Social Work Theory

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The field of social work practice is built upon theories, models, and perspectives that are utilized when intervening with clients. Together and separate, each work towards understanding the client paradigm so that the social worker is able to effectively intervene and assist the client in achieving their goals. In review of Elizabeth’s assessment, the models of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychotherapy will be reviewed in detail to determine which is best to be applied to her presenting clinical symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely utilized intervention within the field of social work practice. CBT focuses on the premise that thoughts trigger an emotional response, which in turn triggers a behavior. …show more content…

The social worker’s role relies on applying a Socratic method of questioning in order to allow the client to explore the reasons behind the thoughts instead of accepting them at face value. Socratic questioning allows for the client to challenge his or her own paradigms that have been embraced as fact resulting in a potential alternative truth that could be embraced. This form of questioning supports the inductive method of experimentation in which the client will test their truth (or hypothesis) with a potential variable to arrive at a realistic conclusion. Human nature favors accepting a negative truth rather than testing to evaluate the veracity of the truth. Studies have shown that it requires an average of seven positives to outweigh one negative paradigm. Through the intervention of CBT a client can confront and challenge their current paradigm to determine whether or not to retain the present or alter their thoughts through concrete homework assignments. Practicing techniques discussed during weekly sessions in their home environment will allow for trial and error to occur with a reduction in symptoms at a more rapid …show more content…

Albert Bandura developed the Social Learning Theory in 1977 based upon the premise that humans understand their environment through behavioral actions and consequences. Social learning allows for growth as observation on patterns of thought and behaviors and how they are portrayed in the reality of our own making. Our thoughts create our emotions, which result in our behaviors. The behaviors will be reinforced either positively or negatively by external actions. This reinforcement perpetuates the validity of the thought and thus continues the cycle. In contrast to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory evaluates behaviors through a thorough assessment of why a person would act the way they do based upon conscious and unconscious thoughts. Sigmund Freud established psychodynamic Theory between 1890 and 1910. It is a premise that concludes that all of our behaviors are derived from an unconscious thought process that was developed in early childhood. His theory states that all thoughts are internally created and have a basic root in childhood

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