As a competent social worker, I understand the importance of continuous engagement on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers must understand and utilize human behavior and social environment theories to facilitate engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. I value the importance of human relationships and evidence-based practices in building an effective professional practice with individuals and systems. Evidence-based practices provide trustworthy models for successful interaction. I intend to recognize and refer to these values and techniques when building connections in the field.
6.1: Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems.
Course Evidence: During my Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic II course, I completed a DSM 5 Disorder Case Construction paper focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This assignment allowed me to understand the importance of reviewing and utilizing evidence-based practices when working with individuals and systems.
Field Evidence: I reviewed evidence-based practices in preparation to start individual therapy with a youth experiencing depression and anxiety. Some of these practices included CBT and Attachment-Based Family Therapy since a lot of his presenting issues appeared rooted in past family instability. I also spent a lot of time reviewing motivational interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Therapy, Play Therapy Dimension Model, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while preparing to engage with biological families working towards reunification.
Additional Evidence: I completed training on the efficiency of EMDR, CBT, and Somatic-based interventions and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for individuals with complex trauma.
6.2: Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies.
Course Evidence: I led a Domestic Violence Survivor Therapy Group as a final assignment in my Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinical Assessment, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapeutic Skills class. I demonstrated evidence-based approaches when working with the group to develop rapport and engagement. I included components of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, somatic relaxation exercises, and complex trauma education. I also utilized Yalom’s curative factors of group cohesiveness, universality, interpersonal learning, instillation of hope, and imparting information.
Field Evidence: I had the opportunity to engage with clients throughout my practicum at Omni. I utilized supportive therapy and the person-in-environment perspective while focusing primarily on building rapport and connecting with clients so that I could provide a safe place for each client to feel vulnerable and share their experiences with me. I have learned that the engagement and rapport-building stage is essential before any interventions can be successful within the helping relationship.
Additional Evidence: I completed the Empowered to Connect Training that focuses heavily on the Trust-Based Relational Intervention Model (TBRI). This training helps promote healthy connections and nurturing environments for foster and biological families to strengthen the capacity to overcome adversity, toxic stress, and maltreatment. I was able to use this knowledge when engaging with foster and biological families.