Reflection on Social Work Theories.

Running head: REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Reflection on Social Work Theories
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REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Social work revolves around the core concept of care and support. The central aim of
social work is to provide support for those who are in need of assistance. However, it is often an
issue of major altercations that in which way should a social worker extend support. In response
to this, this is contended that social work is carried out as informed by both theoretical and
pragmatic approaches. However, there is no single theory that can be considered as ideal for such
works. According to Payne (2014), modern theories of social work can be listed under 10 major
categories.
The psychodynamic practices are a distinct approach of social work that emphasizes the
significance of individual feelings and internal conflicts in resolving the problems they face. The
underpinning philosophies of psychodynamic theory are determinism and individualism, and it
explains human behaviours as determined by individual psychology.
Crisis intervention and task centred practice is also another important tool of social work,
as it offers brief and structures models of intervention. This practical approach gives priority to
the problems identified by the patient themselves and designs interventions and treatments for
them. This indicates the respect and commitment the approach shows for the patients, which is
an important aspect of social work in the form of working alliance with the beneficiaries.
The cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on the other hand, is one of the most
prominent theories of social work, which emphasizes the development of rational management
of the beneficiaries’ behaviour. It is supported by cognitive theory, social learning theory and
behaviourism.