Importance of Different Social Work Theories

Case Study
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Introduction
Social work perspectives draw from philosophy, education, psychology, and economics. Theories from these diverse fields are inexplicably linked to explain what influences or drives people's thoughts, emotions or behavior. In essence, social work theory provides a firm foundation for the social worker to understand clients' attitudes, behavior and rationalize what might happen when specific methods are applied.
Problem Solving Theories
Problem-solving theories focus on individual situations. The two main approaches include task-centered practice and crisis intervention. These theories are well researched, analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods to be highly effective and reliable. In the social work realm, these theories exhibit immense similarities and influence each other in terms of approach, processes, and techniques based on clients' lifestyles, behaviors, and attitudes (Hardin, 2003). In this regard, social workers should critically analyze, assess, evaluate and reflect on their code of conduct in their social work practice to determine the most suitable theories, what does not work, what needs modification, and which needs to be borrowed upon for future generations. This study reviews the task-centered practice and explores distinct ways it can address the emerging issues.
Task Centered Practice
With task-centered practice, a social worker breaks down a problem into manageable tasks. Modern theorists argue that this model is highly effective as it facilitates small but substantial milestones as a group. Also, this practice prioritizes the present and focuses on positive things the individual can do to improve their future (Payne, 2014).
Reasons for selecting Task-Centered Theory
A task-centered treatment process requires a social worker to be accurate and effective in applying social work practices. According to Healy, 2014; Cowie, 2018, social workers can begin this process by taking part in these practices by setting realistic deadlines on the first encounter (Teater, 2014). This practice is suitable for addressing Jennifer's problem as Jennifer is healing from broken relationships and financial instability and provides ways to improve her life positively. A task-centered approach builds on the social worker-client relationship. Following this, the social worker can solve any differences amicably and collaborate with the client on the most appropriate intervention techniques. With task-centered practice, there is sufficient building client capacity for action. This treatment plan is right for Jennifer's case as it focuses on restoring the brevity and courage to face life as a disabled single mother.
Analyze the case study from the perspective of the Task-centered theory
One of the most benefits of task-centered social work practice is practicing from a theoretical framework of helping individuals make great strides towards improving their lives. Task-centered practice is focused on practical tasks to resolve specific issues. According to the case study, there is a dynamic relationship between the three individuals. Therefore it is of paramount importance to curate a time-limited treatment plan that provides an opportunity for each client's issues to be addressed. Social workers applying task-centered practices involve cultivating a sequence of identifying and prioritizing the problems highlighted by the client and then undertaking manageable tasks to handle them (Payne, 2014). One of the critical principles appropriate in Jennifer's case under this social practice is the capacity of the social worker to celebrate compared to significant changes. Short consecutive changes over time bring about big changes (Cowie, 2018). Secondly, the social worker should adopt a more present and intentional perspective throughout the treatment plan to avoid relapsing. For example, the social worker dealing with Amelia should ensure that she goes to school every day. After an in-depth review of the case study, I would frame my practice to seek mutual clarity with the client. Not only will the timelines be flexible, but there will be reflective and assessment deadlines. Based on the urgency of the client's situation, I will adopt a systematic and structured approach to intervention. In furtherance, these social work interventions will be built on a sustainable social worker-client relationship as the founding step to restore the individuals' brevity. My limited treatment plan is going to last for 12 months and will be broken down into three main phases; preparation/entry phase, problem identification and exploration, goal identification and setting time-limits planning and implementing tasks, termination/evaluation phase (Teater, 2010 in Cowie, 2018)
Psychosocial Theory
Historically Psychosocial theory is the foundational building block for all the social work theories, approaches, methods, and practices referenced when initiating a social worker-client relationship by modern social worker theorists. The integration of psychosocial theory with other social work practices means that the concept of understanding individuals based on their psychological and sociological aspects can be seen in cognitive behavioral therapy (Robinson and Kaplan, 2011).
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is a theory that mainly focuses on understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and behavior are interrelated. Modern therapists argue that CBT is centered on the notion that if people can address the unhelpful cognition, we can manage the negative emotions which simultaneously change our behavior. Therefore, primarily CBT is inclined to change people's perceptions to nurture positive behaviors. Although social workers cannot instill positive thoughts, proven tactics can help people avoid constantly turning into negative thoughts. These tactics are drawn upon filtering various cognitive interpretations that are not factual. Therefore, social workers allow individuals to challenge and restructure these thoughts. In furtherance, CBT theorists apply methods, approaches, and techniques that are cognitive-based to trigger the brain to produce positive reviews. In this regard, cognitive restricting is an in-depth process involving critical analysis of the situation, assessing the client's thoughts, evaluating emotions, checking on the emanating behavior, and finally guiding the client towards alternate opinions. Modern theorists have proved that CBT is tried and tested theory for most mental health conditions, including moderate to severe depression.
Reason for selecting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
After critically analyzing the cognitive behavior theory, it is evident that it is well researched, established, reliable and effective. This theory involves a lot of assessment, evaluation, and analysis to draw insights into the root cause of the client's situation. In addition, the approach provides counter thoughts and allows the social worker to guide the client through the thought process to help them challenge and restructure the cognitive facts. Firstly, CBT helps determine the root cause of Jennifer's negative thoughts about her family relations. Secondly, the CBT theory will serve as a yardstick to explain Thomas and Amelia's rogue behavior.
Analyze the case study from the perspective of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This case study presents three key individuals who exhibit similar issues. However, the age groups differ. Cognitive Behavior theory takes center stage in the fact that this is a familial issue. Therefore the individual cognition is c...