order to address the client’s problems and strengths Birkenmaier suggest using a “two compartment model”. “In this approach, the assessment includes a two component model in which the social worker first explores a series of questions with the client to define the problem situation (Component 1). The questions will not only help to identify the client’s strengths, but also their life experiences (both positive and challenging), and strategies for coping with adversity. Gathering this comprehensive perspective on the client’s identity can aid both the social worker and the client in formulating a perception of the client in terms of strengths, versus deficits. (Birkenmaier, 2014, pg.110)”
The examination of the client in a holistic point of view can best be used with the biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective. Examining the client through the biological perspective, no indication was made if the client was in good or bad physical health or had any genetic illnesses. It is a certainty that the client was assigned a female gender due to no suggestion being made to change this opinion. Psychologically, the client shows great strength and awareness of her past and current suicidal ideations. Cathy’s ability to sustain from cocaine for over 15 years shows great strength. Additionally, the client is aware of symptoms consistent with benzodiazepine during her past withdrawals. The client’s absence of hallucinations, intrusive thoughts,
The “Client Scenario” video reflects the main character as a client that currently has several needs based on the fact that she has went through a divorce, has one child to provide for, and is in need of financial assistance to pay monthly bills and provide food for herself and her child. The client appears frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed, hostile, and entitled throughout the video. These are often common feelings that are displayed by clients when clients and social workers are meeting for the first time. The client is seeking services due to the needs of her family caused by unforeseen events that recently occurred, which can be a very stressful time for clients. The social worker revealed concern, empathy, and a willingness to assist the client as the social welfare policies
With a master 's level education in social work, I see myself envisioning clients’ health and well-being. As a student, I will study and practice techniques, beyond a generalist perspective, that will allow me to give clients hope and the ability to see something greater than what they are facing. Upon completion of a Master of Social Work direct practice degree and certificates in gerontology and mental health programs, I intend to become a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will competently incorporate specialized skills in different professional settings while developing my knowledge of a wide range of social issues and professional standards. With commitment, I wish to develop skills that will enable me to create or find hidden resources and services for my future clients, create platforms through counselling for victims of trauma.
1. Comment on the passage on page 54 that begins "Most of the craziness in this world-violence, addictions and frenetic activity comes from running away from pain." Disguising a person 's name (if you use one) and applying the value of confidentiality, discuss some of your observations at your field placement of people (or perhaps even staff or the organization as a whole) in "pain". Using a "person in environment" perspective and a bio-psycho-social-spiritual lens, discuss your findings. (Hint: use this question to get ready to informally present a case or pertinent clinical example during small group in the next few weeks.)
The article explained that it is important for social workers to have the knowledge of how their clients can gain power. When working with a client, the social worker needs to involve them in the decision making process, and ask for their ideas of solutions to problems; this will lead to empowerment of the client. Techniques mentioned in the article that are used to empower clients are: accepting the client’s definition of the problem, identifying and building upon existing strengths, engaging in a power analysis of the client’s situation, and mobilizing resources and advocating for
Social Work is a career defined as “work carried out by trained personal with the aim of alleviating the conditions of those in need of help or welfare”. Social work varies in several fields, social workers work as part of multi-disciplinary teams with child welfare organizations, adoption and foster care agencies, hospitals, schools, prisons, mental health institutions, and more. Social work may leave the impression that it’s an easy field because it is assumed that all social workers do is serve others and manage paperwork but that is only a small chunk of the job. Social workers must deal with the ethical and emotional aspect of helping others. As a social worker, it is critical to comply with the National Association of Social Workers
According to Mattsson (2014), in social work’s effort to challenge oppression and inequality, intersectionality has been found to be a useful tool for critical reflection. Critical reflection focuses on a specific event or situation analytically considering the feelings thoughts and actions involved in a way that alternative ways of understanding “social problems, the client, the social workers’ positions and client interactions” present themselves. Social workers using an intersectionality approach combine a knowledge base of social structures affecting individuals’ psychosocial environment and emphasizing factors such as gender, race, sexuality and
In the generalist social work practice, a social worker is a change agent due to the expansive and complex umbrella of social and human services and roles. A change agent works to promote positive changes for the well-being of an individual, family, group, organization or community. In order to fulfill the tasks of a social worker, one should be trained and equipped with a wide variety of skills: such as setting appropriate boundaries, possessing and utilizing self-awareness and the ability to counsel or advocate for clients. In addition to many skills, the generalist social work practice includes a surplus of methods to either prevent or intervene when necessary. A method often utilized by social workers is the person-in-environment conceptualization. The person-in-environment perspective considers factors, such as familial or economic, beyond the individual to better understand the client’s behaviors or situation. Another method is the strengths perspective. The strength-based perspective focuses on the client’s or client system’s positive qualities to build upon those capabilities. And the recognition of strengths helps to achieve goals in a more client-led approach. Generalist practitioners are professionals with a wide range of knowledge and a repertoire of diverse skills in order to enhance the social functioning of all within society.
To begin with, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has been around for a very long time and it is still a present issue in the United States. There are many forms intimate partner violence such as, sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological. IPV occurs among all religious, socioeconomic, and cultural groups in the United States and other countries. As many people know intimate partner violence tends to come with consequences after the damage is done to the victim. Intimate partner violence does not just happen out of nowhere where the perpetrator thinks they have the right to be violent towards their spouse. The issue of IPV is connected to the cycle of violence in ways that it gives you an idea as to why the perpetrator thinks they have the right to hit the victim. In many cases not only do they think they have the right to due such thing but also feel like they have control over their spouse and have a mindset that they own them and will do anything just to keep them. Often the perpetrators feel guilty for being violent towards their loved ones that they come to a point of being apologetic and doing anything in their power to keep them. This author believes that intimate partner violence is a big issue and for many victims it is hard for them to escape the relationship. The victims go through so much in staying in the relationship that once they decide to definitely leave the relationship they end up suffering consequences and seeking available resources to
The first concept of generalist practice is the acquisition of an eclectic knowledge base. Because the field of social work is constantly growing and evolving, generalist social workers must have a broad range of knowledge in order to effectively help clients who have a variety of needs to be met. There are eight specific eclectic knowledge bases listed as the following: fields of practice, systems theory, the ecological perspective, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and policy practice, social work practice, research-informed practice and practice-informed research, and values and principles that guide practice. The first knowledge base, fields of practice, is the understanding of the numerous areas of social
Social Work’s core philosophy and values are centered around social justice and social well-being. Oppression, injustice, discrimination, and violence are antithetical to the social work profession. Social Work believes in strength-based approaches and the person-in-environment perspective to cater the needs and welfare of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society at large. Generally, the target populations for social work are vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed people; however, social workers provide services to people with a wide range of problems, such as poverty, addiction, mental illness, etc. to empower them to meet their own needs. Historically, the social work profession started its operation by providing neighborhood