Pick a Theory

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Apr 3, 2024

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Pick a Theory Nicole Hartleben Department of Social Work, Ohio University SW 6811 Direct Practice Dr. Ann Trettin February 18, 2024

A strong knowledge base of the major theories that underpin clinical social work is invaluable. These theories provide a framework for understanding complex human behavior, social interactions, and societal structures, thereby guiding effective interventions and treatments. One of the key theorists in this field is William Borden, who proposed the concepts of pragmatism, pluralism, and integration. Pragmatism, as Borden suggests, is the belief that theories should be evaluated based on their practical application and effectiveness. In the context of social work, this means that theories should be judged on their ability to facilitate positive change in individuals and communities. Pluralism, on the other hand, is the recognition and acceptance of multiple perspectives and theories. Borden argues that no single theory can fully explain the complexity of human behavior and social phenomena. Therefore, social workers should be open to a variety of theories and approaches. Lastly, integration refers to the process of combining different theories to create a more comprehensive understanding. Borden suggests that by integrating various theories, social workers can develop more effective strategies for intervention. Borden's concepts of pragmatism, pluralism, and integration provide a valuable framework for understanding and applying the major theories in clinical social work. They emphasize the importance of practical application, diversity of perspectives, and the integration of theories, which are all crucial for effective social work practice (Borden, 2010). Kottman & Meany-Walen In Kottman’s & Meany-Walen reading it asks to look at stances and opinions on the philosophical assumptions that underlie counseling and play therapy theories and distance on how therapy works to help people make changes. An exploration of my philosophical assumptions guided by Kottman & Meany-Walen will be discussed in this paper. Basic Nature of People

Some theories suggest that human nature is inherently good (like Carl Rogers' humanistic approach), while others suggest it is neutral or even negative. My view is that humans are naturally good and that they have the capacity to be kind, empathetic, and selfless in their actions toward others. On the other hand, humans are capable of immense evil, and they are capable of being cruel, self-centered, and aggressive. Our personalities are the product of a collective interaction between our genes, the environment, and the decisions that we make. Because of the way that humans have treated each other throughout the course of history, there is a possibility that some people may argue that human beings are inherently bad. Nevertheless, I believe our inclination for evil is simply a minor part of who we are as humans. I believe that in addition to our capacity for immense evil, we also can do a lot of good, and in the end, it is up to each person to decide which aspect of our nature they want to exhibit. Formation of Personalities Personalities are formed through a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences, according to most theories. This includes upbringing, cultural context, and individual experiences. All these factors play a part in how our personalities are formed but nurture plays a huge role in our personalities. For example, children who are raised in nurturing, supportive environments are more likely to develop secure attachment styles and positive self-concepts. Both nature and nurture play crucial roles in personality development, and their influences are often intertwined. For example, a person might have a genetic predisposition towards anxiety (nature), but whether this trait manifests might depend on their experiences (nurture), such as whether they encounter stressful situations or receive support from their environment. I would assign 65% nurture and 35% nature.

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As for free will verses determinism I believe that free will plays the larger role here and that each person has the ability of their conscious mind to choose one out of several possible alternative choices ex: where to go on vacation, which job to take, food they eat, or choices they make daily. The deterministic view supports that human behavior is predictable and governed by internal or external factors, making us like sophisticated machines. Determinism helps us understand the extent to which our behavior is shaped by factors beyond our control, from the laws of physics to our genetic makeup and upbringing. However, the belief in free will upholds the notion of personal responsibility and autonomy, which are vital for societal structure and personal growth (Maddox, 2024). I would assign 80% free will and 20% determinism. Perception of Reality Perception of reality is subjective and influenced by our cognitive processes, experiences, and biases. Role of the Therapeutic Relationship It is crucial in counseling. A strong, trusting relationship between therapist and client can facilitate better communication and more effective treatment. Establishing rapport and building a strong therapeutic alliance is key to promoting change. Exploring the Client’s Past and Current Issues Exploring the client's past and current issues both are important. Understanding a client's past can provide context for current issues, but focusing on the present is also crucial for addressing immediate problems. By exploring past experiences, it can shape a client’s behavior,

beliefs, and reactions. Social Workers gain insight into why a client behaves in a certain way or holds specific beliefs. Past experiences can reveal patterns in the client’s life and recognizing these patterns can help in developing effective strategies for change. Motivational Patterns, Coping Skills, Self-Actualizing Tendencies These are all key areas of focus in counseling. They can help clients understand their behaviors and develop healthier strategies. Self-awareness: The first step is to help the client become aware of their current motivation patterns. For example, self-awareness is important because assessing the client’s level of awareness regarding their motivation can be assessed through self-reflection exercises, discussions, and assessments. Once self-awareness has been assessed or established, the client’s insight is the next step in assessing their motivational patterns which can be gained by exploring past experiences, beliefs, values, and goals. After gaining insight, the client can then become more conscious of their motivation patterns. This means being aware of these patterns as they occur in real-time, and understanding how they influence their thoughts, feelings, and actions. With increased consciousness, the client is then able to modify their motivation patterns if they wish. This could involve setting new goals, developing new habits, or changing their mindset. By going through this process, clients can gain a better understanding of themselves, which can lead to improved motivation, performance, and overall well-being. Primary Focus of Counseling It is to help clients understand and address their issues, improve their mental health, and enhance their quality of life. Helping the client make changes in personality, feelings, behaviors,

attitudes, and thoughts is also a key goal of therapy. The firing order is achieved through various therapeutic techniques and interventions which are individualized based on the client’s need, your therapeutic approach, and the process. Definition of Psychological Maladjustment It is the patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that are maladaptive, disruptive, or uncomfortable for the individual or those around them. The APA dictionary defines it as inability to maintain effective relationships, function successfully in various domains, or cope with difficulties and stresses (APA, n.d.). Goals of Counseling They should help clients understand and manage their issues, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve their overall well-being. By building a therapeutic relationship with clients you help them gain insight into their past and present and help them make changes in their lives. This also depends on the individual and what issues are at hand. Evaluation of Progress Evaluation of progress is done through regular check-ins, assessments, and discussions between the client and therapist. The goals of counseling also help track the progress made towards the client’s goals. Utilizing assessments and measurements from outside factors like teachers or parents can be beneficial in this process. For example, Vanderbilt’s from the teachers

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or parents. Using measurements of the PHQ-9 or Gad-7 can be helpful to get a baseline upon initial appointment and throughout treatment. Use of Nondirect vs. Direct Techniques Both can be useful at various times in the process. Direct techniques provide more guidance, while nondirect techniques allow clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more freely. This truly depends on the client and the amount of guidance they need from the therapist. Position on Working Collaboratively with Others Collaboration is often beneficial in counseling and can provide additional perspectives and resources, and it is especially important when working with other healthcare providers, teachers, or parents. Working with others is especially important due to the interconnectedness of children and their external world. Pick a Theory by Kottman & Meany-Walen After reviewing Pick, a Theory by Kottman & Meany-Walen and describing my own natural assumptions and beliefs about human beings I found that my primary theoretical foundation that is related to my personal exploration of philosophical assumptions aligns with the Adlerian play therapy. In the Grant reading it discusses the four phases: initial phase of building the relationship, exploration and understanding of the client’s lifestyle, help client gain insight into their lifestyle, and reorientation or reeducation. These help to utilize a wide range of techniques depending on the phase of treatment, presenting problem, lifestyle assessment, and other members of the client’s system (Grant, 2021). In the Wonders reading it reports that people

need to feel a sense of belonging, have goals in which they move towards, are unique and inherently creative, and the client’s life experiences are from a subjective point of view (Wonders, 2022). All these essential elements align with my own natural assumptions in this paper. Conclusion My findings align well with Borden’s concepts of pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives. My findings show that diversity, practicality, and integration are important in clinical social work practice. In pluralism I can recognize that each client's experience is unique and influenced by several factors such as culture, race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. In clinical social work, by utilizing pragmatism this means focusing on what works best for each individual client, rather than adhering strictly to one theoretical approach. In clinical social work for integrative perspectives, I integrate knowledge from various fields to better understand and address clients' needs.

References American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa Dictionary of Psychology . American Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/maladjustment Borden, W. (2010). Ch. 1 – Taking multiplicity seriously: Pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives in clinical social work. In W. Borden, (Ed.), Reshaping theory in contemporary social work: Toward a critical pluralism in clinical practice, (pp. 3-26). Columbia University Press. Grant, R.J. (2021). Introduction: Do you have a primary play therapy theory or approach you use the most and why? In R.J. Grant, J. Stone and C. Mellenthin (Eds.). Play therapy theories and perspectives: A collection of thoughts in the field, (pp. 1-17). Routledge Kottman, T., and Meany-Walen, K.K. (2018). Pick a theory, any theory. In T. Kottman and K. Meany-Walen, Doing play therapy: From building the relationship to facilitating change, (pp. 39-90). The Guilford Press. Maddox, E. (2024, January 24). Free will versus determinism - The clash of philosophical titans . Mental Health Center. https://www.mentalhealthcenter.org/free-will-versus-determinism/ Wonders, L.L. (2022). Theoretical roots and branches of the evolving field of play therapy. In J. Stone (Ed.), Play therapy and telemental health: Foundations, populations and interventions, (pp. 3-24). Routledge.

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