Intervention principles and procedures in social work is
something that we have encountered recently.
This concept is a great place to see practice and theory come together. As
Wood and Tully indicate in their writing, “Social Work is not merely something
one understands, it is something one does, on step at a time” (pg. 80). In short theory is just that, theory alone,
if we do not use it in the helping profession.
Part of the intervention principle is the three phases of the
process model: the contract phase, the task phase and the termination/reconstructing
phase. The implementation of structural social work in practice does not need
to be over theorized. As social workers working with clients this should be a
natural process. We discuss with our clients strengths and needs, what needs
are to be addressed, and how we are going to arrive at a place in which these needs
are met. Once we get there we reassess the situation and identify and address
present needs.
It is a relief for me personally to realize that sometimes what
we are naturally feeling and doing in practice, lines up with theatrical frameworks
that are offered. I have heard from experienced social workers that much of
their practice, after reflection and encounters with current theories offered
in social work today, have actually been used, without even knowing it! Social work really is a combination of
knowing and doing. I love this thought.
If begin to know too much and do to little we fail our clients. If we do too
much and know too little we fail again. A good balance of both is what we need
to strive for.
It does seem like with many things in life, practicing social work cannot just be learned, it is to some extent an art. Our reflections and blogs are excellent at assisting us with incorporating our book learning, hands-on learning, and life experience. In my internship there is a unique model of bereavement support which was developed by a clinician there. I was inquiring with her regarding if she followed a specific practice model or theory, and she said no, she just made it up. She referenced some theories which influenced her however. Even without having an evidence based practice, and evaluation of this group, as I've participated as a facilitator in it, I can tell that individuals enjoy coming and participation assists in creating a sense of community for individuals as they redefine themselves. I know I even feel more positive when I leave the group.
ReplyDeleteI hate the idea of getting caught up in theory and terminology (I think you know this!). I have found what you have stated here to be true in my work ... the idea that what we have been doing all along, lines up with what the books say we should be. This is the idea of a critical approach to the work. We have to examine the balance between book work and instinct/ experience. We are all drawn to this work because of something that exists naturally within us or because of life experience, or a combination of both. Either way, we can only become stronger social workers with our education. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter what we call any of it, as long as we are making a difference in our field, with the people we serve, with our coworkers, within our community and within ourselves.
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