Week 1:An Integrated Approach to Clinical Practice, Theories, and Issues, In this course, you will explore the necessary skills to assess and develop interventions with your clients across the life span. Each age group—children, adolescents, adults, and/or the aging—requires specific theories and skills to best address their needs and concerns. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, you will explore the importance of theory-informed practice.

Previously, in SOCW 6060, you were introduced to various theories, such as systems, conflict, empowerment, and social learning. You will add to your social work practice toolbox by examining how these theories guide you when assessing and implementing social work interventions.

Additional theories such as attachment theory, ego theory, and cognitive behavioral theory will also be introduced to enhance your knowledge and skills as a clinical social worker.

Learning Objectives

Week 1:An Integrated Approach to Clinical Practice, Theories, and Issues

Students will:

• Analyze the importance of integrating theory into clinical practice
• Analyze the integration of empowerment theory and social work skills

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Required Media

Walden University (2019). MSW Field Experience

. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Watch this video for an update on your Field Experience process.

Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript

Week 1:An Integrated Approach to Clinical Practice, Theories, and Issues

Optional Resources

Use this link to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program.

Discussion 1: Ungraded Introductory Video

The profession of social work is unique as it offers you a wide variety of populations to work with, such as adults, children, adolescents, and the elderly. Social work allows you the opportunity to choose from many different types of work settings, such as a hospital, a courthouse, a mental health clinic, or a prison.

With so many exciting options it may be difficult to decide your long-term employment goals. Additionally, you may have come into the social work program believing you wanted to work with one particular group, but now that you have taken some courses, you may have changed your mind. In this video, you will share the population or group you desire to work with at this time.

Describing the social issues this group encounters will offer additional insight into why you chose this group. As you watch your colleagues’ videos, you may learn about a group you never considered working with before.

For this ungraded assignment, you may find it helpful to review the Final Project requirements located in Week 10.

By Day 3

Record  a 2- to 3-minute video introducing yourself to your colleagues and sharing your career interests. Your video should include:

• Your name
• Your geographic location
• A description of the population or group you would prefer to work with once you graduate
• A description of the social issue(s) this group encounters in society
• An explanation of the challenges and opportunities you expect to encounter when working with this group

Upload your video using the Mashup Tool in the classroom. For instructions on how to upload your video, refer to the Kaltura Media Uploader area on the course navigation menu.

Post your video.

To upload your media to this discussion thread, use the Kaltura Media option from the mashup tool drop-down menu. Refer to the Kaltura Media Uploader area in the course navigation menu for more information about how to upload media to the course.

By Day 5

Respond to at least two colleagues with a thoughtful question or suggestion.

Submission and Grading Information

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 1 Discussion 1

Discussion 2: Integrating Theory and Practice

As a social work student, it is important to understand the need for theory-informed practice. As you assess, intervene, and evaluate in your practice, theory is an essential foundation for clinical social work. The use of theory to inform and guide your practice is what establishes you as a professional.

In working with clients, you should always be aware of the underlying theory of your clinical approach. Through this course, you will develop the ability to better articulate the theoretical base by which you choose your interventions. You will use theory in every decision you make as it guides you through your practice. Additionally, identifying the theories in assessing and creating change will make you a more confident and skilled social work practitioner.

By Day 4

Post an analysis and description of the importance of the use of theory in clinical practice. Then describe how the use of theory relates to the social issue you presented in your Introductory Video for this week’s Assignment.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two colleagues who selected a different social issue than yours and identify two possible areas of strength of that population. Explain one way clinical social workers can empower their clients.

Support your responses with specific references to this week’s resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 1 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 1 Discussion 2

Week in Review

In this week, you explored the necessary skills to assess and develop interventions with your clients across the life span.

In the next week, you will analyze the importance of confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship and analyze the impact of mandated reporting on vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead: Final Project

For Final Project requirements, please refer to the instructions located in Week 10.

Your Final Project is due Day 7 of Week 10.

To go to the next week:

Week 2