Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.

Social workers recognize and understand that interaction and engagement are a crucial part of the social work profession. Engaging in communities with diverse individuals, families, groups, and organizations is one of the foundations that social work is built on. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers study and understand theories and how they apply to human behavior in the social environment. Social workers understand that personal experiences guide individuals, so it is important that social workers are taught to be self-aware and to not impose their experiences when engaging with clients. Social workers value and recognize the importance of human relationships as well as the benefits of collaboration with other professions.

PRACTICE BEHAVIORS: 

6A – Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across system.

Academic Evidence: During my first clinical class, I wrote a self-reflection paper examining my use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I was able to examine how I used CBT and then correct myself where improvements were needed. This helped me to understand the effectiveness of CBT and improve my skills in implementing it.

Field Evidence: At the Chattanooga Autism Center, I had the opportunity to create an Annotated Bibliography examining the three different types of therapy done at the center. I was able to examine each and learn more about what services the clinic provided.

Other Evidence: During my summer trauma intensive class, I participated in a discussion question post that asked us to examine our trauma debriefing model (CISD) and what the benefits and criticisms of this model are.

6B – Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies.

Academic Evidence: Below you will find a 20-minute video of me performing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I learned about this evidence-based practice in my first clinical class and had the opportunity to practice it throughout the year. In this video, you can see me actively engaging with my client throughout the whole session.

Field Evidence: During my second semester at the CAC, I took on a small caseload of clients. I was able to engage with individuals, groups, and families through this process while providing CBT to my client. Here is a case note from one of my sessions showing my engagement with my client and their family.