Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills

Part 1. Introduction :

The challenges and opportunities of social work

Direct practice: domain, philosophy, and roles

Overview of the helping process

Operationalizing the cardinal social work values.

Part 2. Exploring, assessing, and planning :

Building blocks of communication: conveying empathy and authenticity

Verbal following, exploring, and focusing skills

Eliminating counterproductive communication patterns and substituting positive alternatives

Assessment: exploring and understanding problems and strengths

Assessment: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors

Assessing family functioning in diverse family and cultural contexts

Forming and assessing social work groups

Developing goals and formulating a contract.

Part 3. The change-oriented phase :

Planning and implementing change-oriented strategies

Developing resources, advocacy, and organizing as intervention strategies

Enhancing family functioning and relationships

Intervening in social work groups

Additive empathy, interpretation, and confrontation

Managing barriers to change.

Part 4. The termination phase :

The final phase: evaluation and termination.