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Social work theories
What are the implications of theory on practice in social work
Social work theories
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A social worker needs to have a variety of knowledge and understanding of theories when working with individuals. I will start the essay by looking at what theory is and the nature of the relationship between theory and practice. I will discuss two specific theories, namely Cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) and Person centred approach. While explaining the theories I will identify their underlying values and explain how they might support or even conflict with social work values. C. Becket DATE explains how Social work practice is extremely diverse in many ways. There are a number of service user groups which social workers work with. Some of these include, children and families, young offenders, older people and adults and children with mental health problems. Some social workers may dedicate themselves to a certain area however they will need to have a systematic understanding of theories in order to work efficiently with all service user groups. I will discuss how the theories will be applied to older people. The aim of social work is to improve the conditions of the society. It can be very challenging however frameworks are acquired in order to be able to provide solutions (Greene 2008). Theories give objectives to support social workers to help people improve their social circumstances. There are a variety of theories that explains human behaviour and factors which influence them (Howe 2009). Theories such as psychodynamic theory sees human behaviour as experiences from childhood however, behavioural theory sees it as actions that brought positive behaviour. Carl Rogers (1902-1987) was the inspirational founder of the theory, person centred care. Hall and Scragg (2012) argue from a person centred approa... ... middle of paper ... ...ate services for older people and have to carefully consider the planning to meet the needs for them. It is important that the needs for older people are met and that the focus is on them throughout the intervention. It is important to fully inform them. The national standards framework for older people sets standards to ensure that services should respond effectively to individuals needs in social work practice. This is done through appropriate planning, assessment, intervention, monitoring and review. Historically, the process off assessment has not really been clear in social work, this can cause lack of precision. Therefore social work concentrates more on explaining methods of intervention instead of model of assessments. Sinclair et al (1995) explained that assessment was usually when a problem is identified, the purpose of which a solution is found.
Social Work is the study of people and how they interact with the systems in their environment and other people. Social Workers use theories, sets of ideas or concepts, of human behavior and apply them within their professional social work ethics to the problems facing clients in order to help them gain balance in the systems in their lives. Theories help to organize knowledge enabling social workers to help make sense of problems. There are many different theories. They have been grouped into broad categories called theoretical lenses (Rogers, A. 2013).
Y.H.et al. (2012) told that Person centred care models start with education and training of
Maclean, S. & Harrison, R. (2008) Social Work Theory: A Straightforward Guide for Practice Assessors and Placement Supervisors. Kirwin Maclean Associates, Staffordshire
Theory has been defined as, “an organized set of assumptions, beliefs, or ideas about particular phenomena in the world (Teater, 2015).” Theory is used to understand and explain possible and perceived instances, behaviors and outcomes (Teater, 2015). Social workers use theory in order to understand, as well as, introduce interventions and solutions to their client’s individual situation. It is important for students entering into the social work profession to have a base knowledge of theories, with basic understanding of their similarities and differences to appropriately apply theory in practice. The theories which will be focused on in this paper include Systems Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory.
In this essay I will compare person-Centred counselling with cognitive-Behavioural counselling and their different approaches and why the counselling relationship is so important. There will be a brief outline of what Person Centred and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
Social workers should have a strong knowledge base comprising of information gathered from variety of empirically tested theories which allows them to effectively appreciate the nature of people’s problems. Theory is a vital component in social work practice that guides the way in which social workers view and approach their clients, at micro, mezzo and macro level. Theory helps predict, explain and assess situations and
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
This is why social workers must also be critical thinkers. Critical thinking applied to the social work profession involves “the ability to define an issue, stressor, or problem; to distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge to formulate a tentative practice direction” (Gitterman & Knight, 2013). Theories, as well as research, “about phases of individual, family and group development; about ethical, racial, religious, spiritual, and sexual identity development; and about individual, family, and group development” provide social workers with a basic starting point for a more complex and situational-based intervention plan that will later be developed. In social work practice, intervention plans and assessments are not blindly developed, but rather based off theory and research. Therefore, although social work is a profession of artistry and creativity; it is also a scientific profession enhanced by the use of theory and
Watson, D & West, J 2006, Social work process and practice: approaches, knowledge, and skills, Palgrave Macmillan, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York.
Strengths and Limitations of Social Work Practice in Colombia: A View from Canadian Social Work
One article, “Social Work in Health Care” (Berkman, Gardner, Zodikoff, & Harootyan, 2005) reviewed present and forthcoming developments in aging and health care in the United States. The article discussed the developments in terms of its effects on social work practices’ ability to improve the health and welfare of both the elderly and the caregiver. One development discussed was an application of evidence-based knowledge relating aging, physical, mental health, and consideration of the intergenerational family
There are many models and theories that shape the practice of social work and the ways in which professional social workers engage with their clients. Most of the models and theories that shape the practice are interchangeable and closely related or intertwined ideas but the oldest models like the Remedial Model, Reciprocal Model and the Social Goals models are the foundation for social work practice and the models and theories that govern it. In order to fully grasp the concepts of any of the resulting models and how to use any model in your practice, you as a practitioner must first master the definition and conceptional use of these models in practice.
Social work is a profession which promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and enhance well-being. It is important to acknowledge the history of social work and the purpose of social work and why it exists. Social work is a questioned theory with different perspectives on what it is and how it should be practised. Social work helps people to deal with personal and social problems so that people can overcome or adjust to any personal difficulties. Social work is a combination of social stability and social change. Social stability promotes individual and social welfare and social change seek to change negative aspects of society. Values are implicit within the law and policy and these tend to reflect the values within society. Personal values can influence the way social workers interpret and implement their profession.
families, and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social workers are change agents and because of that, they aim to help people develop their skills and abilities to use resources provided to them to strengthen and improve their lives and communities to resolve problems. One of the main goal of social workers is to improve the well-being and lives of the most vulnerable populations, fight against poverty, unemployment, domestic violence and the underserviced population by emphasizing on the person-in-environment and social justice model. The social work profession, considerers the individuals’ internal and external struggles, while working with the individuals to examine their relationships, family, work environment, community, and other things that might impact them and identify ways to help address problems and challenges.
The social work profession is defined as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (ISFW, ‘Global Definition of Social Work’, 2016).” The definition may be true about the profession but it is more in depth than just that. To me, the profession’s primary focus is to help others through life as much as we can while letting them make their own choices and guiding them. In society, social workers are utilized in many different nonprofit and government roles. They serve the community in many different ways from monitoring parent visits to helping people through mental illnesses. Human beings are so complex and things that happen