SWK 5014- u08a3- K. Murray

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Dec 6, 2023

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1 Social Work Theories & Interventions Social Work Theories & Interventions Kimberly R. Murray SWK5014: Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice u08a3: Theory & Evidence-Based Interventions Capella University
2 Social Work Theories & Interventions Individual Sessions Cognitive-Behavioral Theory “Social work often involves attempts to change behavior that is proving problematic in some way to the individual concerned or to others... Much can therefore be gained from a fuller and broader understanding of behavioral change... Behavior is based on beliefs (cognitions) that shape our responses to situations... To change behavior is likely to involve changing the relevant thoughts and feelings and managing physical reactions as well,” (Thompson & Stepney, 2017, p. 79). When working with individuals, it’s important to address problematic behavior, such as the presenting problems that led to the initiation of services, whether it was on their own or out of their control (such as through a court order). Oftentimes, individuals may not recognize their behaviors as being problematic, and through therapy, those can be explored and behaviors can be changed. Our text explains that when using CBT, we must acknowledge the significant of external events that have provoked certain feelings in our clients; examine interpersonal relationships and beliefs that were shaped by earlier childhood experiences; and understand how underlying schemata may reinforce the problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy One intervention to utilize in individual sessions with clients is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. “ CBT recognizes that there is a conscious thought between an external event and a particular emotional response... It draws upon basic elements of operant conditioning, as in working with children where, for example, a child screams and gets a candy to shut her/him up – this behavior is now more likely because it has been reinforced by the reward,” (Thompson & Stepney, 2017, p. 79). When working with clients it’s important to address the external events
3 Social Work Theories & Interventions and their responses to those events. This will help shed light on current behaviors and decision- making. One approach to exploring this is through narrative therapy. “Narrative approaches recognize that personal narrative has not emerged in isolation, but comes about as a result of our experiences within our families, various groups and culture, across our own lifespan and is indeed often intergenerational... Therefore, narrative approaches emphasize that we always live in the context of broader social and cultural stories... Our stories are shared with and shaped by others, and in turn, our stories shape the broader social and cultural contexts in which we live,” (Thompson & Stepney, 2017, p. 118). Using narrative therapy allows the client the opportunity to tell his or her story. This is a good way to ensure the client feels heard, especially when using techniques through narrative therapy such as open-ended questions, clarifying questions, and paraphrasing what the client said so they know they have been heard and understood. Family Sessions Bowen Family Systems Theory The theory I would apply to family sessions would be the Bowen Family Systems Theory. “Bowen family systems theory (BFST) identifies differentiation of self as a crucial characteristic that relates to one’s individual and relational maturity… Bowen theorizes that an individual’s level of differentiation typically remains static over time and that individuals select and pair in relationships with others who have similar levels of differentiation,” (Handley, et al., 2019, p. 592). Sometimes having relationships with other who share similar characteristics can cause issues in a family. Bowen believed that there are patterns among families that continue across generations. Furthermore, these patterns could involve problematic behaviors that can be passed between generations and present conflicts within family units. Bowen also believes that
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4 Social Work Theories & Interventions “differentiation levels will generally not change over time, remaining static unless an intense change effort is made… therefore, most people not only find a partner with similar levels of differentiation of self, this level of differentiation is unlikely to change throughout the life course unless there is a strong catalyst for change,” (Handley, et al., 2019, p. 594). The catalyst for change that may bring about the intense change efforts needed is the initiation of therapeutic services in the family setting. Structural Family Therapy In family sessions, Structural Family Therapy would be beneficial to integrate. “The source of many problematic patterns is faulty family structure…According to Minuchin, the ideal family structure looks something like… two parents… on the same page regarding parenting rules and routines… the children… while there is occasional sibling rivalry, are supportive of each other… the children are below the line denotes that there is a hierarchy in place: the parents are in charge, have more power, and there is a couple relationship separate from the children,” (Thompson & Stepney, p. 181). Our text goes on to explain that often what is seen in therapy is skewed variations of the relationships described. Sometimes the parents are not on the same page and disagree about parenting and other things leaving them constantly split, which leaves the children confused. Also, the parents might not be connected and on the same page as they should be, so sometimes one parent may fall on the same level as the children, being treated by the other parent like one of the children. Once the therapist is able to get an understanding of the family structure and views on relationships and roles, then treatment can truly begin to restore order in the family structure. Clinical Groups Gestalt Theory
5 Social Work Theories & Interventions One theory that can be applied to clinical groups is Gestalt Theory. This is the idea that individuals are influenced based on their current environment. Furthermore, by focusing on and understanding this present situation, the individual can learn and grow from it. “The Gestalt therapist assists the patient to achieve greater self-acceptance, to assume more personal responsibility, to reintegrate disowned or split-off aspects of personality, and to be more authentic and less manipulative in relating to others… The Gestalt therapist brings his or her own individuality into the encounter and takes responsibility for being present in a direct, spontaneous, and self-disclosing manner… Perls summed up the relationship between therapist and patient succinctly in his dictum, ‘I and Thou, Here and Now’,” (Gestalt therapy, 2004, n.p.). One technique to use is the continuum of awareness, which focuses on the now and avoids using “why” questions. This helps the client focus on the issues at hand and faces it head on rather than avoiding the problem. Gestalt Theory in a group setting could involve group activities, such as painting, pottery or clay work, or any other activity that gets the group hands on and aware of their senses and surroundings while staying present in the moment and learning to process. Motivational Interviewing One intervention that is useful in Gestalt Theory is motivational interviewing. Gestalt Theory is all about being present in the moment, and providing motivational interviewing is a very positive and empowering technique. Additionally, motivational interviewing allows the therapist to build good rapport with clients and ensure that they feel as though they are in a trusted and safe environment. This type of environment is crucial when Gestalt Theory is applied. “Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, goal-driven counseling approach widely used with a variety of mental health conditions… motivational interviewing aimed at providing
6 Social Work Theories & Interventions therapeutic conditions that stimulate intrinsic motivation for change… Motivational interviewing has a core goal of increasing the client’s own desire or motivation for change, which is facilitated by exploring the reasons why clients are resistant to change,” (Dean, 2015, n.p.). Some techniques of motivational interviewing include open-ended questioning, affirmation, and reflection. These techniques are useful while individuals are so in tune with their environment and are truly experiencing the “here and now” moments.
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7 Social Work Theories & Interventions References Dean, L. (Ed.) (2015). . (Vols. 1-2). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/ 9781483346502 Gestalt therapy. (2004). In W. E. Craighead, & C. B. Nemeroff (Eds.), The concise Corsini encyclopedia of psychology and behavioral science (3rd ed.). Wiley. Credo Reference: http://library.capella.edu/login? url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/wileypsych/gestalt_therapy/0? institutionId=816 Handley, V. A., Bradshaw, S. D., Milstead, K. A., & Bean, R. A. (2019). Exploring similarity and stability of differentiation in relationships: A dyandic study of Bowen's theory. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(4), 592–605. Thompson, N., & Stepney, P. (Eds.). (2017). Social work theory and methods: The essentials. Taylor & Francis Group.