RESPONSE 1: Social Learning, Exchange, and Behaviorism Theories in Social Work Practice
Respond to two colleagues who chose the two theories you did NOT choose for your post.
· Use the theory that neither of you used in your posts to explain how that third theory might apply to the population your colleague discussed. For example, imagine that your post is about social learning. Jane's post is about exchange theory, while Steve's post is about behaviorism. You would respond to Jane's post by discussing behaviorism. Then you would respond to Steve's post by discussing exchange theory.
RESONSE 2: Transpersonal Theory
Respond to at least two colleagues in one of the following ways:
o Offer an example of how you have witnessed or may witness transpersonal theory in social work practice.
o Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
o Offer and support an opinion about the use of transpersonal theory with clients who hold different belief systems based on what your colleague described.
What it means to be a transpersonal social worker
A transpersonal social worker is described by Watson (1999) as an individual who looks at the whole person and their ability to "self-extend beyond personal identity and meaning to include a "mindfulness and equanimity with self and other", (as cited by Kalischuk & Nixon, 2009). In other words, a social workers ability to be mindful of outside factors which play into a person's identity, such as spirituality.
Explanation of the influences of transpersonal theory and own belief system on social work practice
The influences of transpersonal theory on my belief systems are to remain open minded when working with clients whose beliefs differ from mine. Always analyze the situation if it feels uncomfortable to me and utilizes my supervisor if feeling that the client's beliefs are impacting my ability to work with them. According to Robbins, Chatterjee, and Canda, A social worker aware of their own individual growth and the client's growth and be able to use self-reflection on an ongoing continuum (2012).
Explanation of how you might help clients with belief systems that differ from your own.
As a social worker, I need to remain mindful of individuals spirituality and religious beliefs. Social workers need to take a holistic approach a treat the whole person not just the problem.
Many aspects of an individual's environment play a role in the problem. Social workers need to develop skills which properly address all aspects of the individual.
The social worker needs to remain aware of the differences in belief systems and use skills to manage feelings and concerns so that we can remain accepting of all individuals and their differences.
RESPONSE 3: Controversy in Psychopharmacological Intervention to Treat Substance Abuse Disorders
Respond to two of your colleagues' posts by:
o Extending your colleague's Discussion with additional support for the stance
o Offering a different psychotropic drug treatment than your colleague and supporting its use with evidence
o Refuting the use of the selected medication and providing evidence to support your stance from the Learning Resources and other scholarly sources
Discussion 4: Evaluating Substance Abuse Client Cases
Respond to two of your colleagues' posts that posted to a different case study than you by:
o Extending your colleague's Discussion with additional support for the factors that indicate the appropriateness of the medication
o Providing a different perspective on the role of the mental health professional in monitoring side effects
o Refuting the use of the selected medication and providing evidence to support your stance from the Learning Resources and other scholarly sources