Perspectives, Frameworks, & Theories Commonly Used in Social Work Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University Fall 2021 SOWK 486: Theories of Practice I
Agenda • Perspectives, theories, and frameworks • Systems theory • Ecological perspective • Strengths perspective • Solution focused brief therapy Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Perspectives vs Theories & Frameworks + Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Theory: A general statement about the real world whose essential truth can be supported by evidence obtained through the scienti c method. Framework / Model: Is a blueprint for action. It describes what happens in practice in a general way. Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University fi fl Perspectives: A way of perceiving the world ows from a value position SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Systems Theory Input System Output Equi nality Pressure Homeostasis fi Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University Pressure SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Systems Theory Macro Micro Mezzo Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Energy Adaptation Transactions Interdependence Interface Person Ecological Perspective Coping Environment Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Ecological Perspective Macro Micro Mezzo Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Strengths Perspective Implementing Strengths Perspective Don’t take no for an answer Help correct the e ects of being labeled Take advantage of the considerable resources of culture and ethnicity Focus of Attention What people learn as they struggle Personal qualities and virtues Talents that people have Cultural and family rituals, beliefs, stories and lore Normalize Dreams and hopes Possibility, solution and strengths focus The community ff Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University Spirituality / Faith SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Strengths Perspective Types of Questions Survival questions Support questions Exception questions Esteem questions Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Strengths Perspective Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Search for Solutions, not Admire the Problem
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Tenants • If it’s not broken, don’t x it • Look for exceptions • Asking questions rather than telling clients what to do • Future is negotiated and created • Complements fi Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University • Gentle nudging to do more of what is working • Change is constant and inevitable • The solution is not always directly related to the problem SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Miracle question Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Miracle question Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University Clients experts General attitude communicating an abundant, genuine curiosity Micro practice skills SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Strengths perspective Building rapport and giving hope Direct complements: positive evaluation or reaction Indirect complements: a question implying something positive Miracle question Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Motivation, hopefulness, depression, con dence, progress… Techniques for follow-up Miracle question fi Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Not knowing Complementing strengths Interventions Problem description vs. exceptions Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Miracle question fi Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University Increase awareness of current/past successes Turning past solutions into present solutions Finding out speci cs SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Coping questions Tailored to help client from feeling overwhelmed A method for exploring exceptions Miracle question Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Interventions Not knowing Complementing strengths Scaling questions Exception questions Amplifying what the client wants Formatting the question Coping questions Concrete, behavioral, measurable terms Miracle question Realistic terms Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021
Other Theories to Consider A Non-Exhaustive List • Social Exchange Theory • • Behaviorism & Social Learning Theory Psychosocial Developmental Theory • Con ict Theory • Social Constructionism • Transpersonal Theory • Psychodynamic Theory • Contingency Theory • Symbolic Interactionism • Feminist Perspective fl Jacob Campbell, LICSW Heritage University SOWK 486 Fall 2021