Discussion 2: Integrating Theory and Practice As a social work student, it is important to understand the need for theory-informed practice. As you assess, intervene, and evaluate in your practice, theory is an essential foundation for clinical social work. The use of theory to inform and guide your practice is what establishes you as a…

Discussion: Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality Imagine that some of your colleagues mention using cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and reality therapy. Your colleagues continue to say that based on their experiences, they really like these therapies and that they appear to work. Your instincts also tell you…

Week 1: An Integrated Approach to Clinical Practice, Theories, and Issues In this course, you will explore the necessary skills to assess and develop interventions with your clients across the life span. Each age group—children, adolescents, adults, and/or the aging—requires specific theories and skills to best address their needs and concerns. With an emphasis on…

Discussion 1: Ungraded Introductory Video The profession of social work is unique as it offers you a wide variety of populations to work with, such as adults, children, adolescents, and the elderly. Social work allows you the opportunity to choose from many different types of work settings, such as a hospital, a courthouse, a mental…

Week 6: Cognitive Theory and Cognitive Behavior Theory By now, you may recognize that no one theory will explain and predict every phenomenon.   Theory guides the development of specific therapeutic modalities. To understand a therapy, it may be helpful to first review the historical forces of psychology. The first force was psychoanalysis, the second…

Application of Crisis Theory and Resiliency Theory to a Case Study It is common for social workers to be presented with a crisis situation brought forth by clients, families, communities, and/or organizations. The ultimate goal is to restore the client to equilibrium. The five stages of the crisis are (1) the hazardous event, (2) the…

Discussion: Instruments Measuring Resiliency Social workers strive to make informed decisions about the interventions they implement. These decisions should be driven by what the research data say. As a result, social workers have been called to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions they implement. A common way to evaluate interventions is to use a…

Crisis Theory and Resilience Theory Social workers often confront crises that are brought to them—a crisis experienced by a client, a family, a community, or an organization. The goal of crisis theory is to intervene to help restore equilibrium and to reduce long-term psychological and social distress. Given the nature of social workers meeting clients…

Assignment: Application of Role Theory to a Case Study This week, you will use role theory to apply to your chosen case study. In other words, your theoretical orientation—or lens—is role theory as you analyze the case study.   Use the same case study that you chose in Week 2. (Remember, you will be using…

Discussion: Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups There will be times when a social worker is presented with a case where they are not familiar with the surrounding psychosocial issues. Because social workers are on a continual journey in learning, it is important to read pertinent literature. This Discussion provides an opportunity to visit Walden Library…