A. Theoretical Approach & Core Counseling Skills
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A. Theoretical Approach & Core Counseling Skills
Theoretical approach used in the present case
A solution-focused approach is stated also as Solution Focused brief therapy which is a short-term goal that targets evidence-based therapeutic ways which build positive psychological practices and principles. It also further helps the client's transformation by constructing a resolution rather than targeting only problems. Changes in solving problems are termed to be secured by the implementation and development of client growth (Ebert & Duarte, 2018). Towards the client's rights respect is rewarded through self-determination is focused under the Solution-focused theory. Particularly this process includes exploring and identifying prior "Exceptions" for instance in the given case when Jen was trying to cope with entire difficulties and challenges during the inherently and practical interview session (Cai et al., 2019). SF therapist and Jen being a client consistently collaborated while identifying aims reflective of Jen's best hopes and empowering satisfying resolution
The solution-focused theory works actively towards the resolution, hence helping the patient Jen in the recent case will help to identify what is done well, thus it would encourage patients to use their strengths might reach their target. This was something that was established well while using this approach.
Approaching something better will enhance the problem to be solved in a better way. Attempting to improve these skills in the future must be needed to add certain more feelings which could be used to get rid of the trouble where the patient is in the current state. Using the action talk using technology like digital platforms could further lead to things process fully, as Action talks aligned to the facts and address only the thing which could be seen better and do not focuses on what the opposite party believes or thinks.
For example by accepting versatile blended care stages such as Quenza, a Practitioner the session is being carried out with some of the vital steps under the diagnosis or assessment phase under the plan of treatment with Jen such as by inviting Mark and Jen to complete an online diagnostic questionnaire (Islam et al., 2020). Similarly, this platform further is used to share digital activities on the smartphone of Jen and Mark, such as at the end of the day the reflection proposing the client repeat their application of doing one of the different techniques could help to overcome the issue.
Examining the condition of Jen's situation and making her comfortable prior was the first thing taken well during the session (Smart et al. 2022). She was quite anxious and stressed during her pregnancy phase but still, she is ready to respond to her entire history of herself and her husband to overcome the problem they are going through. Another point discovered during the interview was the goals and desired outcomes were explored by using co-developing counseling strategies to treat and manage, anxiety among the client.
The therapy could be differently taken by concentrating on the solutions to the problems that are faced by both Jen and Mark as per the Solution based theory also focusing on those times when a problem is not as important more than targeting the issues. Next as per the reality and using the client's sense of language under the treatment would be another initial point that could help to bring the solution easily.
Jen and Mark were both quite cooperative during the interview, therefore small changes lead to larger changes as changes all happen, hence focusing on the positivity, the future, and solution facilities transforms into the relevant direction except for those issues that could be created which could be used to develop solutions.
Social work includes a demanding and dynamic profession that needs a variety of qualities and skills during counseling sessions, these skills are Empathy, Communication, critical thinking, cultural competence, advocacy, professional commitment, and active listening. These are some of the skills they were taught while interviewing Jen and Mark.
Above mentioned Social working skills which are mainly used during counseling are discussed below:
Empathy skills provide the ability to know and understand Jen's experience and her point of view. Therefore, Empathy enables us to understand experience, perceive, and respond to the emotional state of condition and ideas of the client (Jen).
Leading communication skills through verbal and non-verbal modes is another important social skill for a social worker during counseling. The ability to communicate with the client clearly through a wide range of use is required, therefore being a professional it is a duty to advocate for Jen and Mark's situation, hence it is required to understand their needs to fulfill this skill.
Through open questions and unbiased observation, Critical thinking skills such as an ability that provides strength to analyze the information collected. Without prejudice and thinking critically will enable them to make informed decisions and identify best of the resolution Evaluation and implementation of the best plan will help Mark to approach his issues and reduces abusive habits.
Implying cultural competence enables them to work efficiently with Jen to drive background which needs respect and responsiveness to be practiced through cultural beliefs. Therefore appreciation for diversity and possessing a non-judgmental attitude towards clients will accomplish the Client's needs.
B. Broader Social Work Knowledge and Values
The codes of Ethics of AASW express responsibilities and values that are integral to the profession of social work (Agbawodikeizu et al., 2022). It enables the assisting social task by the Social professional individually or collectively to perform in accountable ethical ways under the pursuit of the professional target. In the present scenario, while interviewing Jen and evaluating her past episodes, there were different stages of conversation sessions carried out which enabled her to assist with ethical considerations. Ethics under social work encodes humanitarian acts and leads with democratic ideas and the value relies on respect for dignity, equality, and work toward the client. Therefore, for social work practices using AASW codes enables the relevant case to make focus on Human needs which are Jen and Mark's desires and developing their potentiality, and giving parenting care to their child Jo. Social work knowledge and ethical codes are very necessary to be using during the solution-based therapy approach during counseling as it sets ethical guidelines applications and best practices to pass with for integrity, professionalism, and honesty (Mansaray & Mani, 2020). Values, therefore, are those principles that provide guidance to understand right from wrong and are about the importance while social caring and supporting the clients.
C. Learnings, as a social work practitioner
Helping clients overcome the impossible challenges of their life is what I learned as a Social worker Practitioner. My practitioner style was always being curious and observant while listening to the clients was the unique way of behavior communication used by me (Rathmell et al. 2019). Implementation of Solution based theory enables me to provide such a blueprint that supported me held my client based on the social work theory, As on the role of Social work practitioner I give my client emotional and practical support to a wide range of guidance and also give my client Jen who is heavily pregnant to help while seeking accommodation services under the temporary supported accommodation. Furthermore, Jen and Mark were both given the best advice during the session to solve their issues and focus on being good parents towards their three-month grown child Jo.
Reference List
Agbawodikeizu, P. U., Levy, S., Ekoh, P. C., Chukwu, N. E., &Okoye, U. O. (2022). Religion and spirituality as a core module in social work education in Nigeria: perspectives of social work educators. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 1-18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15426432.2022.2089316Cai, C. J., Winter, S., Steiner, D., Wilcox, L., & Terry, M. (2019). " Hello AI": uncovering the onboarding needs of medical practitioners for human-AI collaborative decision-making. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-computer Interaction, 3(CSCW), 1-24. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3359206Ebert, C., &Duarte, C. H. C. (2018). Digital transformation. IEEE Softw., 35(4), 16-21. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carlos-Henrique-Duarte-2/publication/326241618_Digital_Transformation/links/5b4d14f3aca27217ff9b05e4/Digital-Transformation.pdfIslam, M. M., Parkinson, A., Burns, K., Woods, M., & Yen, L. (2020). A training program for primary health care nurses on timely diagnosis and management of dementia in general practice: an evaluation study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 105, 103550. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748920300353Mansaray, M. F., & Mani, E. K. F. (2020). The importance of ethical codes in the guidance and counseling profession. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science, 4(8), 14-18. http://ijses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/75-IJSES-V4N7.pdfRathmell, W. K., Brown, N. J., &Kilburg, R. R. (2019). Transformation to academic leadership: The role of mentorship and executive coaching. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 71(3), 141. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-52290-001Smart, E., Nalder, E., Trentham, B., & King, G. (2022). "What their expectations could be": a narrative study of mothers and service providers in pediatric rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-14. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638288.2022.2127935
Assessment feedback
WELF 3030 Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice
Critical analysis (Theory) 2500 words, 50%
The Graduate qualities being assessed by this assignment are:
Demonstration and application of interviewing knowledge (GQ 1); demonstrates reflective ability which has life-long application (GQ 2); autonomous work in keeping journal and written activities up to date (GQ 4); considering and writing about ethical principles in interviewing (GQ 5); effective communication in recording experiences and feelings about learning (GQ 6)
Key components of this assignment Comment by marker
Research one field of practice Using the Jen & Mark case study, a field of practice is described (e.g. homelessness); a specific cohort is identified (e.g. youth homelessness), and current/ common issues experienced by the cohort are described and supported with current research (15%) Research one theory
Accurate description of one theory that applies to a key issue in the case study. Clearly demonstrating an understanding of the theory. See details in CO. (15%) Critical analysis of the application of ONE theory to ONE field of practice is evident, through discussion of specific principles and potential outcomes for client cohort (e.g. young women, men, children, couples); exploration of the strengths and limitations of the theory in that field of practice (30%) Critical analysis of how the theory aligns with your social work values and purpose when working in that field of practice (20%) Conclusion, about the suitability of the theory in helping to meet client need that logically flows from the analysis and is supported with evidence from the discussion, and clear introduction provided (10%) Academic writing convention is evident with appropriate structure, presentation, syntax; evidence of broadly researched information, correct formatting and use of Harvard referencing style. Minimum references: 10-12 (10%) Summary comment
Grade Notation Notational % Grade description Assignment grade
High distinction HD 85100 An exceptional piece of work in every regard Distinction D 7584 A good attempt exhibiting high quality work in most areas Credit C 6574 A sound attempt exhibiting high quality work in some areas Pass level 1 P1 5564 A sound attempt Pass level 2 P2 5054 Just passable Fail level 1 F1 4049 Not passable - some areas requiring significant improvement Fail level 2 F2 below 40 Not passable - most areas requiring significant improvement What needs further work
A3: Critical Analysis Practice/Theory Paper [2250 words 50% of final grade)
The final assignment asks you to provide an in-depth critical analysis of:-
1) one social issue/area of practice (this may be the same problem that you explored with Jen or Mark in your role-play video or a different issue from the Jen & Mark case study scenario)
2) one theoretical practice approach(again, this can be the same one that you used in your role-play video or another approach covered in the course)
Theoretical Practice Models covered in the course:
Crisis Intervention
Suicide Risk Assessment
Feminist Theory
Narrative Therapy
Solution Focused Approaches
CBT
Working with Men and DV
Motivational Interviewing
Couples Counselling Approaches
This assessment asks you to critically discuss your understanding of this social problem and of your chosen theoretical practice approach and how this theory/approach is applicable to your chosen social problem. In short, the applicability of the approach to one key issue from the Jen & Mark case study.
Please use only normal third person academic language, as this is not a reflective paper
The final word count is 2250 words, with the usual 10% under/over .
The word count for each of the three main sections is flexible.
The word parameters have been expanded below, which is different from the Course Outline, based on student feedback to make the word count for each section more evenly distributed.
The critical analysis and critical application of the theory is very important
The paper is not just a description of the issues/ theory and application
You need to also critically discuss the limitations and weaknesses of your chosen theory, in relation to the social problem you are discussing.
Minimum 10-12 academic references (please minimise the use of online websites if used; give the full names of reports and authors, for any info accessed on the websites, as the reference, not the website).
Three Key Headings
Introduction (approx. 100 words)
A brief introduction to what the paper will cover and the order in which it will be presented
A. Field of Practice and Population Cohort (approx. 500 -700 words)
Choose a field of practice from the Jen & Mark case studythat particularly interests you. For example, domestic/family violence; housing and homelessness; mental health (such as suicidal ideation); drug and alcohol abuse; parenting issues. You can also assume that Jen & Mark are from a CALD background or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background if you want, to discuss working from a culturally responsive approach.
Describe the field of practice, including a specific cohortwithin that field, as relevant to the case study. Define the issue and outline Australian statistics and prevalence (i.e. Australian definitions and statistics about youth homelessness; unplanned pregnancy; gendered violence, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol issues).
Some hints:
Define the ONE key issue you will be focusing on and then narrow down (such as homelessness more broadly, to youth homelessness, as relevant to the case study)
Outline relevant statistics, as per gender, culture, socio-economic differences and prevalence of this issue in Australia (e.g. using RECENT -ABS data, AIHW reports -on homelessness, DV, mental health)
Please focus on Australian statistics.
Support your response withcurrent research literature from social worksources; research and statistics from credible government websites, such as ABS, AIHW, as well as ANROWS for gendered violence https://www.anrows.org.au/and AHURI for homelessness https://www.ahuri.edu.au/.
Look for and include key critical debates in the literature about the field of practice-mention this here- to set up your critical analysis of application of chosen theory to chosen field of practice in Section C.
For example, see commentary below in Section C and attached below- AHURI report by Guy Johnson et al.- about individual-structural debates often used in homelessness literature.
'Working with men who use violence' and 'safety planning with women' in DV can fit with a gendered analysis of constructions of femininity and masculinity, as provided by feminist theory. See the work of Australian scholars Tony Fletcher (chapter in ereader), Bob Pease & Micheal Flood, on working with men from a feminist approach. The ANROWS website above has lots of reports on perpetrator programs, as well as different angles on safety and working with women and children affected by violence.
B. Description & Critical Analysis of Theory (approx. 600 -700 words)
Demonstrate your in-depth understanding of the ONE theory/approach you have chosen, by describing its
Origins & Pioneers, (seminal authors)
Main argument
3-4 key principles
Intervention levels (e.g. micro, mezzo, macro), and the
Strengths and weaknesses or limitations of the theory
Cover all these aspects noted in bold above.
These aspects also covered in Caroles 2020 videos of these theoretical practice models, at the end of each week-check the power point slides, for the week/key theory/approach you have chosen.
See also -ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for this assignment:Thinking critically-in the Course Outline.
Diversity issues could be an area for critical analysis:e.g. Does the theory address gender, culture, power, ethnic or racial issues (diversity issues)?What does it say about these issues?See framework in Mumm, A & Kersting, R 1997, Teaching critical thinking in social work practice courses, Journal of Social Work Education, Vol. 33, no. 1, pp 75-84).
C. Critical Analysis of The Social Work Application of The Theory to The Field of Practice - including alignment of the theory with social work values and purpose (approx. 750-1000 words)Critically apply the chosen theory to your chosen field of practice/issue from the Jen & Mark case study.
Discuss the application, of the key theoretical principles of your chosen theory, to the chosen field of practice and why or how are applicable
Outline potential outcomes of the theory/approach for Jen and/or Mark
Outline some of the strengths and limitations/weaknesses of the theory, in relation to the chosen practice issue and population cohort
Critically discuss the application of the chosen theory to the chosen key issue drawing on key debates in academic literature
One example mentioned in Section A could be that you discuss individual-structural debates in literature, which is very common in social work and homelessness literature.
For example, some critiques of crisis and risk assessment counselling theories/approaches are that they tend to focus solely on changing the individual; and are an immediate, short term 'fix' or 'band-aid' approach (e.g. brief therapies such as crisis, solution focused approaches); can be pathologizing (e.g. in MH, 'labelling' critique); fit with more policy agendas-because individual counselling approaches mostly address individual responsibility, at the micro/mezzo level .
In contrast to this focus on individuals only, a broader 'structural', social justice or social change (macro) lens would advocate for addressing broader social issues in the environment, unjust service systems, social structures, as is clearly evident in the case study.
This critique relates to social workers advocating for better access to affordable housing; gender equality; systemic change; being aware of and addressing institutionalised racism, classism, sexism etc -as well as working with individuals in counselling.
If taking a feminist approach, the notions of patriarchy, power and gender inequalities tends to take a broader more macro lens (advocating for social change)-but there are debates within feminism about 'white, western, middle class feminists' speaking on behalf of 'all women' affected by for example, domestic violence, which has been critiqued by more post structural and intersectional feminist approaches...
Discuss how well the theory you have chosen aligns with core social work values and purpose, when working with your chosen cohort (see AASW Code of Ethics)
When thinking, for example, about structural-individual debates-the Code of Ethics covers social justice and advocating for social and systemic change- as well as providing 'best practice' individual counselling responses to trauma and distress etc- both can be useful...
Thus, in this paper, you are looking at your chosen cohort/field of practice, through the lens of the theory, and critically analysing the strengths and limitations of what the theory can (and can't) tell you, to develop your understanding of individual circumstances, in relation to broader social factors (e.g. 'person in the environment').
Conclusion (approx. 100 words)
Clearly outline your conclusions about why you think that the theory is (or is not in parts) applicable to work in the particular field you have examined; succinctly summarizing key points raised in your paper.
