Showing papers in "Clinical Social Work Journal in 2018"
TL;DR: Mounting evidence for stress and trauma as a risk factor for comorbidity and the worsening of core ASD symptoms may intimate a shift in the way clinical social workers and other clinical practitioners conceptualize and approach work with this population to include trauma-focused assessment strategies and clinical interventions.
Abstract: Research findings suggest that behavioral interventions are effective in improving educational outcomes and fostering skill development in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, high rates of comorbidity between ASD and other psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety, indicate that standard behavioral approaches are not adequately addressing issues related to mental health in this population. Research emerging since the publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is advancing our understanding of the nature of childhood stress and trauma in people with ASD and its subsequent impact on mental health and wellbeing. Mounting evidence for stress and trauma as a risk factor for comorbidity and the worsening of core ASD symptoms may intimate a shift in the way clinical social workers and other clinical practitioners conceptualize and approach work with this population to include trauma-focused assessment strategies and clinical interventions. Future directions for research to better understand the nature of childhood stress and trauma and improve mental health in this population are also discussed.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new definition of military cultural competence based on a review of the literature is proposed, which includes the chain-of-command, military norms, and military identity.
Abstract: This article offers a new definition of military cultural competence based on a review of the literature. As a starting point, the defining characteristics of military culture is discussed and includes the chain of command, military norms, and military identity. Having laid this groundwork, the multidimensionality of military cultural competence—attitudinal, cognitive, behavior—is discussed. Clinical applications of these various competencies are provided.
54 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate clinicians experience intrusion symptoms most frequently, and a significant portion report arousal and avoidance symptoms, and call for increased attention toward prevention and amelioration of secondary traumatic stress symptomology among direct service providers.
Abstract: While it is widely acknowledged that providing services to traumatized populations may negatively impact the mental health of clinicians, little is known about the impact of exposure to traumatized clients and secondary traumatic stress on the physical health status of clinicians. As such, the twofold purpose of this study was to: (1) document the prevalence of STS in a national (US) sample of clinical social workers, and (2) to examine the relationships between exposure to client trauma, STS, and perceived health of clinical social workers. Specifically, we sought to determine if STS mediates the relationship between exposure to client traumas and perceived health. Results indicate clinicians experience intrusion symptoms most frequently, and a significant portion report arousal and avoidance symptoms. Mediation analyses revealed that exposure to traumatized client populations indirectly influenced clinical social workers’ physical health perceptions by way of secondary traumatic stress. Findings call for increased attention toward prevention and amelioration of secondary traumatic stress symptomology among direct service providers, given both its prevalence and potential impact on physical health. Directions for future research are discussed.
34 citations
TL;DR: This paper explores children’s trauma symptoms related to parental incarceration and lays the groundwork for the implementation of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) within a clinical community-based setting treating children and adolescents affected by parental incarceration.
Abstract: This paper explores children's trauma symptoms related to parental incarceration and lays the groundwork for the implementation of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) within a clinical community-based setting treating children and adolescents affected by parental incarceration. Children and adolescents who experience parental incarceration are more likely to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): depression, anger, aggression, and isolating and self-harming behaviors. Although parental incarceration is a known source of trauma, there are no documented studies examining effective clinical treatments to reduce the effects of the trauma experienced by these children and adolescents. Except for children and adolescents affected by parental incarceration, TF-CBT, a promising model for treating and reducing the symptoms of PTSD, has been successfully applied to various populations affected by trauma. Children of incarcerated parents resemble populations treated with TF-CBT in earlier applications. In this paper, we present a case illustration that examines the application of TF-CBT with one child who experienced trauma symptoms related to parental incarceration, while discussing the results of that application and the potential for broader applicability of TF-CBT within community-based organizations that treat the population of children and families affected by parental incarceration.
24 citations
TL;DR: The supervision of staff has a rich history within the social work profession, and is widely valued internationally for the support, knowledge, and skill it is perceived to provide Moreover, quality supervision is championed for ensuring good client care as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Supervision of staff has a rich history within the social work profession, and is widely valued internationally for the support, knowledge, and skill it is perceived to provide Moreover, quality supervision is championed for ensuring good client care However, supervisors practicing within the social work profession have not typically had access to best practice information, nor accessed the parallel research related to the supervision of staff A supervision primer provides an orientation to the supervision literature, including definitions and disciplinary perspectives This sets the stage for a scoping review of social work supervision articles for the purpose of supporting supervisors in keeping current, locating, understanding, and applying literature to their practice Seventy-nine conceptual and empirical articles first-authored by social workers were published in 36 journals between 2013 and 2017 The volume, location, context and nature of these articles are presented, pointing to an increased social work presence in the literature Implications for supervisory practice, scholarship, and research are discussed
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw from existing literature to identify key elements involved in social justice seeking clinical supervision and discuss a case composite to illustrate ways in which clinical supervision can serve as a pedagogical space to advance clinical social workers' commitment to social justice.
Abstract: Although social justice is a central professional value of social work articulated in ethics codes, clinical social workers have been long criticized for not clearly incorporating this professed commitment into practice. Supervision is an optimal space within which clinicians can develop knowledge and skills to attend to the issues related to social justice in their practice. A growing body of literature emphasizes social justice in the delivery of clinical services, yet there is a death of literature on how clinical supervision can promote social justice seeking clinical work. In this paper, we draw from existing literature to identify key elements involved in social justice seeking clinical supervision. Using Goodyear’s (Clin Superv 33:82–99, 2014) learning mechanisms of clinical supervision, which consists of modeling, feedback, direct instruction, and self-directed learning, we discuss a case composite to illustrate ways in which clinical supervision can serve as a pedagogical space to advance clinical social workers’ commitment to social justice.
21 citations
TL;DR: The authors reviewed three major evidence-based treatments for BPD: dialectical behavior therapy, schema-focused therapy, and mentalization-based treatment and concluded that increasing mentalization skills may be a common underlying factor in all treatments for individual with BPD.
Abstract: The therapeutic uncertainty common in much of the early literature on borderline personality disorder (BPD) has given way to a growing research base with findings indicating the effectiveness of a number of psychological treatments. This article will review three major evidence-based treatments for BPD: dialectical behavior therapy, schema-focused therapy and mentalization-based treatment. While not a panacea, these treatments have provided, to differing degrees, a reasonable level of evidence indicating therapeutic effectiveness. The evidence base for each of these models is discussed as well as possible mechanisms of change. The article highlights similarities between the differing modalities as well as the features that distinguish the models. The article contends that increasing mentalization skills may be a common underlying factor in all treatments for individual with BPD. The authors conclude by discussing the difficulties and potential benefits of treatment integration.
21 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that reports of availability vary according to position within the organization and the intensity of services within a given program type, and implications for workforce development, access to quality services, and implementation of evidence-based practices are discussed.
Abstract: Clinical supervision is an embedded resource for practice quality in community mental health organizations. Supervision has been found to increase provider competence and decrease stress. In addition, supervision has been associated with service user outcomes including decreased depressive symptoms. However, little is known about the availability and nature of supervision in real world settings. The primary aims of this study were to identify available supervision and the extent to which contextual factors are related to that availability. The data source for this study was a multi-state and multi-site (N = 14) NIMH-funded trial survey of providers (N = 273). Supervision was measured by hours per week (quantity) and by utilization of best practice activities (content). Univariate, Chi square, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA analyses were used to assess supervision content and quantity and to examine subgroup differences. Participants reported an average of 2.17 h of supervision per week and 28.6% of participants endorsed best practice content. Supervision quantity varied significantly across sites (p < 0.05) and program type (p < 0.05) while content did not. Individual role within the organization had a significant relationship with reported supervision content (p < 0.001). In these settings, staff in organizations are exercising discretion in how to utilize supervision within the available time. Supervision time also varied by program type, increasing with the intensity of services. Findings demonstrate that reports of availability vary according to position within the organization and the intensity of services within a given program type. Implications for workforce development, access to quality services, and implementation of evidence-based practices are discussed.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Critical Conversations (CC) model provides a framework to illuminate and examine power dynamics in order to produce change with parallel insight and action in clinical social work supervision.
Abstract: Clinical social work supervision is not immune to enactments of racial and social injustice, prejudice, power and privilege rampant in our social environment and institutions. These dynamics are active in all social interactions. Most often felt on impact, these remain underground and unevenly experienced—though predominantly by people representing intersecting marginalized identities. Such real enactments can be misunderstood or avoided in social work supervision. Negative consequences not only impede learning for the supervisee and supervisor, and affect clinical understanding of client care they also perpetuate injustice based on power and social locations. Social work supervision provides space for critical analysis to identify and alter dynamics of power, privilege, and social oppression. The critical conversations (CC) model provides a framework to illuminate and examine power dynamics in order to produce change with parallel insight and action—supervisee, supervisor, and client care. Supervisee and supervisor gain capacity to engage in reflection, examine personal and professional values, hold tension and tolerate ambiguity, use one self critically, articulate ideas and insights thoughtfully and effectively, as well as inform clinical understanding of clients. The need for critical dialogue in social work supervision regarding dynamics of sameness, differences, intersectional identities, power and privilege is emphasized. Theoretical grounding is offered to elucidate how complex structural forces of oppression and privilege, cultural patterns and narratives are internalized. A definition of CC, its theoretical underpinnings and the CC model are presented with a case scenario to illuminate the application of the CC model in clinical supervision.
13 citations
TL;DR: The extent to which female veterans succeed in transitioning back to civilian life post-deployment may be determined by biological, psychological, and social factors within their home and community as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Female veterans differ from their male veteran counterparts in terms of ratio of men to women, minority status, economic status, and age. In 2014, female veterans totaled over 2 million; roughly 10% of the veteran population. In addition to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, many female veterans also have to adjust to and cope with the physical and/or mental health conditions they experience post-deployment. The extent to which female veterans succeed in transitioning back to civilian life post-deployment may be determined by biological, psychological, and social factors within their home and community. Circumstances that can support or hinder female veterans’ reintegration process include: (a) availability of gender-specific Veterans Affairs policies and services; (b) access to education and employment; (c) supports specific to mental health and/or military sexual trauma; and (d) social stigmas associated with being a female veteran. Along with other healthcare professionals, social workers have an obligation to promote social justice, and to empower underprivileged populations, including female veterans, whose needs may differ from male veterans and require specific expertise and knowledge.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors modified an evidence-based treatment, problem-solving therapy, for veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI), and described how they modified an existing treatment.
Abstract: Social workers play an essential role in facilitating veterans’ reintegration into their communities and daily lives. Many veterans, particularly those who have been deployed, experience comorbid physical, psychological, and neurocognitive problems that significantly impact their health function in multiple domains. Veterans deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm have reported a wide range of persistent, diverse, medically unexplained symptoms that have come to be known as Gulf War Illness (GWI). These symptoms make it difficult for veterans to participate in daily activities, thereby impacting health function. There are few effective treatments to improve the health function for those with GWI. The goals of this article are to provide social workers with information about GWI, and describe how we modified an evidence-based treatment, problem-solving therapy, for veterans with GWI. This tailoring of an existing treatment may serve as a model for adapting evidence-based treatments for veterans and civilians with multiple chronic symptoms and other complex health concerns. Furthermore, the detailed description provided may facilitate dissemination of problem-solving therapy among social workers and trainees.
TL;DR: The main findings suggest that DBT practitioners use DBT skills on their own and report benefits of doing so in their personal lives; perceived stress in the workplace is a predictor of burnout; and DBT skill use was a significant predictor of decreased burnout for D BT practitioners.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DBT therapists personal skill use on burnout and stress levels. The study was exploratory in nature and used a mixed methods convenience sample that surveyed DBT practitioners through an international list serve. Burnout and stress were measured, along with skill use and demographic information in a sample of 135 participants. The main findings suggest that DBT practitioners use DBT skills on their own and report benefits of doing so in their personal lives; perceived stress in the workplace is a predictor of burnout; and DBT skill use was a significant predictor of decreased burnout for DBT practitioners. On a whole, the sample of respondents had very low burnout scores with only 3.7% of those surveyed scoring above the burnout threshold. Implications for general mental health practitioners and future research were also explored.
TL;DR: The findings imply that although self-report remains the simplest way to evaluate supervision quality, other approaches are possible and may provide a different perspective, however, developing a reliable independent measure of supervision quality remains a noteworthy challenge.
Abstract: Understanding how different forms of supervision support good social work practice and improve outcomes for people who use services is nearly impossible without reliable and valid evaluative measures Yet the question of how best to evaluate the quality of supervision in different contexts is a complicated and as-yet-unsolved challenge In this study, we observed 12 social work supervisors in a simulated supervision session offering support and guidance to an actor playing the part of an inexperienced social worker facing a casework-related crisis A team of researchers analyzed these sessions using a customized skills-based coding framework In addition, 19 social workers completed a questionnaire about their supervision experiences as provided by the same 12 supervisors According to the coding framework, the supervisors demonstrated relatively modest skill levels, and we found low correlations among different skills In contrast, according to the questionnaire data, supervisors had relatively high skill levels, and we found high correlations among different skills The findings imply that although self-report remains the simplest way to evaluate supervision quality, other approaches are possible and may provide a different perspective However, developing a reliable independent measure of supervision quality remains a noteworthy challenge
TL;DR: In this article, a working model of cross-cultural supervision is proposed based on a foundation of the supervisory alliance and a focus on social work practice competence, integrating strategies to promote self- and relational-reflexivity within a supervisory relationship.
Abstract: Despite numerous suggestions to integrate culture, diversity and social justice issues in clinical supervision, empirical studies on cross-cultural supervision indicate limited uptake of such recommendations. We suggest that a comprehensive model of cross-cultural supervision could benefit the field by guiding supervisors in this task. A working model is proposed based on a foundation of the supervisory alliance and a focus on social work practice competence, integrating strategies to promote self- and relational-reflexivity within the supervisory relationship. The model is comprised of four components: component 1: goal setting to contract on cross-cultural integration in supervision; component 2: active listening for cross-cultural markers; component 3: bonding through the supervisor’s self-reflexivity to foster the supervisee’s self-reflexivity; and component 4: working through tasks for cultural integration in supervision by modelling the supervisor’s relational reflexivity in case formulation and treatment to foster the supervisee’s relational-reflexivity.
TL;DR: Key findings were veterans who had incarceration histories were more likely to utilize basic needs services and mental health services than veterans who fell below these thresholds, and veterans who met criteria for probable PTSD were more than twice as likely to use these services.
Abstract: As a result of efforts to end homelessness among U.S. veterans, more former service members are entering permanent supportive housing (PSH). While PSH has been successfully used to house homeless veterans, more research is needed about services beyond housing placement and retention. This study uses the Gelberg-Andersen behavioral model for vulnerable populations to determine associations between predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics and recent service use (i.e., services to satisfy basic needs, occupational development, financial, healthcare, mental health) among unaccompanied homeless veterans (N=126) entering PSH in Los Angeles. Among the significant findings, as indicated using univariable logistic regression models, were veterans who had incarceration histories were more likely to utilize basic needs services, compared to those without incarceration histories. Veterans who received an honorable discharge were more likely to utilize occupational development services, compared to veterans with other discharge statuses. Veterans who had a case manager were more likely to utilize mental health services than those without a case manager, while those who received social security were less likely to utilize mental health services compared to veterans who did not receive social security. Veterans who met criteria for a psychological disability and veterans who met criteria for probable PTSD were more likely to use basic needs services and mental health services than veterans who fell below these thresholds. Clinical implications for social workers including "equal access to services," "enhancing economic stability," "providing safe and affordable housing with trauma-informed services," and "training service social workers to deliver well-informed linkages and services" are discussed.
TL;DR: The history of therapeutic cannabis use as well as the political perspectives and federal laws leading to ongoing stigmatization of this substance and its users are presented.
Abstract: Although twenty-nine states in the United States of America have legalized medical cannabis, the stigma surrounding cannabis continues and few clinicians have been educated on its use and benefits. This paper presents the history of therapeutic cannabis use as well as the political perspectives and federal laws leading to ongoing stigmatization of this substance and its users. A summary of cannabis’ therapeutic properties, and its potential use in the treatment of mental health problems is discussed.
TL;DR: Strengths-Based Supervision (SBS) as mentioned in this paper is a model of clinical supervision that was developed to increase child welfare supervisors' intentionality regarding the importance of infusing clinical supervision into child welfare supervision and advance the skills needed to implement this practice effectively representing one solution to this ongoing challenge.
Abstract: Child welfare supervision is fundamental to advancing the quality of practice when seeking to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Child welfare supervisors serve administrative, educational, and support functions as they oversee frontline caseworkers and direct service providers. Clinical supervision, a dialog-driven process of case review and consultation is situated within the educational function. The process of clinical supervision is essential to child welfare practice, because it prompts reflection and builds analytical thinking skills needed to address complex situations involved in child protection. Despite increased recognition regarding the importance of clinical supervision, child welfare supervision continues to focus primarily on administrative tasks. Organizational climate and external pressures push this administrative agenda. In addition, many child welfare supervisors lack experience, training, and therefore competency in facilitating clinical case reviews. Strengths-Based Supervision (SBS; Lietz 2013) is a model of clinical supervision that was developed to (a) increase child welfare supervisors’ intentionality regarding the importance of infusing clinical supervision into child welfare supervision and (b) advance the skills needed to implement this practice effectively representing one solution to this ongoing challenge.
TL;DR: The dominance of cognitive behavioral treatment in social work practice is acknowledged and challenged in this article, not from the usual quarters of pointing out its limitations as a theoretical and conceptual model, but from a fundamental critique of its evidentiary basis and the methodology from which such claims of superiority are pronounced.
Abstract: The dominance of cognitive behavioral treatment in social work practice is acknowledged and challenged, not from the usual quarters of pointing out its limitations as a theoretical and conceptual model, but from a fundamental critique of its evidentiary basis and the methodology from which such claims of superiority are pronounced Significant concerns are raised about the restrictive inclusion criteria, the lack of ethnic and racial diversity, inadequate control groups, and researcher bias in random controlled trials studies Further concerns are raised from social/cultural/political/professional dynamics that are evident in the delivery of mental health services and function to limit client options for treatment
TL;DR: This paper argues that by categorizing someone who no longer has depressive symptoms as “in remission,” that person may feel indefinitely tied to his or her diagnosis, and proposes alternative uses of language that can reduce power imbalances between clinicians and clients, providing a bridge to healing.
Abstract: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, uses the term “remission” to describe the reduction of depressive symptoms. This paper argues that by categorizing someone who no longer has depressive symptoms as “in remission,” that person may feel indefinitely tied to his or her diagnosis. Considering the unfortunate stigma associated with mental illness, permanent linkage to diagnosis through records and professional memory may cause individuals to internalize pathology. In fact, the language of the diagnosis can affect self-perception in sensitive souls for a lifetime. As an implication for practice, we propose that cognitive and narrative therapy approaches, mood-memoirs, and use of metaphor present alternative uses of language that can reduce power imbalances between clinicians and clients, providing a bridge to healing.
TL;DR: In this article, a mixed-method study involved 14 previously deployed military fathers who participated in the Strong Military Families Program, a resiliency-building group for families with young children, and qualitative analyses aimed to better understand fathers' experiences and help guide future efforts to increase engagement of this population.
Abstract: A recent Institute of Medicine report on “The Assessment or Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families” http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2013/Returning-Home-from-Iraq-and-Afghanistan.aspx
, (2013) underscored the need for effective support for military families with young children, and that effective engagement into existing services remains a challenge. This mixed-method study involved 14 fathers (previously deployed military) who engaged in the Strong Military Families Program, a resiliency-building group for families with young children. The purpose of this paper was twofold: first, to identify the efficacy of this brief intervention for reducing mental health symptomatology among previously deployed military fathers who completed the group, and second to better understand the perceptions and reflections of fathers who completed an effective symptom management program in order to fill the literature gap around this issue and guide future efforts at increasing engagement of this population. Pre- and post-group assessments were administered including depression and posttraumatic stress symptom ratings. Assessments also included interviews designed to elicit fathers’ expectations before the program and to capture their reflections after completion. Quantitative analyses examined changes in symptoms pre- to post-group, and qualitative analyses aimed to better understand fathers’ experiences and help guide future efforts to increase engagement of this population. A grounded theory approach was employed to analyze interview content, and two themes were identified reflecting a desire for (1) connection and (2) learning. The prominence of these themes both before and after group underscored the value of connection to others who shared experience and opportunity for learning effective parenting strategies. Corresponding quantitative analyses indicated a significant decrease in self-reported posttraumatic stress (p < .05) and trend level reduction in depression (p < .10), suggesting participation may contribute to more effective symptom management. Subgroup analyses contrasting the pre-group interviews of fathers who endorsed higher (n = 9) versus lower (n = 5) levels of symptoms revealed that those with greater symptomatology expressed more themes related to fear of committing to the program. Discussion will focus on effective outreach and engagement, and the need to align programs to the interests of previously deployed fathers of young children.
TL;DR: In this paper, the supervisory process in relation to the ongoing challenge of developing (and re-developing) a case formulation is explored. And the authors argue that a relational approach to clinical practice firmly fits with social work values including authenticity, mutuality and collaboration.
Abstract: This paper explores the supervisory process in relation to the ongoing challenge of developing (and re-developing) a case formulation. We adopt a relational approach to clinical practice and correspondingly to the supervisory domain. We argue that a relational approach to clinical practice firmly fits with social work values, including authenticity, mutuality and collaboration. We address typical challenges inherent in attaining and maintaining a relational formulation in the supervisory relationship.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present their insights on clinical supervision from a social work and interdisciplinary perspective, focusing on the importance of process-oriented supervision as a needed focus for research and practice.
Abstract: In an interview with Dr. Lawrence Shulman, he presents his insights on clinical supervision from a social work and interdisciplinary perspective. Dr. Shulman is a luminary in social work and interdisciplinary supervision, developing the Interactional Model of Supervision. In reflecting on his career in social work research, education, and practice, he shares his thoughts regarding the importance of process-oriented supervision as a needed focus for research and practice. Supportive of integrating art and science in social work practice, he offers his perspectives on the current state of supervision in the evidence-based era.
TL;DR: Two Special Issues of the Clinical Social Work Journal have been dedicated to building on the social work discipline’s tradition and commitment to the supervision of staff and field education of students as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Two Special Issues of the Clinical Social Work Journal have been dedicated to building on the social work discipline’s tradition and commitment to the supervision of staff and field education of students. These issues bring together contemporary theorizing, clinical supervisory and field education practice experience and wisdom, and research studies to contribute to the knowledge base for practicing supervisors and field educators. As the first of the Special Issues, this issue has been dedicated to the supervision of staff. In this Introduction, we share the salient aspects of the articles published, as they relate to contemporary social work supervision, relational considerations within the supervisory dyad, models of supervision for fields of specialization, as well as measurement and evaluation. Implications are shared, with highlights and connections for practicing supervisors made throughout.
TL;DR: An extended case illustration describes a schizoid patient who was able to use a playful form of psychotherapy to move from make-believe to real relationship.
Abstract: The schizoid personality, a type increasingly representative of our times, lives in a detached individual world But this retreat sometimes can offer a place of transition, serving as a creative bridge to everyday life An extended case illustration describes a schizoid patient who was able to use a playful form of psychotherapy to move from make-believe to real relationship
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the factors that contribute to the perceived effectiveness of supervision for child welfare workers and found that the supervisory function of administration, as well as social workers' high exposure to child abuse cases and role stress correlated negatively with perceived supervision effectiveness.
Abstract: This study examined the factors that contribute to the perceived effectiveness of supervision for child welfare workers. Specifically, we examined role characteristics such as: exposure to child abuse cases, years of work experience, and role stress, as well as the supervisory functions of administration, education, and emotional support to effectiveness of supervision. The findings revealed that the supervisory function of administration, as well as social workers’ high exposure to child abuse cases and role stress, correlated negatively with perceived supervision effectiveness. In contrast, the use of the supervisory functions of education and support correlated positively with perceived supervision effectiveness. The findings suggest that high exposure to child abuse cases and role stress can impair social workers’ ability to benefit from effective supervision. In addition, the study highlights the importance of the supervisory functions of support and education and their positive impact on this population of social workers in Israel.
TL;DR: In this article, a case study demonstrates the use of the multi-dimensional relational family therapy approach with an adolescent and her adoptive family for the purpose of securing her attachment to them, which allowed her to move from a potentially destructive state to a more affirmed sense of herself.
Abstract: This case study demonstrates the use of the Multi-dimensional Relational Family Therapy approach with an adolescent and her adoptive family for the purpose of securing her attachment to them. The work allowed her to move from a potentially destructive state to a more affirmed sense of herself. This case study supports the power of therapeutic intervention as a way to treat adolescents and their families before behaviors become pathological. Using the Multi-dimensional Relational Family Therapy approach allows the therapist to focus on subtle details of non-verbal interaction and observe movement phrases within the family. This approach is applicable to both biological and adoptive families.
TL;DR: For many women in therapy, friends and friendship are often an ongoing source of support and encouragement as well as conflict and pain this paper, and they are often understood as contemporary repetitions of familial and historical relational patterns.
Abstract: For many women in therapy, friends and friendship are often an ongoing source of support and encouragement as well as conflict and pain. This “psychological sea” (Rangell in J Am Psychoanal Assoc 11:3–54, 1963) frequently acts as a quiet background to any therapeutic process, playing a largely unexamined role in a wide range of relational and psychodynamic areas. When these relationships move into the foreground of therapeutic exploration, they are often understood as contemporary repetitions of familial and historical relational patterns. I have found, however, in my own work and in the work of clinicians I teach and supervise, that women clients’ friendships can sometimes hold keys to important, unarticulated and even unrecognized relational and intrapsychic issues of their own, sometimes separate from or only marginally related to family dynamics. This article examines some of these patterns and the psychodynamics they may reveal.
TL;DR: The ABLE model consists of a tool for continuous measurement of the supervisory working alliance as well as several research supported resources, and a randomized control trial pilot study was conducted to determine if the use of ABLE in supervision improves the professional quality of life and occupational self-efficacy for supervisees as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: While social workers and researchers acknowledge the importance of a positive working alliance between service providers and clients, less is known about mechanisms for developing working alliances between supervisors and supervisees. The Alliance Building: Learning to Engage (ABLE) model was developed to measure and enhance the supervisory relationship. The ABLE model consists of a tool for continuous measurement of the supervisory working alliance as well as several research supported resources. This two part study assessed the reliability and validity of the ABLE supervision tool (ABLE-S), and then a randomized control trial pilot study was conducted to determine if the use of ABLE in supervision improves the professional quality of life and occupational self-efficacy for supervisees. Analyses revealed the ABLE-S tool is a reliable and valid form for measuring supervisory working alliance, but the use of ABLE in supervision did not have a significant effect on supervisee outcomes compared to the control group. The findings suggest additional training on proper implementation of ABLE and expanded measurements to capture several confounds inherent in the supervisory context are needed in future studies. Practical implications of using ABLE include effective strategies for promoting positive supervisee development and reducing negative effects of stressful work environments that often exist in the social service field.
TL;DR: The Project for Return and Opportunity in Veterans Education (PROVE) as discussed by the authors is an innovative social work field education model that trains first year graduate interns to serve student veterans on college campuses in a non-traditional, milieu setting.
Abstract: Veterans transitioning from the military to college life and the unique issues impacting them are an area of clinical social work that has yet to be fully explored in the literature. Project for Return and Opportunity in Veterans Education (PROVE) is an innovative social work field education model that trains first year graduate interns to serve student veterans on college campuses in a non-traditional, milieu setting. PROVE uses a strengths-based, resiliency focus to emphasize the unique characteristics of the student veteran. The model affords the intern a clinical skill set applicable to working with veterans in various social work agencies. This article will discuss the history, framework and implementation of the PROVE model, use of Veteran-Affirmative Counseling (VAC) and the unique milieu setting. The article will conclude with implications for clinical social work practice field education settings and recommendations for replicability of the PROVE model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of military culture and the veteran identity, diversity, eras of service, access to care, and different stages psycho-social development on clinical practice is discussed.
Abstract: This special issue is a historical marker for contemporary social work practice with veteran populations. The editors requested papers from private, public, and academic settings that illustrate the special needs of veterans. The articles in this issue address the impact of military culture and the veteran identity, diversity, eras of service, access to care, and different stages psycho-social development on clinical practice. This introduction places the articles submitted in the context of historical and current trends in veterans’ research concluding with a call to recognize resilience inherent in this population. It is hoped that this issue will serve as a tool for clinicians, researchers, and educators to improve upon their work as well as bring a new generation to serve and support those who served.