Cognitive-Behavioral and Feminist Theories in Social Work Practice

This essay delves into two prominent social work theories: cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) and feminist theory. It begins by defining social work theories and their importance in guiding practitioners. The essay then provides a detailed overview of CBT, explaining its focus on modifying behaviors and thought patterns to address issues like anxiety and depression, and discusses its application in practice, including assertiveness training and modeling techniques. The strengths of CBT include its effectiveness in treating mental health disorders and its time-efficient nature, while its weaknesses include its limited applicability to complex mental health needs and its potential to overlook underlying issues. The essay then explores feminist theory, highlighting its focus on women's oppression and its applications in addressing gender-based inequalities. It examines different branches of feminist theory and their applications in social work practice, emphasizing the importance of empowering women and addressing gender biases. The strengths of feminist theory include its relevance in addressing women-centric issues and its ability to reveal the impacts of patriarchy, while its weaknesses include its potential to exclude men and its limited research base. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of using these theories judiciously, considering each case specifically, and not over-relying on any single theory.

Social Work Theories
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Social Work Theories 1
Social work theories can be understood as a general explanation that is supported by the
evidence attained via scientific methods. Social works are all about empowering people. The
social work theories are there to help social workers, which provide a logical system of concept
(noodle.com, 2020). Using these theories, social workers can understand why a particular thing
is happening in a particular way and can predict outcomes. Further, the same help social workers
in understanding their task and orient goal settings in addition to anticipate results. There is a
range of social work theories that have a different set of beliefs. Another important thing to
mention here is that there is a difference between theory and practice. Social work theories offer
many benefits when applies to social work practice. Firstly, it helps in understanding and
contesting ideas. Secondly, these theories offer explanations and understanding. Social workers
have to deal with social phenomena and complex human behavior where they need to decide
their focus and time of execution (Payne, 2014). In such a situation, social theories order
complexity. Lastly, these theories convert social workers into self-disciplined and accountable
professionals. Some of the main theories studied in the readings include psychodynamic practice,
cognitive behavior practice, crisis, and task-centered practice, feminist practice, critical practices,
and others.
The objective of this essay is to develop an understanding application of over two such
theories into practice. In addition to this strength and limitations of these theories shall also be
discussed in detail. The theories selected for the discussion hereby are cognitive-behavioral
theory and feminist theory. Starting the discussion from cognitive-behavioral theory, this is to
state that the same focus on the development of rational management of people’s behavior to
better understands the source of their issue (Okun and Suyemoto, 2012). In other words, this can
be stated that this theory that social problem which affects people can be resolved by changing

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and managing the behavior of people. To discuss the application of this theory in social work
practice this is to state that the “behavioral” part of the theory defines and addresses problem
behavior of people specifically anxiety, depression, and social phobias. On the different side
“cognitive” part focuses to understand how thinking of people affects their behavior. As
mentioned above that the theory focuses on behavioral aspects and its impact, it becomes
necessary to monitor and assess an individual's progress carefully. Using this theory social
workers assist their clients in the identification of patterns of irrational and self-destructive
behavior that further influence their emotions (socialwork.simmons.edu, 2020). By using this
theory in practice, social workers challenge negative thoughts of the client and the theory also
teaches such workers to change the damaging behavior of their clients (mswcareers.com, 2020).
By using these theory social workers become more aware of their clients and needs and become
able to change their specific behavior as well as an inappropriate thinking process. As the
thinking process generates behavior patterns, hence the theory seems most suitable to apply. The
theory does not identify the reasons behind social issues but also works to treat them.
Assertiveness training is an important aspect of CBT where a social worker makes their client
practice of certain behavior that develops their overall social confidence. Further, they also
reinforce the useful behaviors of their clients. Many times, the social worker uses modeling
techniques under this theory where they guide their clients to understand and copy significant
behaviors with the help of valued role models.
This theory seems even more significant in the treatment of clients with the emotional
disorder as CBT can change thinking of people regarding the situation they face (which lead to
emotional disorder). Further CBT helps people in facing their negative emotions rather than
avoiding the same. Lastly, the therapy motives those activities and actions that are not attached

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to negative emotions. Here it is clear that this theory can effectively be used in mental health
services, particularly when their clients have issues such as anxiety and depression. In addition to
this, social workers may rely on this theory may rely on cases where behavioral changes are
needed.
After the above-mentioned discussion, it is far clear that the theory and related therapy
can apply in practice in several ways. There are certain strengths and weaknesses of this theory
are there. Firstly, to discuss the strengths of the same, this is to state that it enables social
workers to treat mental health and another kind of behavioral disorders while understanding the
reasons behind the same. Further, as the theory makes minute focus on the individual and his/her
issues, resolutions out of the application of this theory come permanently. Apart from the above
point, the theory demands less time for application as well as results. CBT provides skills, which
are useful strategies and can apply in daily life to help the client better with future difficulties
and stress, even after completion of treatment.
Moving to weaknesses of this theory firstly to state that social workers cannot use the
same to in case of people with complex mental health needs. Further many people argue that the
theory does only focus on the current issues and ignores underlying reasons behind the mental
health conditions of clients (thecbtclinic.com, 2020). The theory focuses on the ability of an
individual to changes him/her and ignores the other family and social factors that often affect the
health, well-being, and behavior of such an individual. The last and most significant weakness of
the theory is that social workers cannot apply this theory to clients who are not ready to
cooperate.

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Another theory to discuss here is a feminist theory that contributes to social work while
explaining as well as responding to oppressed states of women in different societies. The theory
seems important in the area of social work practices as in most societies women are major clients
of social work as well as social workers are also women. Here the important thing to mention is
that the feminist perspective is not helpful for women but everyone. This approach has a very
long history and has a different perspective. The theory is all concerned that how the social
relations of women are dominated based on assumptions of men. Further the theory focus on
how oppression affects women. The feminist theory raises a concern about women’s condition
and the practices in their best interest. Many times, people raise questions as to why they use this
theory in social work. To answer this query this is to state that it counteract gender biases of
many other old theories as it can explain the dynamics and structure of the experience of women
within interpersonal and sociopolitical sexual hierarchies.
Social workers can rely on various branches of feminism to enhance flexibility to respond
to personal and social problems. It means there are several branches of feminism and social
workers can choose the most appropriate one considering the particular issue of their clients. The
important thing to mention here is that a social understanding of a variety of feminist theories is
demanded to resolve the issue more properly. Many types of feminist theories have been
developed over a period and have different concepts. For instance, the liberal theory of feminism
sees society as a group of different individuals having a fair share of resources (Featherstone,
2020). To ensure equity between genders this theory addresses public issues such as political
inequality and no access to some social services. In the past, the theory has served many women
having alcohol problems. In this scenario feminists have supported ideas such as "treating
personal issues from the perspective of women". In this way, this theory focuses to enhance the

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ability of women to maintain equality by their acts. The second feminist theory is the radical
feminism theory, which believes that the main reasons for women's oppression are patriarchy and
male dominance (Vukoičić, 2013). It means as per the beliefs of this theory, women suffer from
discrimination due to male power. Similarly, the other feminist theories are also there which
resolve social issues from women’s perspective. For instance, Marxist and Socialist Feminists
tried to explain the oppression of women in society in the 1970s where they mainly focused on
the factor of capitalism that further forced issues such as unpaid labor among female members of
society (Bromley, 2012).
Applications of feminist theory in social work practices have many features such as it
focuses on personal identity, more particular to women’s identity. Further, it values diversity
among men and women (Saulnier, 2020). Apart from the above, black and postmodern feminism
are also important feminist perspectives. In this way to state that under feminist theories social
workers, develop different measures and structure to resolve the issue of gender gaps and other
women-centric issues and makes the situation of women better and strong in society. These
theories can develop the social and persona identity of women that helps in intervening in
diverse relationships.
Similar to the cognitive-behavioral theory, feminist practice and theory also do have strengths
and limitations. To discuss the strengths of the same first this is to state that the theory is useful
to apply in social works as women with the help of other women are doing most of such works.
Further, in most societies, women are suffering from the issue of poverty and other
disadvantages more than men and in such a situation women are seeking more social service.
Using feminist theory in such a circumstance can lead to positive and quick results. In the current
time where feminism is an emerging topic, the studied theory shows a path to social workers

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using that they may resolve social issues. The major strength of these theories is that the same
bring power to women which itself can make their position strong and resolve a variety of social
issues for women in society. Further, the application of these feminist theories reveals the danger
and impacts of patriarchy.
Many critics have been made of this theory where the same have not found to be practical
or very rigid of men. One of the critics believes that the theory only focuses on the issue of
women and completely forgets concern that affects men and is of equal importance such as
violence in employment. In addition to the theory does also seem to fail to check the impact of
gender divisions on the problems of male members of society (Payne, 2014). Another weakness
of this theory is that it completely excludes the participation of men while focusing on issues of
women. Many times these theories do not seem able to treat men and women equally as they do
not address those areas where the situation of women is probably better than males. In addition
to this, it is to feel that under this theory, the focus of social workers does not remain to balance
gender equality but it is to make the situation of women strong setting aside the interest of males.
Lastly, a limited research base of the theory makes the implementation of the theory in practice
difficult.
To conclude this essay this is to state that social works theories play their important role
where it shows pathways to social workers and practitioners to resolve a variety of social issues.
The essay presented hereby discussion was made on two of such significant theories i.e.
cognitive-behavioral theory and feminist theory. The first theory makes its focus on behavioral
aspects of people and resolves social issues by altering their behavior. Another theory is
completely different that has developed over a period considering the oppressed position of
women in society. Further strengths and weaknesses of these theories have also been discussed.

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Conclusively none of these theories are perfect and overuse of each of them diminishes the
primary motive of them. Hence, social workers are advised not to use these theories as universal
concepts and to review each case specifically.

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References
Bromley, v. (2012) Feminisms Matter: Debates, Theories, Activism. Canada : University of
Toronto Press.
Featherstone, B. (2020) Where to for feminist social work? Retrieved From:
https://ojs.uwindsor.ca/index.php/csw/article/download/5619/4592?inline=1
mswcareers.com. (2020) How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is Used in Social Work. Retrieved
From: https://mswcareers.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-socialwork/
noodle.com. (2020) The 6 Social Work Theories That Inform Social Work Practice. Retrieved
From: https://www.noodle.com/articles/the-6-social-work-theories-that-inform-social-
work-practice
Okun, B., F. and Suyemoto, K. (2012) Conceptualization and Treatment Planning for Effective
Helping. US: Cengage Learning.
Payne, M. (2014) Modern Social Work Theory. UK: Oxford University Press.
Saulnier, C., F. (2020) Incorporating Feminist Theory into Social Work Practice: Group Work
Examples. Retrieved From:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233196221_Incorporating_Feminist_Theory_in
to_Social_Work_Practice_Group_Work_Examples
socialwork.simmons.edu. (2020) Theories Used in Social Work Practice & Practice Models.
Retrieved From: https://socialwork.simmons.edu/theories-used-social-work-practice/

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thecbtclinic.com. (2020) Pros & Cons of CBT Therapy. Retrieved From:
http://www.thecbtclinic.com/pros-cons-of-cbt-therapy
Vukoičić, J. (2013). Radical feminism as a discourse in the theory of conflict. Sociološki
diskurs, 3(5), 33-49