Practice Theories & Interventions

Abstract

Social workers select interventions from amongst several practice theories and models based on how well the intervention match the client problem and the intent to which impractical research has found them to be effect.  The mainstream approach in social work is the psychosocial model which incorporate elements of many different theories include for example ego psychology, system theory, and role theory. The psychosocial model is a set of principles that guide intervention. Social works generally apply psychosocial principles to their practice but use whatever psychotherapeutic techniques best match each client problems and preferences. The psychosocial model emphasizes both psychological and social causes of dysfunction.

Introductory Sentence

Social works generally apply psychosocial principles to their practice but use whatever psychotherapeutic techniques best match each client problems and preferences. The five main stages of psychological development include: oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital.

Factual Paragraph #1

Psychodynamics is the systematic study and theory of the psychological forces that underlie human behavior, emphasizing the interplay between unconscious and conscious motivation. A focus in psychodynamics is the connection between the energetics of emotional states in the id, ego, and superego as they relate to early childhood developments and processes. The Id is the unconscious at birth; ego is the rational thinking at childhood and super ego- values, socially acceptable drives.

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            Behavioral Therapies believe previous behavior can be unlearned or changed. Behavior assessments differ from traditional assessments. Behavioral assessments focus on generational specific responses while traditional focuses on global traits. The focal object for the developing child’s energy serves to define five main stages of psychological development: oral (0-18 months), anal (18 months - 3 1/2 years), phallic (3 1/2 years - 6 years), latency (6 years - puberty) and genital (puberty - adulthood).  Each psychosexual stage has three main parts. First, a physical focus: where the child’s energy is concentrated and their gratification obtained. Second, a psychological theme: this is related to both the physical focus and the demands being made on the child by the outside world as he/she develops.  For each stage, there can be two extremes in psychological reaction - either doing too much or not enough of what is ideal. Third, an adult character type: in the first three stages this adult character type is one that is related to being fixated or stuck at that stage. If a person doesn’t resolve the psychological issues that arise at that stage they will always have problems relating to those issues.

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            Positive reinforcement is the adding of an appetitive stimulus to increase a certain behavior or response. For example a father gives candy to his daughter when she picks up her toys. Positive punishment is the adding of an aversive stimulus to decrease a certain behavior or response. For example a mother yells at a child when running into the street.

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            Negative reinforcement is the taking of an aversive stimulus to increase certain behavior or response, for example rolling up the window to block the wind. It strengthens a behavior because a negative condition is stopped or avoided as a consequence of the behavior. Negative punishment or omission training is the taking away of an appetitive stimulus to decrease a certain behavior, for example, taking away a night light when child does not go to bed.

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            Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies brought into play by various entities to cope with reality and to maintain self-image. Healthy persons normally use different defenses throughout life. An ego defense mechanism becomes pathological only when its persistent use leads to maladaptive behavior such that the physical and/or mental health of the individual is adversely affected. The purpose of ego defense mechanisms is to protect the mind-self-ego from anxiety, social sanctions or to provide a refuge from a situation with which one cannot currently cope. Ego defense mechanisms, occurs when the id impulses are in conflict with each other, when the id impulses conflict with super-ego values and beliefs, and when an external threat is posed to the ego.

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            Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach, a talking therapy, which aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. Play therapy is a technique whereby the child’s natural means of expression, namely plays, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. Practitioners of play therapy believe that this method allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something that cannot be done in the child's everyday environment. By playing with specially selected materials, and with the guidance of a person who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out his/her feelings, bringing these hidden emotions to the surface where s/he can face them and cope with them.

What is most interesting about this podcast?

            I think everything about the podcast was interesting. When dealing with clients you should know which theories to use as interventions. The mainstream approach in social work is the psychosocial model which incorporate elements of many different theories include for example ego psychology, system theory, and role theory.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

            I would recommend all social work students read the podcast because the social work exam will include questions that test your knowledge on major practice theories and interventions used in clinical social work.  It’s best to know the psychosocial model because it is very significant in the social work profession.

Concluding Sentence                        

            In conclusion, social workers select interventions from amongst several practice theories and models based on how well the intervention match the client problem and the intent to which impractical research has found them to be effect. Social works generally apply psychosocial principles to their practice but use whatever psychotherapeutic techniques best match each client problems and preferences.