Theory And pratice Flashcards
What is a theory?
A theory is organized knowledge about a particular subject, in clinical social work is guided by theory, as well as principles,( Sommers Flannigan & Sommers Flannigan,2018)
What is a theory?
There are many different theoretical models of therapy available to help treat a wide range of issues and conditions. Some theoretical models are well known and have been systematically studied in the professional field, while others may be less well-known, or emerging to meet the needs of specific population.
The evolution of clinical theory
First wave: psychodynamic theory
Second wave: cognitive behavioral theories
Third wave: existential/humanistic theories
Fourth wave: feminist in multicultural theories
Fifth wave: postmodern: post, cultural, and constructivist theories
The evolution of clinical theory
Psychodynamic theory originated in the work of Sigmund Freud, and involves a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between an individuals internal and external world
First wave: psychodynamic theory
Object relations represents a natural bridge between the psychodynamic, perspective and theories of attachment, developmental, and social psychology, which posit that mental representations of significant people play an important role in shaping our behavior and social cognition
** object, relations theory has been described as the “ bridge”
First wave: psychodynamic theory
Relational theory, further builds on object relations, and self psychology, situating, intrapsychic conflict within the relational diet that is enacted between the therapist and the patient
Second wave: cognitive behavioral theories
Cognitive theory proposes that dysfunctional thinking is at the root of psychological disturbances.. the patient learns to look at their thoughts in a more rational way, which produces more rational, thinking
Second wave: cognitive behavioral theories
Behavioral therapy is based on the premise that all behaviors are learned, acquired through conditioning, and can be changed
Second wave: cognitive behavioral theories
Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the premise that thoughts and beliefs, influence moves and behaviors.. the treatment goal is to change both a persons thinking and their behavior patterns
Third wave: existential/humanistic theories
 This approach is rooted in the European humanistic and existential, philosophy of self inquiry, struggle, and responsibility, and the American humanistic tradition of spontaneity optimism in practicality (Schneider & Krug, 2017)
Existential and humanistic approaches to therapy emphasize the same factors that research suggest make any therapy successful, such as therapeutic alliance, empathy, the provision of meaning, and hope, and and affective attunement
Fourth wave: feminist and multicultural theories
Feminist and multicultural theory suggest that earlier theoretical models are based on white male heterosexual norms that privilege western values (Corey, 2017)
Fifth wave: postmodern: post structural and constructivist theories
Fifth wave models emphasize the dialogic process that occurs between the client and therapist
Fifth wave: postmodern: post structural and constructivist theories
Postmodernism offers an ideological critique of the authority and certainty of the medical model with an emphasis on diagnosis (DSM) that is often embedded in the perspective of dominant social groups
Fifth wave: postmodern: post structural and constructivist theories
Post structuralism offers a method of understanding how meanings and subject matters are constructed and language
Integrative psychotherapy
Integrative therapy, combines different therapeutic tools, and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client
How to select a theory
Theory selection is a complicated and multifaceted process that depends on assessment, evidence, base research, and practice wisdom
** Theories provide the basis for treatment plans that attends to criteria that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment
Evidence based practice: the science of psychotherapy
Evidence based practices and psychotherapy “ emphasize the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of the patient’s culture, individual characteristics, and personal preferences (Cook et al., 2017)
Evidence based practice: the science of psychotherapy
Another key goal of evidence based psychotherapy is to maximize patient choice, and to ensure that decisions are made collaboratively between the therapist and the patient
The therapeutic relationship: the art of psychotherapy
A key task in therapy is creating and maintaining an optimal therapeutic relationship which has to involve elements, such as empathy, positive regard and stealing hope, and exploring areas of change and making changes which can be challenging and painful (Baldwin& Imel, 2013)