Social workers use theory in direct practice because it is important to have a profound understanding of theories which inform their practice. This essay will do this by applying the theory of ‘solutuion-foucused theory’ to the case study. With a deeper analysis and further detailed discussion. Looking more in depth at Lucy’s problems, the different aspects of the case study which are more and less important, the role of the worker, the nature of the relationship between the worker and client, how change is understood to occur and interventions. It will also look at any of the ethical, ideological, political or value assumptions inherent within the practice theory if relevant. A critique of the theory will be discussed, looking at its …show more content…
Solution-focused therapy is a form of therapy developing a vision of one’s future, and then determining which skills, abilities and resources an individual already has in order for it to be enhanced to accomplish their desired outcome (Antin, 2015). SFT would be a good practice theory to use with Lucy because it is future-focused, goal-directed and focused on the solutions rather than on the issues and problems.
Lucy’s problems are defined as: being socially isolated her relationship with her ex-partner Paul and his parents causing significant stress but are a form of support. Paul’s mother is pushy and unpleasant towards her, struggling with income and her youngest child has developmental delays. These aspects of which are seen as more important when viewed through the lens of SFT. This is because these are straightforward problems. This practice method is useful when dealing with relatively straightforward problems that can be reduced to simple causes (Bannink, 2006). As for the aspects of the case study, which are viewed less important includes Lucy’s depression and anxiety. This is because they are more difficult to overcome using this practice method. Critics of SFT within social work argue it may make it less effective with more server problems, such as depression and anxiety. Nevertheless, solution focused therapy may allow Lucy with a client-centred intervention (Woods, Symes & Green, 2011).
The role
The current essay focuses on two different therapeutic techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. The initial component of the essay outlines the therapeutic orientations of both approaches; then, the different approaches are related to a case study of a young lady called Linda who is seeking counseling due to feelings of hopelessness. The essay is then finished with some of the author’s personal opinions on the two therapeutic approaches.
As a result of applying appropriate theory the organisation and structure of social work practice may be enhanced (Howe 1999:104). Social workers use theory to inform practice and provide a sense of direction and guidance in their professional engagement with service users
Thus, it is evident that solution focused therapy is focused on the future wellbeing and hopes of the client rather than their past or present situation.
In this paper I will explore each of these areas in order to define my own personal practice framework, as well as looking at how the elements I have chosen fit within the social work field.
This section of the paper will discuss the definition of social work, values associated with social work and arguments for and against the use of systems theory in social work practice. Social work can be described as a field of study that encompasses individuals and their environment. Social work can be defined as work trained professionals do to elevate stressors of individuals so they may become more self-sufficient and empowered to live to their fullest potential.
For this paper, I have decided to research two social work theories and how those theories apply to residents in long term care facilities. The primary focus will be those residents who are alert, oriented, and showing minimal symptoms of dementia.
In this paper, I will discuss the case study of “Ana”. Ana is 24 years old, has lost her job, and worries about becoming homeless. She currently is a single parent due to her husband being deployed in a combat zone overseas for the next eight months. Ana is a first generation immigrant from Guatemala; she comes from a large family. She claims to have a close relationship with her family but has not seen her family for about a year. Her father is a banker and her mother an educator, her three siblings all has graduated college and have professional careers. Ana has completed one year of college, but needed to leave school after her son was born, finding it difficult to manage being a parent, student and a full-time employee as well. While showing signs of being depressed and anxious, she has agreed to eight sessions for treatment. Using this background information in this paper will cover the use of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for the treatment of Ana.
Family therapy is a technique that has many alternative approaches to every aspect of treatment which Nichols (2014), states may present a challenge when describing a basic technique. The two models of family therapy in which I feel that I would be most effective and comfortable with would be, experiential family therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. I feel most comfortable with these models because, I adapt to the role of the therapist of both therapies naturally. According to Nichols (2014), when families seek therapy they are stuck in a life-cycle transition, sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they are not obvious. I’ve found that during the first session an excellent question is to ask the client why now so that they can
Problem solving approach is a traditional and foundational aspect of general Social Work practice. It is based on identifying a problem or set of problems facing a client and formulating a framework of possible options with the hope of fixing the problem or improving the situation. Although, the worker may guide the client and inform them of the possibilities and options available, the client is still solely responsible for their own choices and actions. The formal application of this principle is the definition, assessment, setting of goals, intervention and resolution.
This essay is going to highlight the similarly and differences of the models and their main focus, and how the two models Gerald Egan The Skilled Helper and Steve De-Shazer Solution Focused Therapy will help the clients choose goals that best fit their environment and resources. The aim of using these models is to help people.
In the 1980’s Insoo Berg and Steve de Shazer developed steps into the practice of solution focused therapy in Milwaukee, USA. Solution focused therapy is a practice framework for social workers and other therapists. Solution focused therapy is a framework that primarily focuses on solution development. Other Frameworks lead therapy to focus on the past history of the problem that the client brings to therapy, and ending their sessions with a solution to the problem, or when the problem in no longer an issue for them.
As a solution focused brief therapist (SFBT), one needs to understand that the outcome of therapy is partially up to the client’s thoughts and understanding of therapy. Since this portion of therapy success is substantial, one needs to make sure that the client feels comfortable in therapy. Creating a safe environment for the client will help the client feel comfortable to talk about what has brought him or her into therapy. This safe environment will also include the inform consent forms stating what is said in therapy will remain confidential, and the therapists legal obligation to protect children from harm.
The purpose for this assignment is to highlight the main features of one social worker method. Within this essay, I will include social work intervention prior to the introduction of task-centred practice. This will provide an insight in to why task-centred methods were introduced. I will also portray the strengths and weaknesses of task-centred practice. The essay will also depict the underlying theory that underpins task-centred practice in relation to social work. I will endeavour to critically analyse the effectiveness of this approach. I will then compare this approach with crisis intervention and provide an analysis of the similarities between them. Throughout this assignment I will incorporate anti-discriminative and anti-oppressive
Developmental theories are integral to a social workers approach when working with children, and families as they help to guide and explain situations and behaviours. As social workers have an ethical and professional responsibility to their clients, they need to have an established set of guiding theories which underpin their practice. If they work without these theories, they could place their clients at risk of harm by practising from personal assumptions. They also help the social worker understand and manage these situations and to reach the desired outcomes. As suggested by Teater (2014), “Theory is an essential ingredient in practice that guides the way in which social workers view and approach individuals, groups, communities and society”(Chap 1, p.1). This report will identify and focus on three important developmental theories that assist social workers in their practice. These consist of work by Erikson, Bowlby and Piaget. Erikson’s theory focuses on the model of life stage development; Piaget’s theory focuses on the cognitive processes while Bowlby’s theory focuses on attachment. Despite these theories representing different aspects of social science, they all have the same guiding principle of development. Once the social worker has identified the relevant theory required, they then use a model to implement the theory. This report will examine and discuss the Collaborative Family Work Model. The Collaborative Family Work Model works in a step by step approach
In the vignette, it is mentioned that the client Julie, a 34-year-old African American female, is calling about her son 12-year-old son Derik, who seems to be having an adjustment issue relating to her recent marriage to John. Although Julie indicated that she is calling on behalf of her son’s adjustment problem, she spends most of the time talking about her dissatisfaction at work and within her romantic life. When approaching this case through a solution-focused lens, I would stress to her that anyone who is concerned about the problem situation (Derik’s adjustment problem, although it is apparent there are other issues) should attend the sessions. In the initial intake phase, little information is taken, understanding that the client is the expert in what needs to change; as the therapist, my role is to help her access the strengths she already possesses.