Social Work Theories and Practice: A Case Study of Leah Smith

Running head: CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1CASE STUDY
Introduction:
Social work theories are the explanations of certain human behaviour supported by
evidence. Scientific methods support the theories used to justify the situations or human behavior
(Greene, 2017). The theories may help in explaining human’s way of interacting with people or
reacting in situations (Hepworth et al. 2016). Leah Smith is 33 years old is currently faced with
specific challenges in her life. She has visited ABC Center for help on her problems. The report
aims to identify Leah’s issues and provide practice theories for her problems. Firstly, the report
presents the holistic view of Leah’s problems followed by the reasons. Secondly, it gives the
practice theories that would help each overcome her challenges. The report also explains the
reasons for practice theories that are selected and the relevance of the practices. Lastly, while
summarising the report, it provides the outcome or the impact of the practice theories on Leah.
Overview of the case study:
Leah is unhappy and dissatisfied with her life. She want to seek help for the issues she is
facing and want to leave her current abode however she does not have any place to go. There is
information she has provided regarding herself. Physically she is perfectly fine, and she is taking
birth control pills. Hair fall issue and the irregular is her only physical problem. She is an
occasional drinker. She has a full-time secure job, and it is only her workplace where she feels
happy about herself. She often beat herself for unmet deadlines and accomplished tasks. Leah is
emotionally uncertain and feels low of herself. It is hard for her to stand for herself and she is all
the time stressed. ‘A terrible mother’ is what she calls herself when she speaks about her
children. Although she loves them and wishes to show them, she is only resentful toward them.
She has grown up with working-class neighbour where women are mostly the victim of domestic

2CASE STUDY
violence. She has faced the same problem as well. Even in her own house, she has seen her
father having the accessing the man control over the family, and her mother hardly had any place
to go. She loves her brother immensely and feels proud of him too.
She is unhappy with her marriage where in a month she is hit by her husband, John at
least thrice. She cannot share her problems with anyone since she has a distant relationship with
her parents and there is no mention of friends by her. John has grown up in a foster home, and it
was in the high school where they met. Leah was not in deep love with John then, and she calls it
a good reason as it would not be a problem for her to leave her husband if she has to. John is a
carpenter with no stable income. There is very less communication between Leah with her
husband and children which makes her upset however she cannot help it fir her irksome nature.
At present, she does not see any source of motivation. Spiritual or religious is not her
traits. She is a Catholic however, she likes to believe herself as an open-minded person who
loves making friends with people from different cultural background. She is hardworking and a
talkative person, however, there is a barrier to the service that would be provided by ABC centre
of help such as Leah’s indecisive nature and her unclear decision regarding her marriage.
Identification and description of the practice:
According to Jorgensen (2015), understanding human behaviour and psychological
practices are significant for every social worker. It is essential for the fact that it can help people
succeeding in their life. There are various social work theories social workers use to assist people
with their issues and behaviour problems. There are five practice theories that social workers
should become familiar.