Application of Theory to Assessments and Interventions in Social Work

Application of Theory to Assessments and Interventions in Social Work

Social workers need to understand theories that help explain the problems with their clients to determine the best assessment and interventions. A particular social issue may be approached using more than one theory. This paper will explore the application of theory to the assessment and intervention of a client with a depressive disorder during fieldwork.

Client Identification

The client whose case will be assessed and intervened through the application of theory is a single mother of two. Juana is a 41-year-old mother of girls. Her oldest girl, Cathy, is 9, and her second born, Marie, is six. She had divorced two years back, and she was living in a small apartment with her two children. The client is a member of the Orthodox Church. The first time one contacted Juana, she noted that she disliked talking much to people she did not know. She had low esteem and got angry quickly when asked about the mischievous behaviors of her two children. She seemed anxious and depressed, and during the conversation, she concentrated much on the negative issues. Her volume and tone were normal, but she was reluctant to answer some questions. However, after contacting her several, she became cooperative and answered questions precisely and clearly.

Theory Application to Client’s Case

Based on the behaviors of Juana, it was clear that she was suffering from moderate depressive disorder and anxiety. She was still disturbed by the thoughts of her broken marriage, and in one instance, she blamed herself. One theory that can be applied to address Juana’s case is cognitive behavioral theory. According to his theory, individuals’ responses to situations are influenced by their cognitive processes, such as the meanings and assumptions they make (Huguet et al., 2018). The individual response to these situations can be positive or negative depending on the meanings and assumptions they make about them. Cognitive behavioral theory can help assess Juana’s condition and develop the most appropriate intervention.

Assumptions of Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Cognitive behavioral theory has several assumptions which are agreed upon by experts in the field of psychiatry. One of these assumptions is that appropriate practice and training can eliminate cognitive problems even when the involved person is unaware of the specific beliefs and thoughts. The theory also assumes that the processing of information by humans can be faulty even though we are information processors. This assumption is crucial in the context of the client because the problems he is going through relate to how she processes information (Dobson & Dobson, 2021). The third assumption is that an individual’s thinking mediates one’s response to the environment. The theory also assumes that it is possible to modify an individual’s cognitions to make them balanced and rational (Dobson & Dobson, 2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on these assumptions as it aims to alter a client’s cognition to make it more balanced and rational.

Application of Cognitive Behavioral Theory in Fieldwork

Cognitive behavioral therapy forms the foundation of many interventions that are applied in the field of psychiatry. Some of these interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive therapy (REBT), and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MCBH), among others. These interventions focus on helping the clinician overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their mental health issues (Dobson & Dobson, 2018). They help clients learn how to deal with triggers, manage stress and anxiety, set realistic goals, engage in positive activities, and embrace a positive mindset.

The interventions based on the cognitive behavioral theory have been proven helpful in patients with cognitive disorders. These interventions are applied alone or with pharmacological ones, depending on the severity of the symptoms of the mental disorder. Many studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of CBT in the treatment of mental disorders such as depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders, among others (David et al., 2018). David. Moderate depression and anxiety disorder have been treated successfully using CBT. In the case of severe depression, CBT can be used together with pharmacological options or with other nonpharmacological therapies, such as psychodynamic therapy. Most of the cases that one engages in during fieldwork involve counseling clients. The client in the case study suffers from anxiety and moderate depression, and the two conditions can be treated successfully using CBT.

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