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I need support with this Social Work question so I can learn better.

Respond to the blog post of three colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

• Expand on your colleague’s posting.
• Make a suggestion to your colleague’s post.

Latonja—

Birkenmaier and Berg-Weger (2018) assert that working at the individual and family levels focuses the scope of practice from a person-in-environment perspective. Professionals who work with individuals and families rely on the clients’ interactions within the systems in their environment to identify and assess the presenting problem, strengths, and areas that need improvement. At Essential Journey Counseling, we also utilize an ecological framework in individual and family therapy. We conduct biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments to gather a comprehensive assessment of our clients. I am currently practicing individual therapy in my field experience and have had the opportunity to exercise various communication skills. I understand that building a rapport with my clients is vital to building a therapeutic alliance. Providing therapeutic services to individuals requires an assortment of skills to enhance service delivery. According to Birkenmaier and Berg-Weger (2018), practice with individuals and families is based on a model of planned change; it includes skills such as rapport building, empathy, cultural competence, assessment, intervention, termination, and evaluation.

Nevertheless, I have not worked in family or group therapy as of yet. I plan to familiarize myself with both levels in the second phase of my field experience. 

Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018). Social work practice in the field: Working with individuals and families.  In The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and fieldwork (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson. (pp. 117-154)

Jannie—

Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018) explains the general definition of the generalist social work practice as working with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in a variety of social work settings while viewing the families/clients from a strength perspective. At the Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center, we work with severely physically abused and/or sexually abused children and their families. There is a myriad of families who are asked by an NYC Detective or NYC Children’s (formally known as NYC Administration for Children’s Services) to bring their children for a forensic interview.

A 14-year-old male made a disclosure that his biological father touched him in an inappropriate manner which sparked an investigation by NYC Children. There is a history of domestic violence between the mother and bio-father. We also learned that one month prior, the child attempted suicide by trying to hang himself. He was hospitalized for over a month, released with medication and therapy as part of his treatment plan. When speaking to the child after the forensic interview, it was important to assess for any current suicidal thoughts and/or plans. His responses were alarming, which lead to a team effort to decide if he would need immediate psychiatric attention. When speaking to his mother separately, she shared the emotional task of worrying every time the child goes to the bathroom, and the process of her ensuring all sharp objects are locked and hidden. A discussion around her strengths was held and recommendations were shared. Then both the mother and child were met together and a discussion around the concerns raised ensued. It was determined that there will not be an immediate recommendation for hospitalization. The day before, the child’s medication dose was increased and may have been a factor in his behavior during the discussion. Nonetheless, psychoeducation was provided and a safety plan was created with the family prior to their leaving. 

Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018). The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and fieldwork (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.

Rasheeda—

Safe Homes, provides individual/family (depending on age of children) counseling and support group to victims of domestic violence. Other services include legal advocacy, 30-day emergency shelter, life skills classes, & community resources. As a social work intern this is the opportunity to further develop skills. This includes the ability to engage with individuals, families, & groups. The important skills are building rapport, effective listening, critical thinking, & observation. And the ability to engage & empathize with clients (Birkenmaier & Berg-Weger, 2018). At the agency I work with individuals doing counseling. I provide assessments & counseling to those who have been in domestic violence relationships. Rather they come by recommendation from the community or from the shelter. When working with DV victims there can often be some resistance, fear of judgement, & uncertainty about their future. Although the situations are difficult it is positive when a client is able to get some insight & clarity. The difficult part is that at times many don’t have support (family, friends), they are starting over, & lacking self-confidence. I have not participated in group or workshops yet, but I am attending the upcoming ones scheduled. I am looking forward to attending to gain knowledge on how the group support & dynamics can strengthen & empower. 

Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018). The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and fieldwork(4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.