Assessment and Intervention Plan for Mike's Story - Project Report

This report presents an assessment and intervention plan based on an interview with Mike, who is dealing with homesickness after moving to the Philippines. The report applies theories such as the Reflective-therapeutic paradigm and Cognitive-Behaviourist Theories, alongside practices like the Holistic strength-based framework assessment model and the ACT Holistic Framework of Education and Work Readiness, to understand and address Mike's challenges. Key issues identified include social, cultural, biological, psychological, and spiritual factors impacting Mike's well-being. The report concludes with recommendations for Mike, focusing on social engagement, time management, and maintaining connections with family to alleviate homesickness. Desklib provides this document as a resource for students.

Professional Project - Assessment and Intervention Plan: Mike’s
Story
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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Theory and Practices...................................................................................................................................4
Theory.....................................................................................................................................................4
Practices..................................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................8
Self –Reflection...........................................................................................................................................9
References.................................................................................................................................................10
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Introduction
The project study aims at understanding of the social and holistic issues faced by the Mike
during his personal and professional career. The facts and figures have derived from the
interview session conducted by interviewer of Mike. Mike has recently shifted to Philippines and
has been struggling as well as dealing with the ways to cope up with the new environment and
country. He’s lives apart from his parents and family and is very close to his mother. In addition
to this, the case scenario of Mike has been related to a framework or approach which is known as
ACT Holistic Framework of Education and Work Readiness. The ACT framework is categorized
in four different domains that are related to the knowledge as well as skills (Camara, et. al.,
2015). Furthermore, the main issue faced by Mike is of Homesickness because of which he lacks
concentration in his work, waves of emotion and others.
Mike is among the most charming and social characteristic person who is very much attach with
his family and neighbours. Living far apart from his home makes him feel depressed and
homesick. The theory and approach has been applied in this report which applies to such issue of
Mike. Moreover, it seems like Mike has been continuously engaged in studying and working to
make his professional career. Currently, he works for 20 hours a week as he is pursuing his
Master’s degree as well side by side.
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Theory and Practices
In case of practical application of respective issue and understand its significance in real life
context, there are various theories as well as practices have been used.
Theory
Reflective-therapeutic paradigm
According to the views and thoughts of Tupper, et. al. (2015), this theory helps in identifying on
the various work related stress that an individual come across. This assessment study laid
emphasis on the generalist social work that aims at permitting on the overall empowerment,
judgment as well as rational decision making. With the help of this approach it ensures creation
of a relationship in between the social worker as well as client in order to maintain a strength-
base problem-solving approach. For understanding the client issues and problems it is necessary
to have a healthy relationship in between the therapeutic and client. For solving and providing
relevant solutions to client it is important to know there problems such as both the personal as
well as professional (Tupper, et. al., 2015).
Cognitive – Behaviourist Theories
In the words and opinions of Anderson & Dron (2011), the Cognitive – Behaviourist Theories
refers to as psycho-social intervention that has been commonly used evidence-based practice
aimed for the purpose the enhance mental health. This theory mainly used for treating the people
who are having wide range and category of mental health issues and problems. This theory is
based upon some idea which includes thinking i.e. cognitive, the way in which people feel i.e.
emotion and the way in which they enact i.e. behaviour. The below model represented highlights
on the behaviourist theory. It is generally observed that negative and unrealistic may lead to arise
in the minds and thoughts of people due to distress or suffering from psychological distress. CBT
is purposed to support individuals when they are exposed to negative opinions and interpretation
and distortive thinking. In addition to this, this theory helps in developing alternative ways of
behaving as well as thinking that has been focused on the way to reduce the psychological
distress (Anderson & Dron, 2011).
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Figure 1: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Source: (McLeod, 2015)
On the basis of above figure, it has been observed that there are three main pillars of CBT theory
that has been built upon thoughts, feelings and behaviour. For any of human being working and
managing both of their lives came across to such factors and elements. However, there are
certain assumptions have been made under this theory that believes on cognitive response to such
thing (McLeod, 2015).
Task-Centred /Crisis Intervention Theories
The Crisis intervention and task-cantered approach appears to be attractive by some practitioners
that uses of certain models of intervention including well-defined problems and goals of
intervention (Payne, 2015). This theory helps in connecting in between the professional working
ethics as well as basic principles of human being. It takes into account both the perspective that
includes positive and negative actions. There are certain key ideas behind this intervention theory
which is aimed at preventive mental health work, generation of social work with some cognitive-
behavioural influences, attracting of public agencies, common and shared value and many others
(Payne, 2015). These ideas help in making of suitable assumptions in order to understand the
problems and make suitable judgment respectively. This approach and theory can be applied in
the relative case scenario of Mike as well. Wherein, the problems and homesickness issues
challenged by Mike is studied and investigated along with its positive and negative impacts.
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Practices
Holistic strength-based framework assessment model
The interview conducted has made use of holistic strength-based framework assessment model
wherein, the issues and struggling experiences of Mike has been discussed. It has been viewed
that in this emerging paradigm there have been greater emphasis made on perspective which is
aimed at strengthen of individual’s moral and ethical values. The traditional thoughts are slightly
changing in the society and adoption of modern thinking and perspective is taking into
considerations (Seligman, 2012). The strengthening perspective demands for various ways of
perceiving at families, commodities, individuals and many others. During the interview session
such problem came into knowledge which Mike has been struggling with. Mike has been
constantly exposed to biological, social, cultural, psychological as well as spiritual distress.
Hence, it becomes crucial to focus on all such issues and components for reducing the stress and
anxiety level of Mike. Mike had a personal interest in social work and wants to become a social
worker and study psychologists.
From the overall assessment of project study, it has been understood that social work has been
evident as a problem-solving profession. It is important to embrace the social working
perspective in the community which is an emerging need and desire of society and community as
well.
Strength based-approach
It is known as the positive psychology perspective which focuses on the strengths, resources,
capabilities, skills and others of the youngsters. It is so because the youngsters are once who
have been struggling with work distress and the main cause behind this distress is social work.
This approach helps in providing opportunities and positive hope to come up with solutions for
the problems and issues faced by individuals. In addition to this, there are some set of
assumptions executed in the strength based practice. The work life stresses on the personal life of
individual wherein, they did not get enough time to talk with their parents, family, friends and
others in order to discuss their emotions. Moreover, the time issue which is concerned with the
availability of parents when I need to talk to them.
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ACT Holistic Framework of Education and Work Readiness
This model or framework has been built upon the broader skill set and competencies required to
become successful in the academic career (Mattern, et. al., 2014). The academic performance is
significantly measured by the multi-dimensional perspective as it comprises of wide range of
individual behaviour. The ACT framework consists of the skills and knowledge and categories
them in four sub-categories which are core-academic skills, Cross-cutting capabilities,
Behavioural skills and Education and career navigation skills. It is observed that there are
various multidimensional models of success in the education as well as workplace diversity have
been proposed by economists so as to identify the issues and alternative measures to such
problems (Mattern, et. al., 2014). The case of Mike is also associated with such holistic view and
thought.
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Conclusion
On the basis of overall interview assessment, it has been concluded that holistic approach has
been used to know the general social work issues and problems of Mike. In addition to this, it is
also evident that one should take care of all components of the client systems environment which
might include of contract planning, Crisis intervention and others. Moreover, from the interview
session there are some key elements have been highlighted such as Mike is exposed to various
factors like social, cultural, biological, psychological, spiritual and other aspects which are
crucial in once life. The individual on a daily basis is exposed to such factors that significant
have direct and indirect impact on the smooth and effective functioning. Moreover, from the
interview there are key points which have been observed and important to be considered in the
emerging environment. With the imparting of social and ethical skill one can easily cope up with
new issues and challenges that is prevailing in the current business situation. Moreover, the use
of strength and other based approach helps in maintaining good relationship in between work and
social life.
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Self –Reflection
From the interview assessment I get to learn various things that are directly implemented in the
real life practices as well. I came to know about the social, spiritual, cultural and others factors
which impacts on effective and efficient functioning. Each and every individual is exposed to
such factors and are surrounded by it. In the interview session also, I observed that Mike is
struggling with issue relating to dealing and coping with Homesickness as it for the first time that
he is living far apart from his home and family. He has a strong connection with his mom to
whom he so closed. He did not get much time to talk to her as he is always pissed off with his
day to day assignments. I evident that these issues can be applied to theories and practices which
support assessment of individual behaviour and the practical implication of such in academic and
personal life of the individual.
In addition to this, I understand the significant of using the holistic strength based framework
which aims to understanding the client’s problems and issues in more comprehensive manner.
From the report study, I learned about the practical approach to the respective issue and problem.
Moreover, the assessment model used in the report study is highly related to the interview and
case scenario of Mike and specifies the reason and implications behind the homesickness.
However, there are some suggestions and recommendations is been provided to the Mike which
is beneficial for him for reducing stress and reducing the feeling of homesickness.
Recommendations
 I suggest that Mike should go out and mix with other people and does not restrain
himself to his family and friends. He should explore other culture and engage himself
with people belonging to different society.
 In order to reduce the homesickness one of the best suggestion is that Mike should
participate himself in the events and programs organized on campus. With the integration
and collaboration in a group of teams he will get to explore new ideas and thoughts and
make time for himself. It is so because a positive mind will lead to reduce in the stress
level and enhances cognitive thinking of individuals.
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 Prioritize time and activities – Mike should make a priority list of events and
activities which is needed to be done as per schedule. With help of such time and
resource schedule he will not miss any events and activities that are important.
 Connected with family members – Mike should everyday make time to talk with his
family and friends as they are the once who will make him out of stress level. On the
vacations and off he should plan visiting his home to reduce the homesickness.
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References
 Anderson, T., & Dron, J. (2011). Three generations of distance education
pedagogy. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed
Learning, 12(3), 80-97.
 Camara, W., O'Connor, R., Mattern, K., & Hanson, M. A. (2015). Beyond
Academics: A Holistic Framework for Enhancing Education and Workplace Success.
ACT Research Report Series. 2015 (4). ACT, Inc.
 Mattern, K., Burrus, J., Camara, W., O'Connor, R., Hansen, M. A., Gambrell, J., &
Bobek, B. (2014). Broadening the Definition of College and Career Readiness: A Holistic
Approach. ACT Research Report Series, 2014 (5). ACT, Inc.
 Payne, M. (2015). Modern social work theory. Oxford University Press.
 Seligman, M. E. (2012). Positive psychology in practice. John Wiley & Sons.
 Tupper, K. W., Wood, E., Yensen, R., & Johnson, M. W. (2015). Psychedelic
medicine: a re-emerging therapeutic paradigm. Canadian Medical Association
Journal, 187(14), 1054-1059.
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