the problem solving model in social work

What Is Social Work?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?
LMSW vs. LCSW: What’s the difference?
Macro, Mezzo, and Micro Social Work
Associate Degree in Social Work (ASW)
Online BSW Programs
Online Clinical MSW Programs
Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required
SocialWork@Simmons
Howard University’s Online MSW
OnlineMSW@Fordham
Syracuse University’s Online MSW
Online Social Work at CWRU
Is an Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree Worth it?
MSW Programs in California
MSW Programs in Colorado
MSW Programs in Massachusetts
MSW Programs in New York
MSW Programs in Ohio
MSW Programs in Texas
MSW vs LCSW
What is a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree?
What Can I Do with an MSW Degree? MSW Career Paths
HBCU MSW Programs – Online and On-Campus Guide
DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work
Ph.D. in Social Work
Social Work Continuing Education
Social Work Licensure
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Community Social Worker
Child and Family Social Worker
Forensic Social Worker
Geriatric Social Worker
Hospice Social Worker
Medical Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Resources for Military Social Workers
Oncology Social Worker
Psychiatric Social Worker
Resources for School Social Workers
Social Work Administrator
Social Work vs. Therapy
Social Work Salary
Social Work Collaborations
Social Work Career Pathways
Social Work vs. Sociology
Benefits of a Part-Time MSW Program
MSW vs. MPH
Social Work vs. Counseling
Social Work vs. Psychology
Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs Online
Master’s Degree in Counseling
Become a School Counselor
School Counselor Salary
Become a Mental Health Counselor
Advantages of Veterinary Social Work
Practicing Anti-Racism in Social Work: A Guide
Social Work License Exam Prep
Theoretical Approaches in Social Work: Systems Theory

Social Learning Theory

Sarah Frazell on Racism
Lisa Primm on Macro Social Work
Jessica Holton on Working With Clients Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Cornell Davis III on Misperceptions About the Child Welfare Field
Morgan Gregg on Working with Law Enforcement
Social Work Grants
Social Work Scholarships
Social Work Internships
Social Work Organizations
Social Work Volunteer Opportunities
Social Worker Blogs
Social Work Podcasts
Social Workers on Twitter
Ethnic and Minority Social Work Resources
Resources for LGBTQIA Social Work
Mental Health Resources List

Home / Social Work Resources / Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work

Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work

Private practices. Mental health clinics. Child welfare service agencies. Occupying a variety of professional settings, social workers are united by a shared mission: helping others live better lives.

In order to do that, they must first understand what makes their clients tick. As a social worker, studying different social work theories and social work practice models can help to bring you closer to your clients — equipping you with actionable insights that inform empathetic, evidence-based service.

Inspired by the scientific method, social work theories uncover the why of human behavior, while social work practice models reveal how you can effect change for individuals, couples, families, and communities at large.

If you’re looking for Social Work Practice Models, jump down here.

University of Denver

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
No GRE Required
Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

info SPONSORED

List of Theories Used in Social Work

As a social worker, more knowledge can lead to a more informed approach, and more effective client interactions. Here, we’ll dig into decades of research to share a comprehensive set of social work theories and practice models, including:

Systems Theory

Behaviorism and social learning theory, psychodynamic theory, developmental perspective, rational choice perspective, conflict theory, ecological systems theory, family systems theory, contingency theory.

The 1950s were a decade of global innovation. From barcodes to credit cards, commercial computers to video cassette records, cutting-edge inventions were taking the stage. Around the same time, a new social work development was making its debut: systems theory.

Inspired by major advancements in the fields of psychology, communication, and psychiatry, systems theory is based on the belief that individuals don’t operate in isolation . Rather, the theory positions people as products of complex systems: influenced by a variety of external factors, including other individuals, families, communities, and organizations.

Learn more about System Theory in Social Work.

Developed by the American psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner , ecological systems theory emphasizes the importance of observing people in multiple environments, or systems, to fully understand their behavior. In his theory, Bronfenbrenner outlines five distinct systems:

The microsystem is someone’s small, immediate environment. For a child, this usually includes direct family, teachers, peers, and caregivers. Relationships in the microsystem are bi-directional—for instance, a parent treating a child with kindness will likely affect how the child treats the parent in return. For this reason, some consider the microsystem to be the most influential level of the ecological systems theory.
The mesosystem consists of interactions between the different parts of a person’s microsystem. For instance, between a child’s parent and teacher. A social worker using this theory in everyday practice might ask themselves: “Are the different parts of my client’s microsystem working together towards a positive impact or working against each other?”
The exosystem is an individual’s indirect environment. Consider a child whose father is an active duty soldier. Though the military isn’t a part of that child’s direct environment, it still influences them mentally and emotionally, and can impact their thoughts, relationships, and behavior.
The macrosystem is a society’s overarching set of beliefs, values, and norms. This system often has a cascading effect on behavior in all the other systems, serving as a filter through which an individual interprets their experiences. For instance, a child might grow up thinking their socioeconomic status is a limiting factor in life. This macrosystem-level belief may cause them to behave differently in school — for positive or for negative, depending on the individual.
The chronosystem includes major changes that influence an individual’s development overtime. This could include changes in family structure, employment status, or address, as well as large societal changes like wars, civil rights movements, or economic flux.

Family systems theory was developed in the mid-1950s, while American psychiatrist Murray Bowen was working at the National Institute of Mental Health . Based on his knowledge of family patterns and systems theory, Bowen believed that the personalities, emotions, and behaviors of grown individuals could be traced back to their family interactions. The family, he suggested, is an emotional unit and can therefore play a formative role in development.

Within social work, professionals may enable families to try out different ways of doing things, such as teaching a parent on how to maintain appropriate boundaries with their child. The family is identified as a social system and therapy engages that concept to support the growth of clients.

Contingency theory explains that individual outcomes are contingent on a variety of specific situational factors. In the realm of social work, contingency theory can inspire you to seek understanding by considering all of the internal and external influences that are contributing to a client’s problem.

Systems Theory Related Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) – Systems-Based Practice
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
The Bowen Center
The Ecology of Human Development by Urie Bronfenbrenner
Effective Social Work with Children, Young People and Families: Putting Systems Theory into Practice
GoodTherapy – Systems Theory/Therapy
New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST) – What is Systems Theory?
Psychology Today – Family Systems Theory
Systems Theory in Social Work

Behaviorism
Cognitive Theory

What drives human behavior? It’s a question that’s been asked for decades on end — and one that’s particularly relevant to the field of social work. Both behaviorism and social learning theory provide social workers with a useful framework for understanding clients.

By learning how past experiences influence present-day behavior, you can develop a research-backed approach to providing targeted care.

Social learning theory was developed by the influential Stanford University psychologist Albert Bandura. In 1961, Bandura conducted his most widely known experiment: the Bobo doll study . In this experiment, children watched an adult shout at and beat a Bobo doll on television.

Later that same day, the children were left to play in a room containing a Bobo doll — and those who’d seen the film were more likely to torment the doll, imitating the behavior they’d been exposed to earlier. As a result, social learning theory posits that learning occurs through observation and imitation.

Learn more about Social Learning Theory in Social Work.

Behaviorism and Behavioral Theory

According to behaviorism, all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. By adding in a conditioned stimulus before an unconditioned stimulus that leads to an unconditioned response, the conditioned stimulus will lead to a new conditioned response. In his famous experiment, Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov conditioned dogs to produce saliva at the sound of a metronome. By consistently introducing the metronome before feeding time, he found that the sound alone would lead to salivation — in anticipation of feeding time.

Similarly, humans can be conditioned to respond to specific stimuli. For instance, a child may work harder in school if they are promised a reward for receiving good grades.

Cognitive Theory in Social Work

Cognitive theory uncovers how a person’s thinking influences behavior. This theory places emphasis on dysfunctional thought patterns that influence problematic behaviors — what we tell ourselves after an event. Social works may utilize this approach in therapy sessions to link dysfunctional thoughts that occur after and before behaviors.

Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory Related Resources

American Psychological Association (APA) – “Albert Bandura to receive National Medal of Science”
Association for Psychological Science (APS) – What Happened to Behaviorism
Berkeley Graduate Division: Graduate Student Instructor Teaching & Resource Center – Behaviorism
BMC Medical Education – Using Social Learning Theory to Explore the Process of Learning from Role Models in Clinical Settings
Psychology Today – Behaviorism
Psychology Today – Social Learning Theory
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Behaviorism
Social Learning Theory – By Albert Bandura
Social Learning Theory in Social Work
Youtube Video from The Curious Classroom – Bandura and Social Learning Theory

Drive Theory

Ego psychology, object relations theory, self psychology.

Originally introduced by Sigmund Freud, psychodynamic theory has a storied history within social work. This theory is based on Freud’s belief that humans are intra-psychologically driven to seek gratification and that these impulses largely influence our everyday behavior. Psychodynamic theory has four major schools of thought: drive theory, ego psychology, object relations theory and self-psychology.

This psychodynamic theory is based on Freud’s belief that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification of their endogenous drive — and that these impulses largely influence our everyday behavior. Per Freud, these primary drives include sex, self-preservation, and aggression. Impositions on these drives may be external or internal via superego and ego; psychic structures introduced by Freud. Social workers who approach clients with theoretical orientation on drive may posit that a client’s actions are based on an innate suppression of, otherwise, socially unacceptable actions.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), ego psychology is an approach that emphasizes the functions of the ego in controlling impulses, planning, and dealing with the external environment. Freud believed that the ego is weak in relation to one’s id. Ego psychology combines biological and psychological views of development by understanding the influences of socio cultural impacts on function.

Object-relations theory is a branch of psychodynamic thought that suggests relationships are more critical to personality development than individual drives and abilities. Accordingly, social workers may want to study the interactions between a client and the people who played a significant role in their life in early childhood.

Self psychology was introduced by Austrian psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut in the early 1970s and has since become one of social work’s most significant analytic theories. According to self psychology, humans have a distinct set of development needs and transferences: mirroring, idealizing, and alter ego. If a parent fails to meet those needs in childhood, an individual may wind up unable to regulate self-esteem — and therefore, may be overly dependent on others to provide those functions. In the realm of social work, this calls for a careful understanding of early occurrences and shortcomings.

Psychodynamic Related Resources

PsychCentral – Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Theory – By Kathleen Holtz Deal
Psychology Today – Psychodynamic Therapy
SAMSHA/CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols – Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse – Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychosocial Development Theory

Transpersonal Theory

Growth. Change. Consistency. By adopting a developmental perspective, social workers can start uncovering the patterns of a person’s life. A large portion of developmental theories focus on childhood, since this is such a formative time.

Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Inspired by the earlier work of Sigmund Freud, German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson developed an eight-stage theory of identity and psychosocial development. According to Erikson, everyone must pass through eight stages of development throughout their life cycle: hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom. As a social worker, you may find it useful to identify a client’s current stage to pinpoint what challenges they’re currently facing.

Transpersonal theory suggests the existence of stages beyond the adult ego. These stages contribute to creativity, wisdom, and altruism in healthy individuals—but can lead to psychosis in those lacking healthy ego development. In social work, transpersonal theory may be used to treat anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health concerns. Typically spiritual approaches as used such as meditation, guided visualization, hypnotherapy and more.

Developmental Perspective Related Resources

A Lifespan Developmental Perspective on Psychosocial Development in Midlife – By Tara L. Kuther and Kaitlyn Burnell
Liberty University – Theories of Psychosocial Development
Midlife Eriksonian Psychosocial Development: Setting the Stage for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Late Life – By Johanna C. Malone, Sabrina R. Liu, George E. Vaillant, Dorene M. Rentz, and Robert J. Waldinger
Psychosocial Theory: Erikson – By Doug Davis and Alan Clifton
Psychology Today – Our Hierarchy of Needs
Psychology Today – Transpersonal Therapy
A Review of Transpersonal Theory and Its Application to the Practice of Psychotherapy – By Mark C. Kasprow, M.D. and Bryce W. Scotton, M.D.
Social Work and Social Development – Edited By James Midgley and Amy Conley

Social Exchange Theory

Social constructionism, symbolic interactionism.

Rational choice perspective is based on the idea that people calculate risks and benefits before making any decision, since all actions are fundamentally rational in character. Studying this theory can help social workers better understand client behavior. For instance, an action that seems objectively irrational to some, may make more sense upon closer examination of the individual’s context.

Social exchange theory dates back to 1958, when American sociologist George Homans published the paper “Social Behavior as Exchange.” According to Homans, any two-person relationship can be viewed in terms of cost-benefit analysis— what am I giving, and what am I getting in return? The APA defines social exchange theory as a concern of social interactions in exchanges where all participants seek to maximize their benefits. Within social work, professionals may utilize their theory to better understand interactions with their client and others around them — diving into the intrinsic rewards they may receive.

True. False. Good. Bad. Right. Wrong. In social constructionism, these are all relative concepts, entirely dependent on the person who is interpreting them. This concept abandons the idea that one’s mind represents a mirror of reality—rather, it suggests that each of us creates our own world from our individual perceptions and interactions with others in the community.

Symbolic interactionism positions communication as the central way in which people make sense of their social worlds. American psychologist Herbert Blumer introduced three premises of symbolic interactionism:

Humans interact with objects, institutions, and other individuals based on ascribed meanings.
These ascribed meanings are inspired by our interactions with others and society.
The meanings are interpreted by individuals in specific circumstances.

Imagine, for example, that your client professes a love for baking. Adopting a lens of symbolic interactionism, you may dig deeper into the ascribed meaning behind this act. Perhaps your client makes meringues because they used to help their mother do so in childhood — and for them, escaping to the kitchen is an act of comfort and safety.

Rational Choice Perspective Related Resources

Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) – Behavior Analysis and Social Constructionism: Some Points of Contact and Departure by Bryan Roche and Dermot Barnes-Holmes
Cornell University ILR School – Social Exchange Theory of Emotions by Edward J. Lawler and Shane R. Thye
Iowa State University – Social Exchange Theory by Mark V. Redmond
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Rational Choice and Routine Activities Theory
Rational Choice Theory: Advocacy and Critique – Edited by James S. Coleman and Thomas J. Fararo
What is Social Constructionism? – By Tom Andrews

Conflict theory explains how different power structures impact people’s lives. In this theory, life is characterized by conflict—whether that’s oppression, discrimination, power struggles, or structural inequality. In addressing these asymmetrical power relationships, social workers can strive to reduce tensions between different groups.

Practice Models Used in Social Work

Problem solving model.

Task Centered Practice
Solution Focused Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention model.

Read on to discover how these practice models are used by social workers in a variety of settings.

Proposed by Helen Harris Perlman in her book Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process, the problem solving model. Ms. Perlman posited that “success could be achieved by partializing – or separating into manageable segments – a client’s intertwined problems and focusing on one specific issue the client and social worker agreed needed to be resolved at a given time”, according to The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration . Utilizing this model, social workers are employed to address one concern of a client as to be resolved, at any given time. This allows for therapy for clients to be more manageable.

Task-Centered Practice

Beginning at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, task-centered practice (TCP) is a four step process that trains social workers to work with clients in establishing specific and achievable goals based upon their concern for therapy. Through this model, social workers empower clients to drive their therapy by asking what they most want to work on to address their problems.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-focused therapy was developed out of necessity, as a brief theory, in an inner city outpatient mental health setting bySteve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg and their colleagues. This approach focuses on finding solutions in the from the past, for the present — in hopes of achieving quicker problem resolution. Social workers may use this theory when focusing more on the present and future, asking questions like “What would you be doing this weekend that supports your therapy goals?”.

Narrative therapy can be an effective way of separating a client from their problems. By examining a person’s life story, this social work practice model externalizes struggles, allowing individuals to adopt a new perspective and see the bigger picture. From a distance, they may be able to reframe their situation—recognizing that their self-worth and purpose are separate from their problems. When told from a third-person perspective, a story of hardship may transform into a story of resilience.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the leading treatments for many mental health conditions. This social work practice model focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—encouraging clients to identify patterns of irrational and self-destructive thoughts and behaviors that impact emotions.

Crisis intervention includes seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop a plan of action, and follow up. This social work practice model is used when someone is experiencing an acute crisis — and is commonly used with clients who are expressing suicidal intent.

If you would like to become a social worker, but are not sure what degree options are available for you, explore our list of accredited masters in social worker online programs .

Theories Used in Social Work

Social workers are employed throughout a variety of settings and guide people from all walks of life. Regardless of their context, social workers can leverage some core theories and practice models to help clients throughout the industry.

Common Theories and Practice Models in Social Work

In many ways, social work is a science. Social workers can guide their clients, but they don’t carry out their practice based on their own opinion and/or style. Instead, social workers study specific clinical theories that are grounded in research to inform how they implement clinical practice in a methodological manner. In fact, clinical social workers need to obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in order to fully understand these theories and master therapeutic practice models.

At its core, social work focuses on “person-in-environment” (PIE) theory. This considers clients within their psychosocial contexts, and it connects to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. This guide explores how each theory and practice model functions within the PIE theory.

Social workers learn about these theories during their education. You can learn more about these academic programs with these resources: a guide to social work bachelor’s degrees , master’s degrees , and online master’s degrees .

Why is Theory Important in Social Work?

As any social work professor can tell you, understanding clinical theories are an essential part of a social worker’s job. It allows social workers to explore certain origins of behavior with evidence-based approaches. Social workers also lean on these theories and practices to address client problems with research to back up their practice. This is especially important, as social workers need to avoid personal assumptions or biases from interfering with effective treatment plans.

Learning about these theories can also help social workers implement effective solutions rather than grasping at straws. If a certain therapeutic approach does not work, social workers can examine the reasons and use what they’ve learned to try a different approach.

Common Social Work Theories

Social workers can incorporate components of several different clinical theories in their work with clients. Some popular approaches for social workers include theories of systems, social learning, psychosocial development, psychodynamic, transpersonal, and rational choice.

Many of these theories have been developed within the past century, and several draw upon Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis. Some of these theories encompass a broad outlook (such as systems theory), while others focus on specific conflicts (like psychosocial theory). Not every social worker uses every theory, while some social workers might use elements of each one. You can read more information about the most common social work theories below.

Systems theory assumes that human behavior is the result of a larger system comprised of several elements, including the relationships between these elements, as well as external factors like their environment. These factors could involve a person’s family, peers, school, work, or community. Sociologists have identified many different types of systems, including microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, and macrosystems.

Social work professionals examine how the systems in which their clients live affect their behaviors. For instance, living in a system of poverty can have a significant impact on how a person makes decisions. Social workers can devise strategies based on these systems in order to provide a more concise treatment plan for their client.

Developed by psychologist Albert Bandura in the 1970s, social learning theory accounts for how the behavior of other people can affect somebody’s behavior. Bandura argued that individuals pick up behaviors by observing and imitating the people around them. Unlike behavioral theories, social learning theory proposes that people actively and mentally process other people’s behaviors before imitating them.

Social workers may take into account social learning theory when working with children who take on aggressive or violent behaviors, for example. The children may mimic their parents or other significant adults in their lives. When social workers are able to identify the origin of a child’s behaviors, they are able to effectively create a treatment approach.

Influenced by the seminal work of Freud, psychologist Erik Erikson proposes several stages of development relating to a person’s ego identity, personal identity, and social and cultural identity. Erikson’s theory argues that humans struggle with specific conflicts throughout different stages of their life. Those conflicts include:

Trust vs. mistrust in infancy
Autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood
Initiative vs. guilt in preschool age
Industry vs. inferiority in school age
Identity vs. role confusion in adolescence
Intimacy vs. isolation in young adulthood
Generativity vs. stagnation in middle adulthood
Ego integrity vs. despair in maturity

Erikson’s theory suggests that if humans effectively navigate these tensions at each stage of their life, they can develop a healthy ego. Social workers may consider these conflicts when working with their clients. It is important to note that each stage correlates with an emotional stage which could also be in conflict with a developmental stage.

Introduced by Freud at the turn of the 20th century — and popularized by Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, and Anna Freud — psychodynamic theory argues that our personalities develop because of various internal forces. Freud wrote that our personalities are largely shaped during our early childhood, and our personality consists of three main parts: id (impulse), ego (decision-making), and superego (conscience). Psychodynamic theory also prioritizes a person’s unconscious thought process as the root of their behaviors.

Social workers may use psychodynamic theory to help clients examine the underlying causes of certain behaviors — often considering the clients’ childhood — to help explain why they act a certain way. Social workers may offer different types of therapies based on psychodynamic theory, including transference and dream analysis.

Transpersonal theory approaches humans with a holistic philosophy, and considers factors like spirituality, the relationship between the body and the mind, and consciousness. Psychologists generally do not consider transpersonal theory to be scientific, but many therapists or mental health professionals integrate elements of transpersonal theory into their practice. They might use meditation, mindfulness practices, or hypnotherapy on their patients.

Rational choice theory argues that people make decisions and carry out behaviors based on their own rational thought processes, especially if those decisions ultimately benefit the individual. This theory directly opposes some other clinical theories that suggest people make decisions on unconscious thought processes.

Although rational choice theory is often found within economic theory, social workers can also apply these principles to their job. To understand why clients make certain decisions, social workers can examine how those clients believed their choices would benefit them. Social workers also can develop solutions and suggest resources to assist clients with achieving their goals.

Common Practice Models in Social Work

While social workers integrate various clinical theories into their practice, they can also implement specific therapeutic models. The theories above may explain the causes of a person’s struggles; however, practice models allow social workers to carry out specific approaches to treat those struggles.

The section below outlines some of the most common practice models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention model, narrative therapy, problem-solving model, solution-focused therapy, and task-centered therapy. Some of these methods overlap or share characteristics with each other, but each serves a purpose for specific clients and circumstances.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies unhealthy patterns of thinking and attempts to rewrite these patterns.

People often convince themselves that their frequently distorted thoughts are true. CBT forces individuals to question and confront these distortions. For instance, somebody might find themselves in fear of social situations, because they imagine a worst-case scenario that they will humiliate themselves. CBT pushes that person to examine these assumptions and instead consider new scenarios and outlooks.

People who struggle with anxiety and depression often find CBT helpful, and many clinical social workers incorporate CBT into their therapeutic practice.

Crisis intervention model is much what it sounds like: in times of acute psychological strain or distress, social workers and mental health professionals intervene before that crisis turns into harm. Albert Roberts and Allen Ottens propose seven steps to crisis intervention. These include conducting a safety assessment, establishing psychological contact, identifying the major problems, helping the patient explore their feelings, looking for new coping mechanisms, creating an action plan, and planning follow-ups.

Social workers can use the crisis intervention model for clients suffering from major trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or suicidal thoughts, among others. This model of crisis intervention works in a voluntary manner, which means that clients must be open to the process.

Narrative therapy is based on the theory that individuals turn their personal experiences into stories. In other words, they create narratives of their own lives. This type of therapy relies on four major principles: “objective truth” does not exist; reality is a social construct; language can influence how we view reality; and narratives help us organize our personal realities.

Narrative therapy encourages clients to distance themselves from their personal experiences by taking on the role of a narrator and rewriting the script. This can help them change harmful and disruptive thinking patterns, especially those shaped by trauma.

Helen Harris Perlman proposed the problem-solving model in the 1950s specifically for the field of social work. At the time, many social work theories and therapies relied on psychotherapy; Perlman instead argued that social workers could more effectively help clients by focusing on one problem at a time.

Focusing on smaller problems allows clients to develop and follow through with action plans to confront those issues in a manageable way. This method — also called “partializing” — would make therapies more manageable for social workers and clients alike, and professionals still use Perlman’s proposals.

Solution-focused therapy, or solution focused brief therapy, concentrates on an individual’s present and future situations. This therapy involves a departure from psychodynamic-influenced theories that focus on a person’s past and childhood.

Solution-focused therapy proposes immediate, manageable solutions that allow patients to better cope with their problems. A mental health professional or social worker employing this type of therapy might challenge a client to imagine their future life without their problem, or they might help individuals recognize and better harness copy mechanisms that they already use. Social workers might implement solution-focused therapy for adolescents with behavioral problems or families with conflicts, to name a couple of examples.

Task-centered practice shares many principles with the problem-solving model and solution-focused therapy, but it tends to follow an even more focused and quick approach. Task-centered practice usually only lasts 8-12 sessions, and clients concentrate on achieving measurable goals. Clients and social workers create action plans with specific tasks, and then clients carry out those tasks.

Social workers can integrate this type of therapy into many different types of settings. They might work with students with disruptive behavioral issues, soon-to-be-discharged hospital patients, or older clients at nursing homes.

Reviewed by:

the problem solving model in social work

Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW

Melissa Russiano is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice that has organically developed into a specialty working with helping professionals. Russiano has a proven track record helping professionals avoid burnout in a unique way that holds clinicians accountable through laughter, tears, blunt (yet very supportive) feedback and quirky analogies that are grounded in solid theoretical research. Russiano practices solely in a virtual setting in the states of California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Additionally, Russiano is a professor imparting her experiences and knowledge in the field to future social workers in a graduate program through Simmons University online.

Pursue your passion for helping others with a career in social work.

Discover schools with specialized programs that empower you to make a difference today.

Subject List
Take a Tour
For Authors
Subscriber Services
Publications
African American Studies
African Studies
American Literature
Anthropology
Architecture Planning and Preservation
Art History
Atlantic History
Biblical Studies
British and Irish Literature
Childhood Studies
Chinese Studies
Cinema and Media Studies
Communication
Criminology
Environmental Science
Evolutionary Biology
International Law
International Relations
Islamic Studies
Jewish Studies
Latin American Studies
Latino Studies
Linguistics
Literary and Critical Theory
Medieval Studies
Military History
Political Science
Public Health
Renaissance and Reformation

Social Work

Urban Studies
Victorian Literature
Browse All Subjects

How to Subscribe

Free Trials

In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy

Introduction.

Introductory Works
Reference Works
Journal Articles and Scholarly Works
Task-Centered Organization
Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy
Specialized SFT Organizations

Other Subject Areas

Forthcoming articles expand or collapse the "forthcoming articles" section.

Child Welfare Effectiveness
Immigration and Child Welfare
International Human Trafficking
Find more forthcoming articles...
Export Citations
Share This Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy by Cynthia Franklin , Krystallynne Mikle LAST REVIEWED: 06 May 2015 LAST MODIFIED: 30 September 2013 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0188

Brief therapies serve as evidenced-based practices that place a strong emphasis on effective, time-limited treatments that aid in resolving clients’ presenting problems. The resources presented in this article summarize for professionals and educators the abundant literature evaluating brief therapies within social work practice. Brief therapies have appeared in many different schools of psychotherapy, and several approaches have also evolved within social work practice, but two approaches—the task-centered model and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)—stand out as being grounded in research and have also gained international acclaim as important interventions for implementation and further study. These two approaches are the focus of this bibliography. The task-centered model and SFBT were developed by social work practitioners and researchers for the purposes of making clinical practice more effective, and they share a common bond in hoping to improve the services delivered to clients. Since the development of the task-centered and solution-focused approaches, brief therapies have become essential to the work of all types of psychotherapists and clinicians, and many of the principles and practices of brief therapy that are a part of the task-centered and solution-focused approaches are now essential to psychotherapy training. Clinical social workers practicing from the perspective of the task-centered model and SFBT approaches work from several brief therapy assumptions. The first regards the client/therapist relationship. The best way to help clients is to work within a collaborative relationship to discover options for coping and new behavior that may also lead to specific tasks and solutions for change that are identified by the client. Second is the assumption that change can happen quickly and can be lasting. Third, focus on the past may not be as helpful to most clients as a focus on the present and the future. The fourth regards a pragmatic perspective about where the change occurs. The best approach to practice is pragmatic, and effective practitioners recognize that what happens in a client’s life is more important than what happens in a social worker’s office. The fifth assumption is that change can happen more quickly and be maintained when practitioners utilize the strengths and resources that exist within the client and his or her environment. The next assumption is that a small change made by clients may cause significant and major life changes. The seventh assumption is associated with creating goals. It is important to focus on small, concrete goal construction and helping the client move toward small steps to achieve those goals. The next regards change. Change is viewed as hard work and involves focused effort and commitment from the client and social worker. There will be homework assignments and following through on tasks. Also, it is assumed that it is important to establish and maintain a clear treatment focus (often considered the most important element in brief treatment). Parsimony is also considered to be a guiding principle (i.e., given two equally effective treatments, the one requiring less investment of time and energy is preferable). Last, it is assumed that without evidence to the contrary, the client’s stated problem is taken as the valid focus of treatment. The task-centered model and SFBT have developed a strong empirical base, and both approaches operate from a goal-oriented and strengths perspective. Both approaches have numerous applications and have successfully been used with many different types of clients and practice settings. Both approaches have also been expanded to applications in macro social work that focus on work within management- and community-based practices. For related Oxford Bibliographies entries, see Task-Centered Practice and Solution-Focused Therapy .

Task-Centered Model Literature

The task-centered model is an empirically grounded approach to social work practice that appeared in the mid-1960s at Columbia University and was developed in response to research reports that indicated social work was not effective with clients. William J. Reid was the chief researcher who helped develop this model, and he integrated many therapeutic perspectives to create the task-centered approach, including ideas from behavioral therapies. The task-centered model evolved out of the psychodynamic practice and uses a brief, problem-solving approach to help clients resolve presenting problems. The task-centered model is currently used in clinical social work and group work and may also be applied to other types of social work practice.

Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on this page. Please subscribe or login .

Oxford Bibliographies Online is available by subscription and perpetual access to institutions. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here .

About Social Work »
Meet the Editorial Board »
Adolescent Depression
Adolescent Pregnancy
Adolescents
Adoption Home Study Assessments
Adult Protective Services in the United States
African Americans
Aging out of foster care
Aging, Physical Health and
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Problems
Alcohol and Drug Problems, Prevention of Adolescent and Yo...
Alcohol Problems: Practice Interventions
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Asian Americans
Asian-American Youth
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Baccalaureate Social Workers
Behavioral Health
Bereavement Practice
Bisexuality
Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and So...
Bullying and Social Work Intervention
Canadian Social Welfare, History of
Case Management in Mental Health in the United States
Central American Migration to the United States
Child Maltreatment Prevention
Child Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
Child Poverty
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Welfare
Child Welfare and Child Protection in Europe, History of
Child Welfare Practice with LGBTQ Youth and Families
Children of Incarcerated Parents
Christianity and Social Work
Chronic Illness
Clinical Social Work Practice with Adult Lesbians
Clinical Social Work Practice with Males
Cognitive Behavior Therapies with Diverse and Stressed Pop...
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Community Development
Community Policing
Community-Based Participatory Research
Community-Needs Assessment
Comparative Social Work
Computational Social Welfare: Applying Data Science in Soc...
Conflict Resolution
Council on Social Work Education
Counseling Female Offenders
Criminal Justice
Crisis Interventions
Cultural Competence and Ethnic Sensitive Practice
Culture, Ethnicity, Substance Use, and Substance Use Disor...
Dementia Care
Dementia Care, Ethical Aspects of
Depression and Cancer
Development and Infancy (Birth to Age Three)
Differential Response in Child Welfare
Digital Storytelling for Social Work Interventions
Disabilities
Disability and Disability Culture
Domestic Violence Among Immigrants
Early Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Child Welfare–Involve...
Eating Disorders
Ecological Framework
Economic Evaluation
Elder Mistreatment
End-of-Life Decisions
Epigenetics for Social Workers
Ethical Issues in Social Work and Technology
Ethics and Values in Social Work
European Institutions and Social Work
European Union, Justice and Home Affairs in the
Evidence-based Social Work Practice: Finding Evidence
Evidence-based Social Work Practice: Issues, Controversies...
Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs
Families with Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Parents
Family Caregiving
Family Group Conferencing
Family Policy
Family Services
Family Therapy
Family Violence
Fathering Among Families Served By Child Welfare
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Field Education
Financial Literacy and Social Work
Financing Health-Care Delivery in the United States
Forensic Social Work
Foster Care
Foster care and siblings
Gender, Violence, and Trauma in Immigration Detention in t...
Generalist Practice and Advanced Generalist Practice
Grounded Theory
Group Work across Populations, Challenges, and Settings
Group Work, Research, Best Practices, and Evidence-based
Harm Reduction
Health Care Reform
Health Disparities
Health Social Work
History of Social Work and Social Welfare, 1900–1950
History of Social Work and Social Welfare, 1950-1980
History of Social Work and Social Welfare, pre-1900
History of Social Work from 1980-2014
History of Social Work in China
History of Social Work in Northern Ireland
History of Social Work in the Republic of Ireland
History of Social Work in the United Kingdom
HIV/AIDS and Children
HIV/AIDS Prevention with Adolescents
Homelessness
Homelessness: Ending Homelessness as a Grand Challenge
Homelessness Outside the United States
Human Needs
Human Trafficking, Victims of
Immigrant Integration in the United States
Immigrant Policy in the United States
Immigrants and Refugees
Immigrants and Refugees: Evidence-based Social Work Practi...
Immigration and Health Disparities
Immigration and Intimate Partner Violence
Immigration and Poverty
Immigration and Spirituality
Immigration and Substance Use
Immigration and Trauma
Impact of Emerging Technology in Social Work Practice
Impaired Professionals
Implementation Science and Practice
Indigenous Peoples
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employmen...
In-home Child Welfare Services
Intergenerational Transmission of Maltreatment
International Social Welfare
International Social Work
International Social Work and Education
International Social Work and Social Welfare in Southern A...
Internet and Video Game Addiction
Intervention with Traumatized Populations
Intimate-Partner Violence
Juvenile Justice
Kinship Care
Korean Americans
Latinos and Latinas
Law, Social Work and the
LGBTQ Populations and Social Work
Mainland European Social Work, History of
Major Depressive Disorder
Management and Administration in Social Work
Maternal Mental Health
Measurement, Scales, and Indices
Medical Illness
Men: Health and Mental Health Care
Mental Health
Mental Health Diagnosis and the Addictive Substance Disord...
Mental Health Needs of Older People, Assessing the
Mental Illness: Children
Mental Illness: Elders
Meta-analysis
Microskills
Middle East and North Africa, International Social Work an...
Military Social Work
Mixed Methods Research
Moral distress and injury in social work
Multiculturalism
Native Americans
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Neighborhood Social Cohesion
Neuroscience and Social Work
Nicotine Dependence
Occupational Social Work
Organizational Development and Change
Pain Management
Palliative Care
Palliative Care: Evolution and Scope of Practice
Pandemics and Social Work
Parent Training
Personalization
Person-in-Environment
Philosophy of Science and Social Work
Physical Disabilities
Podcasts and Social Work
Police Social Work
Political Social Work in the United States
Positive Youth Development
Postmodernism and Social Work
Postsecondary Education Experiences and Attainment Among Y...
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Practice Interventions and Aging
Practice Interventions with Adolescents
Practice Research
Primary Prevention in the 21st Century
Productive Engagement of Older Adults
Profession, Social Work
Program Development and Grant Writing
Promoting Smart Decarceration as a Grand Challenge
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
Psychoeducation
Psychometrics
Psychopathology and Social Work Practice
Psychopharmacology and Social Work Practice
Psychosocial Intervention with Women
Qualitative Research
Race and Racism
Readmission Policies in Europe
Redefining Police Interactions with People Experiencing Me...
Rehabilitation
Religiously Affiliated Agencies
Reproductive Health
Research Ethics
Restorative Justice
Risk Assessment in Child Protection Services
Risk Management in Social Work
Rural Social Work in China
Rural Social Work Practice
School Social Work
School Violence
School-Based Delinquency Prevention
Services and Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Youth
Severe and Persistent Mental Illness: Adults
Sexual and Gender Minority Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylu...
Sexual Assault
Single-System Research Designs
Social and Economic Impact of US Immigration Policies on U...
Social Development
Social Insurance and Social Justice
Social Intervention Research
Social Justice and Social Work
Social Movements
Social Planning
Social Policy
Social Policy in Denmark
Social Security in the United States (OASDHI)
Social Work and Islam
Social Work and Social Welfare in East, West, and Central ...
Social Work and Social Welfare in Europe
Social Work Education and Research
Social Work Leadership
Social Work Luminaries: Luminaries Contributing to the Cla...
Social Work Luminaries: Luminaries contributing to the fou...
Social Work Luminaries: Luminaries Who Contributed to Soci...
Social Work Regulation
Social Work Research Methods
Social Work with Interpreters
Strategic Planning
Supplemental Security Income
Survey Research
Sustainability: Creating Social Responses to a Changing En...
Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Systematic Review Methods
Technology Adoption in Social Work Education
Technology for Social Work Interventions
Technology, Human Relationships, and Human Interaction
Technology in Social Work
Terminal Illness
The Impact of Systemic Racism on Latinxs’ Experiences with...
Transdisciplinary Science
Translational Science and Social Work
Transnational Perspectives in Social Work
Transtheoretical Model of Change
Trauma-Informed Care
Triangulation
Tribal child welfare practice in the United States
United States, History of Social Welfare in the
Universal Basic Income
Veteran Services
Vicarious Trauma and Resilience in Social Work Practice wi...
Vicarious Trauma Redefining PTSD
Victim Services
Virtual Reality and Social Work
Welfare State Reform in France
Welfare State Theory
Women and Macro Social Work Practice
Women's Health Care
Work and Family in the German Welfare State
Workforce Development of Social Workers Pre- and Post-Empl...
Working with Non-Voluntary and Mandated Clients
Young and Adolescent Lesbians
Youth at Risk
Youth Services
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Legal Notice
Accessibility

[66.249.64.20|185.148.24.167]
185.148.24.167

Social Work Graduate

Resources for social work graduates

Various social work practice approaches

Blogs added to / updated regularly

https://www.facebook.com/socialworkgraduate

https://www.instagram.com/socialworkgraduate/

Oct 2, 2020

Practice Model: Problem Solving

Perlman’s model, planned change process model, practice approach based on planned change model

This page has three sections:

Background Material that provides the context for the topic

A suggested Practice Approach

A list of Supporting Material / References

Feedback welcome!

Background Material

Different authors look at the problem-solving model in varying ways.

Murdach (2007) suggests the principal stages of Perlman’s problem-solving model are simply:

problem definition,

problem analysis (including the generation and review of alternatives), and

the need for specific decision about a course of action (including methods of monitoring and evaluating the results of such action).

Chenowith and Lehmann (2008) describe a planned change process model:

Chenowith and Lehman also suggest the model outlined in the Practice Approach that follows. It consists of four phases:

The engagement phase involves making contact, exploring needs and setting preliminary goals.

The assessment phase involves collecting information, prioritising issues and agreeing on action.

The intervention phase involves implementing and modifying strategies to achieve goals.

The evaluation phase involves reviewing what has happened, celebrating progress and either concluding the work or negotiating a continued relationship.

Practice Approach

Supporting Material

(available on request)

Chenoweth, L. M. D. (2014). Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning Australia. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/une/detail.action?docID=1696405

Coady, N, & Lehmann, P. (2008). The problem-solving model: A framework for integrating science and art of practice. In N. Coady & P. Lehmann, Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice (pp. 67-86). New York: Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/une/detail.action?docID=326279

Murdach, A. D. (2007). Helen Harris Perlman and the problem solving method. Retrieved from https://allisonmurdach.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/helen-harris-perlman-and-the-problem-solving-model/

Theories Used in Social Work Practice & Practice Models

Social work theories are general explanations that are supported by evidence obtained through the scientific method. A theory may explain human behavior, for example, by describing how humans interact or how humans react to certain stimuli.

Social work practice models describe how social workers can implement theories. Practice models provide social workers with a blueprint of how to help others based on the underlying social work theory. While a theory explains why something happens, a practice model shows how to use a theory to create change.

Social Work Theories

There are many social work theories that guide social work practice. Here are some of the major theories that are generally accepted in the field of social work:

Systems theory describes human behavior in terms of complex systems. It is premised on the idea that an effective system is based on individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the system. According to this theory, families, couples, and organization members are directly involved in resolving a problem even if it is an individual issue.

Social learning theory is based on Albert Bandura’s idea that learning occurs through observation and imitation. New behavior will continue if it is reinforced. According to this theory, rather than simply hearing a new concept and applying it, the learning process is made more efficient if the new behavior is modeled as well.

Psychosocial development theory is an eight-stage theory of identity and psychosocial development articulated by Erik Erikson. Erikson believed everyone must pass through eight stages of development over the life cycle: hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom. Each stage is divided into age ranges from infancy to older adults.

Psychodynamic theory was developed by Freud, and it explains personality in terms of conscious and unconscious forces. This social work theory describes the personality as consisting of the id (responsible for following basic instincts), the superego (attempts to follow rules and behave morally), and the ego (mediates between the id and the ego).

Transpersonal theory proposes additional stages beyond the adult ego. In healthy individuals, these stages contribute to creativity, wisdom, and altruism. In people lacking healthy ego development, experiences can lead to psychosis.

Rational choice theory is based on the idea that all action is fundamentally rational in character, and people calculate the risks and benefits of any action before making decisions.

Social Work Practice Models

There are many different practice models that influence the way social workers choose to help people meet their goals. Here are some of the major social work practice models used in various roles, such as case managers and therapists:

Problem solving assists people with the problem solving process. Rather than tell clients what to do, social workers teach clients how to apply a problem solving method so they can develop their own solutions.

Task-centered practice is a short-term treatment where clients establish specific, measurable goals. Social workers and clients collaborate together and create specific strategies and steps to begin reaching those goals.

Narrative therapy externalizes a person’s problem by examining the story of the person’s life. In the story, the client is not defined by the problem, and the problem exists as a separate entity. Instead of focusing on a client’s depression, in this social work practice model, a client would be encouraged to fight against the depression by looking at the skills and abilities that may have previously been taken for granted.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Social workers assist clients in identifying patterns of irrational and self-destructive thoughts and behaviors that influence emotions.

Crisis intervention model is used when someone is dealing with an acute crisis. The model includes seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop an action plan, and follow up. This social work practice model is commonly used with clients who are expressing suicidal ideation.

To learn more about SocialWork@Simmons, request information and an admissions counselor will contact you.

Request Information

Compare CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs
Advanced Standing MSW Programs
Discover HBCU MSW Programs Online & On-Campus
On-Campus MSW Programs
Fast Track MSW Programs
Hybrid MSW Programs
Full-time online MSW programs
Part-Time Online MSW Programs
Online Clinical Social Work Degree Programs (LCSW)
Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs Online
Online Military Social Work Programs
Considering a Major in Social Work?
Ph.D. in Social Work Online
Schools By State
Sponsored: Fordham University
Sponsored: University of Denver
Sponsored: Baylor University
Sponsored: University of Southern California
Sponsored: Simmons University
Sponsored: Case Western Reserve University
Sponsored: Howard University
Sponsored: University of Southern California – DSW Online
Sponsored: Simmons University – DSW Online
How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker?
2022 Study Guide to the Social Work Licensing Exam
How to Become a Veterinary Social Worker
How to Become a LCSW
How to Become a School Social Worker
Become a Victim Advocate
Social Worker Interviews
Is a Master of Social Work (MSW) worth it?
Social Work Salaries – How Much Do Social Workers Make?
Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs Online
Concentrations in Online MSW Programs
Social Work: Core Values & Code of Ethics
Introduction to Social Learning Theory
Introduction to Systems Theory
Introduction to Psychosocial Development Theory
Introduction to Psychodynamic Theory
Introduction to Social Exchange Theory
Introduction to Rational Choice Theory
What is Social Justice?
What is Social Ecology?

Online MSW Programs / Social Work / 6 Important Theories in Social Work

Six important theories in social work

Social work theories attempt to describe, explain and predict social events based on scientific evidence, studies and research. Social work perspectives draw from psychology, philosophy, economics, education and other fields to attempt to explain what drives and motivates people at various stages of life.

Some social work students studying for a bachelor’s degree in social work or master of social work may wonder, “Why is theory important in social work?” Studying theory ensures that aspiring professionals are both competent and confident when the time comes to apply social work theories to practice.

Why is theory important in social work?

Social work theories help social workers analyze cases, understand clients, create interventions, predict intervention results, and evaluate outcomes. While the theories are constantly evolving as new evidence is produced, referencing social work theories that have been used over time enables social workers to explore causes of behavior and identify potential solutions.

A crucial objective of learning social work theories is to train and encourage social workers to set aside personal assumptions and beliefs when engaging in social work practice. Social workers should use evidence-based theories to investigate issues and drive their decision making.

University of Denver

Graduate school of social work, master of social work (msw).

Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
No GRE Required
Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Fordham University

Graduate school of social service.

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

info SPONSORED

Applying social work theory to practice

Social work theory provides a starting point for social workers to address client problems through a research-based lens.

The theories help social workers better understand complex human behaviors and social environments, which influence their clients lives and the challenges they face. A good grasp of theory that is backed by research-based scientific evidence helps guide social workers by providing them with a sense of direction and purpose.

One challenge when applying social work theories to practice is choosing the right theory for the situation. It can be difficult to assign a single theory to complex client issues. Often, it’s more practical to draw upon the knowledge of multiple theories and use that understanding to design multifaceted interventions.

List of important social work theories

The following list of social work theories includes some of the most widely referenced theories used in social work.

1. Social learning theory

Social learning theory , which is also known as social cognitive theory , was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. This theory posits that learning occurs by observing others and modeling their behavior.

In order for social learning to occur, a person must want to emulate the person they’re watching. The individual pays close attention to the action and retains the action in memory. Then, the individual must experience a situation where the behavior can be repeated and must be motivated to repeat the behavior.

Social workers can use this theory to better understand how role models affect the behaviors and emotions of their clients. Social learning theory can also help social workers form intervention strategies that use positive modeling and reinforcement to encourage their clients to engage in new positive behaviors.

2. Systems theory

Systems theory proposes that people are products of complex systems, rather than individuals who act in isolation. According to this theory, behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system. These factors include family, friends, social settings, religious structure, economic class, and home environment.

Systems theory can be used to treat issues like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, school trauma, and risky behavior. In ecological systems theory, individuals are observed in multiple environments so that behavior is fully understood. Family systems theory examines the family as a social system influencing behavior and thoughts.

Social workers using systems theory will work to understand how their clients are influenced by the systems they’re a part of. Social workers then identify where systemic breakdowns are affecting behavior.

3. Psychosocial development theory

Psychosocial development theory was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed personality develops in a series of stages. Erikson created an eight-stage theory of psychosocial development . According to the theory, the eight stages of development that people pass through in life are:

Trust versus mistrust
Autonomy versus shame and doubt
Initiative versus guilt
Industry versus inferiority
Identity versus confusion
Intimacy versus isolation
Generativity versus stagnation
Integrity versus despair

Psychosocial development theory explains that humans pass through these stages as they age. By identifying which stage of development their clients are experiencing, social workers can better understand the challenges their clients face.

4. Psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theory was introduced by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. This theory is founded on the idea that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification. The theory states that people do this based on processes that have developed outside of conscious awareness, with origins in childhood experiences. This drive influences everyday behavior, leading to actions like aggression, sex and self-preservation.

In social work, psychodynamic theory can help to explain the internal processes individuals use to guide their behavior , some of which may be unconsciously motivated. Social workers may also examine how early childhood experiences have played a role in influencing their clients’ current behavior.

5. Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory suggests that relationships are based on cost-benefit analysis. Each person seeks to maximize their benefits and is expected to reciprocate for the benefits they’ve received. When risks outweigh potential rewards, relationships may be abandoned. When one person in a relationship has greater personal resources than another, that person is predicted to have greater power as well.

Social workers can use social exchange theory to understand their clients’ relationships, including why they continue to maintain certain relationships or abandon them.

Social exchange theory can also be applied to the techniques social workers use to connect with their clients. This theory can influence how social workers position the social worker-client relationship as one that benefits their clients.

6. Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory helps explain why people make the choices they do, by weighing risks, costs and benefits. This theory suggests that all choices are rational because people calculate the costs and benefits before making a decision. Even when a choice seems irrational, there is reasoning behind it.

This theory can help social workers understand the decision-making processes and motivations of their clients.

Six practice models in social work

Social work practice models enable social workers to implement theories in their day-to-day work. Just like a social worker may use various theories to guide their interventions, social workers may also use various practice models depending on the problems their clients encounter.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors, which can sometimes lead to psychological problems. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy methods help clients identify self-destructive thoughts that influence negative emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used for individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, mental illness or depression resulting from crisis or trauma. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy help their clients eliminate negative thoughts to prevent destructive behaviors and adverse outcomes.

2. Crisis intervention model

The crisis intervention model is used for clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma, such as victims of domestic violence, and for clients who require intervention to prevent physical harm or suicide. Albert R. Roberts, PhD, and Allen J. Ottens, PhD, developed a seven-stage crisis intervention model :

Take a psychosocial and lethality assessment.
Rapidly establish rapport.
Identify the major crisis cause(s).
Enable the client to express their feelings and emotions.
Generate and explore safe alternatives for coping.
Create an action plan.
Follow up after the intervention.

This social work model can be used for clients who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm or who have undergone an acute crisis, like rape or violence.

3. Narrative therapy

Narrative therapy is the process of helping the individual recognize that they have the power to change their life story, also known as the narrative. Narrative therapy helps individuals realize that they are separate from their problems and can fix them when they view the narrative from an outside perspective.

Using narrative therapy, a social worker can help an individual create a new narrative with different positive actions. The social worker enables the individual to understand how the broader context is contributing to their narrative, so that they can be aware of pitfalls to avoid and can utilize various strategies to tackle their problems.

4. Problem-solving model

The problem-solving model was created by Helen Harris Perlman , a social worker and author of “Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process.” Using the problem-solving model, a social worker helps an individual identify a problem, create an action plan to solve it, and implement the solution. Together, the social worker and individual discuss the effectiveness of the problem-solving strategy and adjust it as necessary. The problem-solving model enables the social worker and individual to focus on one concrete problem at a time.

5. Solution-focused therapy

Solution-focused therapy involves the social worker and client identifying a problem and creating a solution based on the individual’s strengths. It’s a short-term practice model that focuses on helping clients cope with challenges using specific behaviors. Instead of focusing on changing who a client is, solution-focused therapy attempts to change a client’s actions in certain situations to achieve more favorable outcomes.

Collaborating to create solutions allows the client to play an active role in implementing necessary actions and achieving positive change.

6. Task-centered practice

Using task-centered practice, a social worker breaks down a problem into manageable tasks. The individual has deadlines to complete the tasks and agrees to meet them. Task-centered practice is a goal-setting form of social work that helps individuals make consistent steps toward improving their lives.

Instead of focusing on the past, this type of practice encourages clients to live in the present and think about how completing certain tasks will positively impact their future.

Resources to explore social work theories

Social work theories have been practiced over decades and continually evolve when new research is completed. Learn more about social work theories by exploring the resources below.

Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work : This journal features research on evidence-based practice in social work and evaluates social work theory, techniques, and strategies.
Journal of Social Work Practice : This journal focuses on psychodynamic and systemic social work perspectives. It features research on theory and practice and includes articles offering critical analysis of systemic and psychodynamic theory.
Journal of Social Work : This journal includes social work research and short “think pieces” on social work theoretical understanding, policy, and practice.
Social Work: This journal is the official journal of the National Association of Social Workers and features articles on social work and social welfare, including new techniques and research.
Clinical Social Work Journal: This journal features peer-reviewed articles on clinical social work practice with individuals, groups, families, and couples. It also has articles on theory developments, practice and evidence-based clinical research.

Introductory books

“A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory” : This textbook by David Howe explains how social work practice is influenced by various social work theories and shows how social work theories have evolved over time.
“An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods”: This book by Barbra Teater explains the most prominent social work theories and how those approaches can be used in practice.
“Social Work Theory and Practice”: This book by Lesley Deacon and Stephen J. Macdonald explains how social work theory informs practice for various individuals and contexts.
“Modern Social Work Theory”: This book by Malcolm Payne introduces the major social work practice theories and explains how to apply theory to practice.
“An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice”: This book by James A. Forte covers 14 social work theories and explains how to use them from engagement through evaluation.

Note: the links in this section on Social Work Theory all go to Google Books and are solely provided for your information. edX does not receive any form of compensation for these links.

Other online resources

NASW Clinical Social Work : This section of the National Association of Social Workers website covers clinical social work practice. It features content, publications, and related resources for clinical social workers, like the “ NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice (PDF, 135 KB) .”
Encyclopedia of Social Work: The Encyclopedia of Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers Press and Oxford University Press features tools for applying social work theory to practice. These resources include scholarly articles and bibliographies.
Social Work Today : This publication features articles on current social work trends in categories like behavioral health, addictions, children and family, aging and professional practice.

Science-based social work theory helps social workers and their clients succeed

Social work theory helps professionals in the field identify and implement effective interventions for clients. An understanding of the most prominent social work theories gives social workers the tools they need to provide evidence-based treatment and help their clients overcome their problems. As social work theories continue to evolve and emerge, social workers can apply their multifaceted knowledge to unique situations and clients.

Are you considering a career in social work? Read more about the field of social work and the steps to becoming a social worker , which can vary by location.

Last updated: November 2023

Models of Social Case Work

Models of Social Case Work are frameworks that guide social workers in their interactions with clients. They provide a way of understanding the client's problems and developing interventions to address them. Some of the most common models of social casework include the psychodynamic model, the behavioral model, the psychosocial model, and the general systems model.

The psychodynamic model focuses on the unconscious mind and how it affects behavior. The behavioral model focuses on observable behavior and how it can be changed. The psychosocial model combines the psychodynamic and behavioral models. The general systems model views the individual as part of a larger system, such as their family or community.

What is social work?

Social work is a theoretical practice based on scientific knowledge and humanitarianism to solve psycho-social problems using both internal and external factors. It is a professional service that provides knowledge, skills, methods, and techniques in the fields of social sciences, which occupies an important role.

Models of social casework

Models describe how social workers implement theories in the field.

(1) Psycho-analytical model

The psychoanalytical model was developed by Sigmund Freud. A social worker needs an understanding of the 229 personality. The contribution of a psychoanalytical model is an understanding of the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious, the id, ego, and superego. It helps the social worker understand the psychological motives of the client, including affects, anxieties, coping capacities, defenses, and conscious and unconscious forces of the personality.

(2) Psycho-social therapy

The psycho-social approach of Florence Rollis emphasizes that it is necessary to understand the inner 230 realities of the human being and the social context in which he or she lives. It focuses not only on the situational component of the client's stress but also on his personality, including his previous experiences and ego functioning.

(3) A problem -solving model

The hospital is viewed as a problem-solving organization. Illness is a real problem. The problem-solving phase, in casework, focuses on the identification of the problem to be worked on, breaking it down into manageable parts, and establishing or limiting goals. The emphasis is on the present problem. The problem-solving phase also emphasizes the partialization of problems. By partializing the problem,the social worker can help the clients gain confidence in solving their problems.

(4) Crisis intervention

Crisis intervention as a model in casework is an effective approach with reference to some situations. Crisis intervention helps the social worker examine the effect of stress and anxiety on individuals to assess their coping mechanisms and problem-solving abilities and help them mobilize their own resources and find solutions. It also emphasizes that during crises, people are more receptive to help and 'adaptable to change, and hence, quick and effective responses on the part of the caseworker can have a lasting effect on the individuals. Illness creates a crisis.

(5) Behavior Modification Model:

Behavior modification focuses exclusively on the client's actions, utilizing such behavioral techniques as positive and negative reinforcement, and is now helping many social workers understand the behavioral pattern of the clients. It also helps to learn new adaptive ones by utilizing the behavioral modification approach.

(6) Use of a sociological model:

It is said that in developing countries, sociological theories are useful in the analysis of society, which facilitates social work intervention. Respondents were asked about the use of the theories of rational-emotional therapy.

7) Eclectic model:

Rational Emotive Therapy emphasizes that everything people do includes important learning elements. Everyone has strong innate or biological tendencies, yet one can learn through helpful teaching and one’s own self-practice.

Find your topic

Submit Your Article

Psychological safety and the critical role of leadership development

When employees feel comfortable asking for help, sharing suggestions informally, or challenging the status quo without fear of negative social consequences, organizations are more likely to innovate quickly , unlock the benefits of diversity , and adapt well to change —all capabilities that have only grown in importance during the COVID-19 crisis. 1 Jonathan Emmett, Gunnar Schrah, Matt Schrimper, and Alexandra Wood, “ COVID-19 and the employee experience: How leaders can seize the moment ,” June 2020, McKinsey.com; Tera Allas, David Chinn, Pal Erik Sjatil, and Whitney Zimmerman, “ Well-being in Europe: Addressing the high cost of COVID-19 on life satisfaction ,” June 2020, McKinsey.com. Yet a McKinsey Global Survey conducted during the pandemic confirms that only a handful of business leaders often demonstrate the positive behaviors that can instill this climate, termed psychological safety , in their workforce. 2 The online survey was in the field from May 14–29, 2020, and garnered responses from 1,574 participants representing the full range of regions, industries, company sizes, functional specialties, and tenures. Of those respondents, we analyzed the results of 1,223 participants who said they were a member of a team that they did not lead, where a team is defined as two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal. CEOs were included in the findings if they said that a) their organization had a board of directors and b) they were not the board’s chair, so that they could think of their board when asked questions about their team.

As considerable prior research shows, psychological safety is a precursor to adaptive, innovative performance—which is needed in today’s rapidly changing environment—at the individual, team, and organization levels. 3 Amy C. Edmondson, The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, first edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, November 2018; Shirley A. Ashauer and Therese Macan, “How can leaders foster team learning? Effects of leader-assigned mastery and performance goals and psychological safety,” Journal of Psychology, November–December 2013, Volume 147, Number 6, pp. 541–61, tandfonline.com; Anne Boon et al., “Team learning beliefs and behaviours in response teams,” European Journal of Training and Development, May 2013, Volume 37, Number 4, pp. 357–79, emerald.com; Daphna Brueller and Abraham Carmeli, “Linking capacities of high-quality relationships to team learning and performance in service organizations,” Human Resource Management, July–August 2011, Volume 50, Number 4, pp. 455–77, wileyonlinelibrary.com; M. Lance Frazier et al., “Psychological safety: A meta-analytic review and extension,” Personnel Psychology, February 2017, Volume 70, Number 1, pp. 113–65, onlinelibrary.wiley.com; Nikos Bozionelos and Konstantinos C. Kostopoulos, “Team exploratory and exploitative learning: Psychological safety, task conflict, and team performance,” Group & Organization Management, June 2011, Volume 36, Number 3, pp. 385–415, journals.sagepub.com; Rosario Ortega et al., “The emotional impact of bullying and cyberbullying on victims: A European cross-national study,” Aggressive Behavior, September–October 2012, Volume 38, Issue 5, pp. 342–56, onlinelibrary.wiley.com; Corinne Post, “Deep-level team composition and innovation: The mediating roles of psychological safety and cooperative learning,” Group & Organizational Management, October 2012, Volume 37, Number 5, pp. 555–88, journals.sagepub.com; Charles Duhigg, “What Google learned from its quest to build the perfect team,” New York Times, February 25, 2016, nytimes.com. Amy Edmondson’s 1999 research previously found—and our survey findings confirm—that higher psychological safety predicts a higher degree of boundary-spanning behavior, which is accessing and coordinating with those outside of an individual’s team to accomplish goals. For example, successfully creating a “ network of teams ”—an agile organizational structure that empowers teams to tackle problems quickly by operating outside of bureaucratic or siloed structures—requires a strong degree of psychological safety.

Fortunately, our newest research suggests how organizations can foster psychological safety. Doing so depends on leaders at all levels learning and demonstrating specific leadership behaviors that help their employees thrive. Investing in and scaling up leadership-development programs can equip leaders to embody these behaviors and consequently cultivate psychological safety across the organization.

A recipe for leadership that promotes psychological safety

Leaders can build psychological safety by creating the right climate, mindsets, and behaviors within their teams. In our experience, those who do this best act as catalysts, empowering and enabling other leaders on the team—even those with no formal authority—to help cultivate psychological safety by role modeling and reinforcing the behaviors they expect from the rest of the team.

Our research finds that a positive team climate—in which team members value one another’s contributions, care about one another’s well-being, and have input into how the team carries out its work—is the most important driver of a team’s psychological safety. 4 Past research by Frazier et al. (2017) found three categories to be the main drivers of psychological safety: positive leader relations, work-design characteristics, and a positive team climate. We conducted multiple regression with relative-importance analysis to understand which category matters most, and our results show that a positive team climate has a significantly stronger direct effect on psychological safety than the other two. Based on these results, we tested a structural-equation model (SEM) in which the frequency with which team leaders displayed four leadership behaviors predicted psychological safety both directly and indirectly via positive team climate. Exploratory analyses were conducted to determine whether the effect of the leadership behaviors affected psychological safety at different levels of team climate. By setting the tone for the team climate through their own actions, team leaders have the strongest influence on a team’s psychological safety. Moreover, creating a positive team climate can pay additional dividends during a time of disruption. Our research finds that a positive team climate has a stronger effect on psychological safety in teams that experienced a greater degree of change in working remotely than in those that experienced less change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet just 43 percent of all respondents report a positive climate within their team.

Positive team climate is the most important driver of psychological safety and most likely to occur when leaders demonstrate supportive, consultative behaviors, then begin to challenge their teams.

During the pandemic, we have seen an accelerated shift away from the traditional command-and-control leadership style known as authoritative leadership, one of the four well-established styles of leadership behavior we examined to understand which ones encourage a positive team climate and psychological safety . The survey finds that team leaders’ authoritative-leadership behaviors are detrimental to psychological safety, while consultative- and supportive-leadership behaviors promote psychological safety.

The results also suggest that leaders can further enhance psychological safety by ensuring a positive team climate (Exhibit 1). Both consultative and supportive leadership help create a positive team climate, though to varying degrees and through different types of behaviors.

With consultative leadership, which has a direct and indirect effect on psychological safety, leaders consult their team members, solicit input, and consider the team’s views on issues that affect them. 5 The standardized regression coefficient between consultative leadership and psychological safety was 0.54. The survey measured consultative-leadership behaviors by asking respondents how frequently their team leaders demonstrate the following behaviors: ask the opinions of others before making important decisions, give team members the autonomy to make their own decisions, and try to achieve team consensus on decisions. Supportive leadership has an indirect but still significant effect on psychological safety by helping to create a positive team climate; it involves leaders demonstrating concern and support for team members not only as employees but also as individuals. 6 The survey measured supportive leadership behaviors by asking respondents how frequently their team leaders demonstrate the following behaviors: create a sense of teamwork and mutual support within the team, and demonstrate concern for the welfare of team members. These behaviors also can encourage team members to support one another.

Another set of leadership behaviors can sometimes strengthen psychological safety—but only when a positive team climate is in place. This set of behaviors, known as challenging leadership, encourages employees to do more than they initially think they can. A challenging leader asks team members to reexamine assumptions about their work and how it can be performed in order to exceed expectations and fulfill their potential. Challenging leadership has previously been linked with employees expressing creativity, feeling empowered to make work-related changes, and seeking to learn and improve. 7 Giles Hirst, Helen Shipton, and Qin Zhou, “Context matters: Combined influence of participation and intellectual stimulation on the promotion focus–employee creative relationship,” Journal of Organizational Behavior, October 2012, Volume 33, Number 7, pp. 894–909, onlinelibrary.wiley.com; Le Cong Thuan, “Motivating follower creativity by offering intellectual stimulation,” International Journal of Organizational Analysis, December 2019, Volume 28, Number 4, pp. 817–29, emerald.com; Jie Li et al., “Not all transformational leadership behaviors are equal: The impact of followers’ identification with leader and modernity on taking charge,” Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, August 2017, Volume 24, Number 3, pp. 318–34, journals.sagepub.com; Susana Llorens-Gumbau, Marisa Salanova Soria, and Israel Sánchez-Cardona, “Leadership intellectual stimulation and team learning: The mediating role of team positive affect,” Universitas Psychologica, March 2018, Volume 17, Number 1, pp. 1–16, revistas.javeriana.edu.co. However, the survey findings show that the highest likelihood of psychological safety occurs when a team leader first creates a positive team climate, through frequent supportive and consultative actions, and then challenges their team; without a foundation of positive climate, challenging behaviors have no significant effect. And employees’ experiences look very different depending on how their leaders behave, according to Amy Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School (interactive).

What’s more, the survey results show that a climate conducive to psychological safety starts at the very top of an organization. We sought to understand the effects of senior-leader behavior on employees’ sense of safety and found that senior leaders can help create a culture of inclusiveness that promotes positive leadership behaviors throughout an organization by role-modeling these behaviors themselves. Team leaders are more likely to exhibit supportive, consultative, and challenging leadership if senior leaders demonstrate inclusiveness—for example, by seeking out opinions that might differ from their own and by treating others with respect.

The importance of developing leaders at all levels

Our findings show that investing in leadership development across an organization—for all leadership positions—is an effective method for cultivating the combination of leadership behaviors that enhance psychological safety. Employees who report that their organizations invest substantially in leadership development are more likely to also report that their team leaders frequently demonstrate consultative, supportive, and challenging leadership behaviors. They also are 64 percent more likely to rate senior leaders as more inclusive (Exhibit 2). 8 We measured investing in leadership development by asking about agreement with the following statements: “my organization places a great deal of importance on developing its leaders,” and “my organization devotes significant resources to developing its leaders.” However, the results suggest that the effectiveness of these programs varies depending upon the skills they address.

Reorient the skills developed in leadership programs

Organizations often attempt to cover many topics in their leadership-development programs . But our findings suggest that focusing on a handful of specific skills and behaviors in these learning programs can improve the likelihood of positive leadership behaviors that foster psychological safety and, ultimately, of strong team performance. Some of the most commonly taught skills at respondents’ organizations—such as open-dialogue skills, which allow leaders to explore disagreements and talk through tension in a team—are among the ones most associated with positive leadership behaviors. However, several relatively untapped skill areas also yield beneficial results (Exhibit 3).

Two of the less-commonly addressed skills in formal programs are predictive of positive leadership. Training in sponsorship—that is, enabling others’ success ahead of one’s own—supports both consultative- and challenging-leadership behaviors, yet just 26 percent of respondents say their organizations include the skill in development programs. And development of situational humility, which 36 percent of respondents say their organizations address, teaches leaders how to develop a personal-growth mindset and curiosity. Addressing this skill is predictive of leaders displaying consultative behaviors.

Development at the top is equally important

According to the data, fostering psychological safety at scale begins with companies’ most senior leaders developing and embodying the leadership behaviors they want to see across the organization. Many of the same skills that promote positive team-leader behaviors can also be developed among senior leaders to promote inclusiveness. For example, open-dialogue skills and development of social relationships within teams are also important skill sets for senior leaders.

In addition, several skills are more important at the very top of the organization. Situational and cultural awareness, or understanding how beliefs can be developed based on selective observations and the norms in different cultures, are both linked with senior leaders’ inclusiveness.

Looking ahead

Given the quickening pace of change and disruption and the need for creative, adaptive responses from teams at every level, psychological safety is more important than ever. The organizations that develop the leadership skills and positive work environment that help create psychological safety can reap many benefits, from improved innovation, experimentation, and agility to better overall organizational health and performance. 9 We define organizational health as an organization’s ability to align on a clear vision, strategy, and culture; to execute with excellence; and to renew the organization’s focus over time by responding to market trends.

As clear as this call to action may be, “How do we develop psychological safety?” and, more specifically, “Where do we start?” remain the most common questions we are asked. These survey findings show that there is no time to waste in creating and investing in leadership development at scale to help enhance psychological safety. Organizations can start doing so in the following ways:

Go beyond one-off training programs and deploy an at-scale system of leadership development. Human behaviors aren’t easily shifted overnight. Yet too often we see companies try to do so by using targeted training programs alone. Shifting leadership behaviors within a complex system at the individual, team, and enterprise levels begins with defining a clear strategy aligned to the organization’s overall aspiration and a comprehensive set of capabilities that are required to achieve it. It’s critical to develop a taxonomy of skills (having an open dialogue, for example) that not only supports the realization of the organization’s overall identity but also fosters learning and growth and applies directly to people’s day-to-day work. Practically speaking, while the delivery of learning may be sequenced as a series of trainings—and rapidly codified and scaled for all leaders across a cohort or function of the organization—those trainings will be even more effective when combined with other building blocks of a broader learning system, such as behavioral reinforcements. While learning experiences look much different now than before the COVID-19 pandemic , digital learning provides large companies with more opportunities to break down silos and create new connections across an organization through learning.
Invest in leadership-development experiences that are emotional, sensory, and create aha moments. Learning experiences that are immersive and engaging are remembered more clearly and for a longer time. Yet a common pitfall of learning programs is an outsize focus on the content—even though it is usually not a lack of knowledge that holds leaders back from realizing their full potential. Therefore, it’s critical that learning programs prompt leaders to engage with and shift their underlying beliefs, assumptions, and emotions to bring about lasting mindset changes. This requires a learning environment that is both conducive to the often vulnerable process of learning and also expertly designed. Companies can begin with facilitated experiences that push learners toward personal introspection through targeted reflection questions and small, intimate breakout conversations. These environments can help leaders achieve increased self-awareness, spark the desire for further growth, and, with the help of reflection and feedback, drive collective growth and performance.
Build mechanisms to make development a part of leaders’ day-to-day work. Formal learning and skill development serve as springboards in the context of real work; the most successful learning journeys account for the rich learning that happens in day-to-day work and interactions. The use of learning nudges (that is, daily, targeted reminders for individuals) can help learners overcome obstacles and move from retention to application of their knowledge. In parallel, the organization’s most senior leaders need to be the first adopters of putting real work at the core of their development, which requires senior leaders to role model—publicly—their own processes of learning. In this context, the concept of role models has evolved; rather than role models serving as examples of the finished product, they become examples of the work in progress, high on self-belief but low on perfect answers. These examples become strong signals for leaders across the organization that it is safe to be practicing, failing, and developing on the job.

The contributors to the development and analysis of this survey include Aaron De Smet , a senior partner in McKinsey’s New Jersey office; Kim Rubenstein, a research-science specialist in the New York office; Gunnar Schrah, a director of research science in the Denver office; Mike Vierow, an associate partner in the Brisbane office; and Amy Edmondson , the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School.

This article was edited by Heather Hanselman, an associate editor in the Atlanta office.

Explore a career with us

Psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and leadership in a time of flux

Why rigor is the key ingredient to develop leaders

Diverse employees are struggling the most during COVID-19—here’s how companies can respond

Person-Centred Approaches to Social Work Practice

Living reference work entry
First Online: 14 May 2022
Cite this living reference work entry

Adrian D. van Breda 5

Part of the book series: Social Work ((SOWO))

626 Accesses

1 Citations

This chapter addresses social work practice approaches (or theories and models) that focus on facilitating change in the person, rather than change in social environment, for example. The author notes that in many countries social workers gravitate towards individual, person-centred social work. These person-centred approaches to social work, however, are not oblivious to the environments surrounding individuals. The author argues strongly that person-centred practice does and must take cognisance of the social environment, though this is made complex by social work’s reliance on practice models drawn from other professions, notably psychology. In light of this, four practice approaches developed by and conceptualised within social work receive thorough attention: task-centred social work, strengths-based social work (including the strengths perspective), relational social work and narrative therapy (with mention of solution-focused brief therapy). In addition, the chapter also addresses five practice approaches that do not emanate from social work, but are used extensively by social workers, viz. person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy and motivational interviewing. The author draws not only on classical writings and contemporary summaries of these approaches, but also cutting-edge social work research on each of the approaches. The chapter concludes with a call to social workers to ensure the location of person-centred practice approaches within the broader social, systemic and structural environments around persons.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Ablett P, Morley C (2016) Towards a history of critical traditions in Australian social work. Soc Altern 35(4):7–13. https://doi.org/10.3316/ielapa.872114663499986

Article Google Scholar

Baldiwala J, Kanakia T (2021) Using narrative therapy with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families in India: a qualitative study. J Child Health Care. https://doi.org/10.1177/13674935211014739 . (Online first)

Barnes-Lee AR (2020) Development of protective factors for reducing juvenile reoffending: a strengths-based approach to risk assessment. Crim Justice Behav 47(11):1371–1389. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854820949601

Bayram Y, Artan T (2020) This is not all your life but the pieces you talked about your life: the narrative therapy with the elderly. Turk J Appl Soc Work 3(1):45–58

Google Scholar

Beer OWJ, Phillips R, Stepney L, Quinn CR (2019) The feasibility of mindfulness training to reduce stress among social workers: a conceptual paper. Br J Soc Work 50(1):243–263. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcz104

Bolton KW, Hall JC, Lehmann P (2021) Theoretical perspectives for direct social work practice: a generalist-eclectic approach, 4th edn. Springer, New York

Book Google Scholar

Borden W (2000) The relational paradigm in contemporary psychoanalysis: toward a psychodynamically informed social work perspective. Soc Serv Rev 74(3):352–379. https://doi.org/10.1086/516409

Borquist-Conlon DS, Maynard BR, Brendel KE, Farina ASJ (2019) Mindfulness-based interventions for youth with anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Soc Work Pract 29(2):195–205. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731516684961

Brandell JR (ed) (2020) Theory and practice in clinical social work, 3rd edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks

Brito IS, Ottmann G (2019) Refractory interventions: the incubation of rival epistemologies in the margins of Brazilian social work. In: Tascón SM, Ife J (eds) Disrupting whiteness in social work. Routledge, London, pp 139–155

Chapter Google Scholar

Brown C (2003) Narrative therapy: reifying or challenging dominant discourse. In: Shera W (ed) Emerging perspectives on anti-oppressive practice. Canadian Scholars, Toronto, pp 223–246

Brown C (2020) Feminist narrative therapy and complex trauma: critical clinical work with women diagnosed as “borderline”. In: Brown C, Macdonald JE (eds) Critical clinical social work: counterstorying for social justice. Canadian Scholars, Toronto, pp 82–109

Butler J (2017) Who’s your mob? Aboriginal mapping: beginning with the strong story. Int J Narrat Ther Community Work 3:22–26

Chapin RK, Sergeant JF, Landry S, Leedahl SN, Rachlin R, Koenig T et al (2012) Reclaiming joy: pilot evaluation of a mental health peer support program for older adults who receive medicaid. Gerontologist 53(2):345–352. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gns120

Chipalo E (2021) Is trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) effective in reducing trauma symptoms among traumatized refugee children? A systematic review. J Child Adolesc Trauma 14:545–558. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00370-0

Crous G, Montserrat C, Balaban A (2021) Young people leaving care with intellectual disabilities or mental health problems: strengths and weaknesses in their transitions. Soc Work Soc 18(3):1–19

Dash BM (2017) Revisiting eight decades of social work education in India. Asian Soc Work Policy Rev 11(1):66–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/aswp.12114

De Shazer S, Berg IK (1988) Constructing solutions. Family Therapy Networker, September/October, pp 42–43

De Shazer S, Dolan Y (2007) More than miracles: the state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Haworth, Binghamton

Diaz MJ, Wolfersteig W, Moreland D, Yoder G, Dustman P, Harthun ML (2021) Teaching youth to resist abuse: evaluation of a strengths-based child maltreatment curriculum for high school students. J Child Adolesc Trauma 14(1):141–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-020-00304-2

Donnelly J (2021) Rethinking reentry: a look at how risk-based approaches limit reentry success, and a case for why strengths-based approaches may better reduce recidivism. Masters thesis, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh

Dudgeon P, Bray A, Walker R (2020) Self-determination and strengths-based aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention: an emerging evidence-based approach. In: Page AC, Stritzke WGK (eds) Alternatives to suicide. Academic Press, London, pp 237–256

Egan G (2014) The skilled helper: a problem-management and opportunity-development approach to helping, 10th edn. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Belmont

Egozi S, Tishby O, Wiseman H (2021) Changes in clients and therapists experiences of therapeutic distance during psychodynamic therapy. J Clin Psychol 77(4):910–926. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23077

Engelbrecht L (2021) Strengths-based supervision. In: O’Donoghue K, Engelbrecht L (eds) The Routledge international handbook of social work supervision. Routledge, Abingdon

Feize L, Faver C, Gorabi V (2021) Employing experiential learning as a tool to teach Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT) to Latino social work graduate students. J Teach Soc Work 41(1):16–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2020.1846668

Fortune AE, Reid WJ (2017) Task-centered social work. In: Turner FJ (ed) Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 532–552

Fortune AE, McCallion P, Briar-Lawson K (eds) (2010) Social work practice research for the twenty-first century. Columbia University Press, New York

Frank AW (2018) What is narrative therapy and how can it help health humanities? J Med Humanit 39(4):553–563. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10912-018-9507-3

Garrett PM (2016) Questioning tales of “ordinary magic”: “resilience” and neo-liberal reasoning. Br J Soc Work 46(7):1909–1925. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcv017

Gerassi LB, Esbensen K (2020) Motivational interviewing with individuals at risk of sex trafficking. J Soc Work. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017320919856

Goeke J, Klein EJ, Garcia-Reid P, Birnbaum AS, Brown TL, Degennaro D (2011) Deepening roots: building a task-centered peer mentoring community. Fem Form 23(1):212–234

González-Prendes AA, Brisebois K (2012) Cognitive-behavioral therapy and social work values: a critical analysis. J Soc Work Values Ethics 9(2):21–33

Hall MT, Sears J, Walton MT (2019) Motivational interviewing in child welfare services: a systematic review. Child Maltreat 25(3):263–276. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559519893471

Harms Smith L (2017) “Blaming-the-poor”: strengths and development discourses which obfuscate neo-liberal and individualist ideologies. Int Soc Work 60(2):336–350. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815594218

Healy K (2014) Social work theories in context: creating frameworks for practice, 2nd edn. Macmillan International Higher Education, New York

Higgins M (2015) The struggle for the soul of social work in England. Soc Work Educ 34(1):4–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2014.946898

Hohman M (2021) Motivational interviewing in social work practice, 2nd edn. Guilford Publications, New York

Hohman M, McMaster F, Woodruff SI (2021) Contact tracing for COVID-19: the use of motivational interviewing and the role of social work. Clin Soc Work J 48:419–428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00802-2

Holtzhausen L, Ross A, Perry R (2016) Working on trauma: a systematic review of TF-CBT work with child survivors of sexual abuse. Soc Work 52(4):511–524. https://doi.org/10.15270/52-2-528

IASSW (2014). Global definition of social work. https://www.iassw-aiets.org/global-definition-of-social-work-review-of-the-global-definition/

Ingram N (2019) Suicide and neoliberalism: an imminent critique of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Paper presented at the Seaver College research and scholarly achievement symposium, Malibu

Jacobs M (2006) The presenting past: the core of psychodynamic counselling and therapy, 3rd edn. Open University Press, Maidenhead

Joseph S, Murphy D (2013) Person-centered approach, positive psychology, and relational helping: building bridges. J Humanist Psychol 53(1):26–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167812436426

Katsama I (2022) Promoting positive parenting: a group social work intervention in a workplace setting. J Soc Work Pract 36(1):57–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2021.1926223

Keenan EM, Mostert K (2013) Perceived organisational support for strengths use: the factorial validity and reliability of a new scale in the banking industry. SA J Ind Psychol 39(1):1–12. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v39i1.1052

Kirst-Ashman KK, Hull GH (2018) Understanding generalist practice, 8th edn. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Belmont

Kita E (2019) “They hate me now but where was everyone when I needed them?”: mass incarceration, projective identification, and social work praxis. Psychoanal Soc Work 26(1):25–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228878.2019.1584118

Lee H (2017) Narrative therapy for pastoral theology, care, and counseling. Korean J Christ Stud (한국기독교신학논총) 105:247–268

Lee E, Rasmussen B (2019) Psychoanalysis, socioanalysis, and social work: psychodynamic contributions to understanding diversity, power, and institutions in social work practice. Smith Coll Stud Soc Work 89(2):83–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2019.1686873

Lemma A (2016) Introduction to the practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, 2nd edn. Wiley, Chichester

Levi O (2020) The role of hope in psychodynamic therapy (PDT) for complex PTSD (C-PTSD). J Soc Work Pract 34(3):237–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2019.1648246

Macfarlane S (2020) The radical potential of Carl Jung’s wounded healer for social work education. In: Morley C, Ablett P, Noble C, Cowden S (eds) The Routledge handbook of critical pedagogies for social work. Routledge, London, pp 322–332

Malchiodi CA (ed) (2008) Creative interventions with traumatized children. Guilford, New York

Marsh P, Doel M (2005) The task-centred book. Routledge, Abingdon

Mbedzi P (2019) Person-centred. In: Van Breda AD, Sekudu J (eds) Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa. Oxford University Press South Africa, Cape Town, pp 198–221

McKenzie-Mohr S, Lafrance MN (2017) Narrative resistance in social work research and practice: counter-storying in the pursuit of social justice. Qual Soc Work 16(2):189–205. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325016657866

McNutt JG (2013) Social work practice: history and evolution. In: Franklin C (ed) Encyclopedia of social work. National Association of Social Workers Press/Oxford University Press, New York

Midgley J, Conley A (2010) Introduction. In: Midgley J, Conley A (eds) Developmental social work and social development: theories and skills for developmental social work. Oxford University Press, New York, pp xiii–xx

Miehls D (2017) Relational theory and social work treatment. In: Turner FJ (ed) Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 428–440

Mills J (2021) Retelling stories of resilience as a counterplot to homelessness: a narrative approach in the context of intensive team-based housing support services. Soc Work Policy Stud Soc Just Pract Theory 4(1):1–17

Murray LK, Skavenski S, Kane JC, Mayeya J, Dorsey S, Cohen JA et al (2015) Effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy among trauma-affected children in Lusaka, Zambia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr 169(8):761–769. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.0580

Nelson-Becker H, Lloyd L, Milne A, Perry E, Ray M, Richards S et al (2020) Strengths-based social work with older people: a UK perspective. In: Mendenhall AN (ed) Rooted in strengths: celebrating the strengths perspective in social work. University of Kansas Libraries, Lawrence, pp 327–346

Njeze C, Bird-Naytowhow K, Pearl T, Hatala AR (2020) Intersectionality of resilience: a strengths-based case study approach with indigenous youth in an urban Canadian context. Qual Health Res 30(13):2001–2018. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732320940702

Nyirinkwaya S (2020) Games, activities and narrative practice: enabling sparks to emerge in conversations with children and young people who have experienced hard times. Int J Narrat Ther Community Work 1:34–45

Olthof J (2018) Handbook of narrative psychotherapy for children, adults, and families: theory and practice. Routledge, New York

Ornstein ED, Ganzer C (2005) Relational social work: a model for the future. Fam Soc 86(4):565–572. https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.3462

Patel L, Hochfeld T (2012) Developmental social work in South Africa: translating policy into practice. Int Soc Work 56(5):690–704. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872812444481

Payne M (2006) Narrative therapy: an introduction for counsellors, 2nd edn. Sage, London

Payne M, Reith-Hall E (eds) (2019) The Routledge handbook of social work theory. Routledge, London

Perlman HH (1957) Social casework: a problem-solving process. University of Chicago Press, Chicago

Pomeroy EC, Garcia RB (2017) Direct practice skills for evidence-based social work: a strengths-based text and workbook. Springer, New York

Price A, Ahuja L, Bramwell C, Briscoe S, Shaw L, Nunns M et al (2020) Research evidence on different strengths-based approaches within adult social work: a systematic review. NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research topic report

Pritzker S, Applewhite SR (2015) Going “macro”: exploring the careers of macro practitioners. Soc Work 60(3):191–199. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swv019

Prochaska JO, DiClemente CC, Norcross JC (1992) In search of how people change: applications to addictive behaviors. Am Psychol 47(9):1102–1114

Qushua N, Ostler T (2020) Creating a safe therapeutic space through naming: psychodynamic work with traditional Arab LGBT clients. J Soc Work Pract 34(2):125–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2018.1478395

Rabeyron T (2019) From neoliberalism to the cognitive-behavioural tsunami in Great Britain. Rech Psychanal 2:112a–134a

Rajaei A, Brimhall AS, Jensen JF, Schwartz AJ, Torres ET (2020) Striving to thrive: a qualitative study on fostering a relational perspective through narrative therapy in couples facing cancer. Am J Fam Ther 49(4):392–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1820402

Rajeev S, Jeena A (2020) Strengths perspective in working with elderly. Indian J Gerontol 34(3):377–393

Ramos BM, Tolson ER (2008) The task-centered model. In: Coady N, Lehmann P (eds) Theoretical perspectives for direct social work practice: a generalist-eclectic approach, 2nd edn. Springer, New York, pp 275–295

Rapp CA, Goscha RJ (2011) The strengths model: a recovery-oriented approach to mental health services, 3rd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Reid WJ, Epstein L (1972) Task-centered casework. Columbia University Press, New York

Reid WJ, Shyne AW (1969) Brief and extended casework. Columbia University Press, New York

Richmond ME (1899) Friendly visiting among the poor: a handbook for charity workers. Macmillan, London

Richmond ME (1922) What is social case work? An introductory description. Russell Sage Foundation, New York

Richmond A, Borden LM (2020) Motivational interviewing: an approach to support youth aging out of foster care. J Soc Work. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017320920176

Riessman CK, Quinney L (2005) Narrative in social work: a critical review. Qual Soc Work 4(4):391–412. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325005058643

Rogers CR (1951) Client-centered therapy: its current practice, implications, and theory. Constable, London

Rollnick S, Allison J (2004) Motivational interviewing. In: Heather N, Stockwell T (eds) The essential handbook of treatment and prevention of alcohol problems. Wiley, Southern Gate, pp 105–115

Rooney R (2018) Task-centered intervention with involuntary clients. In: Rooney R, Mirick R, G. (eds) Strategies for work with involuntary clients, 3rd edn. Columbia University Press, New York, pp 248–297

Rosenberger JB (2014) Orientation to and validation of relational diversity practice. In: Rosenberger JB (ed) Relational social work practice with diverse populations. Springer, New York, pp 13–30

Rothman J, Mizrahi T (2014) Balancing micro and macro practice: a challenge for social work. Soc Work 59(1):91–93. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swt067

Saleebey D (ed) (1992) The strengths perspective in social work practice. Longman, New York City

Sarfaraz FF, Ishrat SS (2012) Social case work as a problem solving process: an introduction. J Soc Sci Humanit 51(2):235–247

Schenck R, Nel H, Louw H (2010) Introduction to participatory community practice. Unisa Press, Pretoria

Sieminski S (2020) Person-centred approaches to social work with older people. In: Seden J, Matthews S, McCormick M, Alun M (eds) Professional development in social work: complex issues in practice. Routledge, London, pp 118–125

Stevenson S (2020) A racist attack managing complex relationships with traumatised service users: a psychodynamic approach. J Soc Work Pract 34(3):225–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2019.1648247

Strauven S (2020) A politics of witnessing: definitional ceremony as social justice work in academia. Int Rev Qual Res. https://doi.org/10.1177/1940844720968203

Studt E (1968) Social work theory and implications for the practice of methods. Soc Work Educ Report 16:22–46

Sundel M, Glasser P, Sarri R, Vinter R (1985) Individual change through small groups, 2nd edn. Free Press, New York

Tan SY, Keng S-L (2020) Application of mindfulness-based approaches in the context of social work. In: Ow R, Poon AWC (eds) Mental health and social work. Springer, Singapore, pp 311–329

Thalen M, van Oorsouw WM, Volkers KM, Frielink N, Embregts PJ (2021) Providing person-centred care to older people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: experiences of direct support workers. Int J Dev Disabil:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.2019921

Theron LC, Van Breda AD (2021) Multisystemic enablers of sub-Saharan child and youth resilience to maltreatment. Child Abuse Negl 119(2):105083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105083

Tolson ER, Reid WJ, Garvin CD, Garvin C (2003) Generalist practice: a task-centered practice, 2nd edn. Columbia University Press, New York

Tosone C (2004) Relational social work: honoring the tradition. Smith Coll Stud Soc Work 74(3):475–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377310409517730

Tosone C, Gelman CR (2017) Relational social work: a contemporary psychosocial perspective on practice. In: Turner FJ (ed) Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 420–427

Turner FJ (2017) Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, New York

Turney D (2012) A relationship-based approach to engaging involuntary clients: the contribution of recognition theory. Child Fam Soc Work 17(2):149–159. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00830.x

Tusasiirwe S (2021) Social workers navigating a colonial bureaucratic system while also re-kindling Obuntu-led relational social work in Uganda. In: Boulet J, Linette H (eds) Practical and political approaches to recontextualizing social work. IGI Global, Hershey, pp 175–191

Ungar M (2001) Constructing narratives of resilience with high-risk youth. J Syst Ther 20(2):58–73

Ungar M (2012) Social ecologies and their contribution to resilience. In: Ungar M (ed) The social ecology of resilience: a handbook of theory and practice. Springer, New York, pp 13–31

Ungar M, Theron L (2020) Resilience and mental health: how multisystemic processes contribute to positive outcomes. Lancet Psychiatry 7(5):441–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30434-1

Van Breda AD (2011) Resilience assessments in social work: the case of the SA Department of Defence. Soc Work 47(1):1–14. https://doi.org/10.15270/47-1-139

Van Breda AD (2017) The Youth Ecological-Resilience Scale: a partial validation. Res Soc Work Pract 27(2):248–257. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731516651731

Van Breda AD (2018a) “We are who we are through other people”: the interactional foundation of the resilience of youth leaving care in South Africa Professorial Inaugural Lecture

Van Breda AD (2018b) A critical review of resilience theory and its relevance for social work. Soc Work 54(1):1–18. https://doi.org/10.15270/54-1-611

Van Breda AD (2018c) Developmental social case work: a process model. Int Soc Work 61(1):66–78. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815603786

Van Breda AD (2019a) Developing the concept of Ubuntu as African theory for social work practice. Soc Work 55(4):439–450. https://doi.org/10.15270/55-4-762

Van Breda AD (2019b) Reclaiming resilience for social work: a reply to Garrett. Br J Soc Work 49(1):272–276. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcy010

Van Breda AD (2019c) Resilience. In: Van Breda AD, Sekudu J (eds) Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa. Oxford University Press South Africa, Cape Town, pp 120–139

Van Breda AD (2019d) Strengths-based. In: Van Breda AD, Sekudu J (eds) Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa. Oxford University Press South Africa, Cape Town, pp 243–261

Van Breda AD, Addinall RM (2021) State of clinical social work in South Africa. Clin Soc Work J 49(3):299–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00761-0

Van Breda AD, Feller T (2014) Social work students’ experience and management of countertransference. Soc Work 50(4):469–484. https://doi.org/10.15270/50-4-386

Verma P, Chaudhury S (2017) Efficacy of task centered group work intervention in schizophrenia patients. J Psychiatry 4:1–4. https://doi.org/10.4172/2378-5756.1000413

Walsh J (2014) Theories for direct social work practice, 3rd edn. Cengage, Belmont

Warren S, Chappell Deckert J (2019) Contemplative practices for self-care in the social work classroom. Soc Work 65(1):11–20. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz039

Weick A, Rapp C, Sullivan WP, Kisthardt W (1989) A strengths perspective for social work practice. Soc Work 34(4):350–354. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/34.4.350

Weiss-Gal I (2008) The person-in-environment approach: professional ideology and practice of social workers in Israel. Soc Work 53(1):65–75. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/53.1.65

Wendt S, Buchanan F, Dolman C, Moss D (2020) Engagement: narrative ways of working with men when domestic violence is noticed in couple counselling. J Soc Work 20(2):234–256. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017318794253

White M (1992) Deconstruction and therapy. In: Epston D, White M (eds) Experience, contradiction, narrative and imagination. Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, pp 109–151

White M (2007) Maps of narrative practice. W. W. Norton, London

White M, Epston D (1990) Narrative means to therapeutic ends. W. W. Norton, New York

White C, Denborough D, van Zuijlen M (2013) Narrative responses to human rights abuses. Dulwich Centre Foundation, Adelaide

Winter K (2019) Relational social work. In: Payne M, Reith-Hall E (eds) The Routledge handbook of social work theory. Routledge, London, pp 151–159

Yousuf-Abramson S (2021) Worden’s tasks of mourning through a social work lens. J Soc Work Pract 35(4):367–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1843146

Zimmerman MA (2013) Resiliency theory: a strengths-based approach to research and practice for adolescent health. Health Educ Behav 40(4):381–383. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198113493782

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Adrian D. van Breda

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adrian D. van Breda .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia

Dorothee Hölscher

School of Social Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Richard Hugman

Donna McAuliffe

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

About this entry

Cite this entry.

van Breda, A.D. (2022). Person-Centred Approaches to Social Work Practice. In: Hölscher, D., Hugman, R., McAuliffe, D. (eds) Social Work Theory and Ethics. Social Work. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3059-0_8-1

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3059-0_8-1

Received : 09 March 2022

Accepted : 11 March 2022

Published : 14 May 2022

Publisher Name : Springer, Singapore

Print ISBN : 978-981-16-3059-0

Online ISBN : 978-981-16-3059-0

eBook Packages : Social Sciences Reference Module Humanities and Social Sciences Reference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Find a journal
Track your research

IMAGES

problem solving steps social work
Social work helping models and approaches....
Problem-Solving Steps
6 steps of the problem solving process
An Overview Of 9 Step Problem Solving Model
Look Up Aim High: Problem Solving

VIDEO

Principles of social casework
Problem Solving Model
Using the Problem Solving Model for your PSA (Optional)
The 4C'S Problem Solving Model Study Case Eiger
BTC/MRI Problem-solving in organizations: it works!
Problem Solving

COMMENTS

The problem-solving model: A framework for integrating the science and
In this chapter we (a) review the early development of the problem-solving model for social work practice; (b) discuss the later development of the problem solving model in terms of its extension to and further elaboration by generalist models of social work practice; (c) provide an overview of how the problem-solving model allows for the integration of the scientific and artistic elements of ...
What Are The Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work?
Proposed by Helen Harris Perlman in her book Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process, the problem solving model. Ms. ... Utilizing this model, social workers are employed to address one concern of a client as to be resolved, at any given time. This allows for therapy for clients to be more manageable.
Problem-Solving Theory: The Task-Centred Model
This chapter focuses on the task-centred model (Reid and Epstein 1972) as a prime example of the major influence problem-solving theory has exerted in the practice of social work.First, as background for understanding the development of the task-centred model, the chapter offers a brief account of the historical development of the problem-solving model (Perlman 1957) and describes its key ...
PDF Problem-Solving Theory: The Task-Centred Model
General Overview. The task-centred model is a problem-solving, empirically based, short-term practice model. It was developed by social work educators Bill Reid and Laura Epstein (1972) and was intended for practice with various client populations, including clients from historically oppressed, diverse backgrounds.
Problem Solving in Social Work Practice: Implications for Knowledge
This approach has important implications for moving the profession toward greater accountability in the practice of social work. Unless educators can motivate practitioners to change the way in which they ask questions and make predictions, it is unlikely that practitioners will use scientific information in their problem-solving processes.
PDF Chapter 2 Models of Social-Work Practice
problem-solving model of social-work practice, besides making an important contribution to social-work thinking in its own right, has also laid the foundation for some of the more recent attempts at conceptualising social-work practice to which reference will be made later in this chapter. Tbe Psycbo-Social Tberapy Model
(PDF) Problem Solving in Social Work Practice ...
Abstract. An examination of the way in which social workers use knowledge suggests an instrumental approach to knowledge use. This approach has important implications for moving the profession ...
Theories Used in Social Work
Problem-Solving Model . Helen Harris Perlman proposed the problem-solving model in the 1950s specifically for the field of social work. At the time, many social work theories and therapies relied on psychotherapy; Perlman instead argued that social workers could more effectively help clients by focusing on one problem at a time.
Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution
The task-centered model evolved out of the psychodynamic practice and uses a brief, problem-solving approach to help clients resolve presenting problems. The task-centered model is currently used in clinical social work and group work and may also be applied to other types of social work practice.
(PDF) Social Problem Solving: Theory and Assessment.
Abstract. In this chapter we describe the social problem-solving model that has generated most of the research and training programs presented in the remaining chapters of this volume. We also ...
Problem Solving
The problem-solving model: A framework for integrating science and art of practice. In N. Coady & P. Lehmann, Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice (pp. 67-86). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
PDF Theories, models and perspectives
Current Social Work Practice Models Problem Solving - The problem solving model focuses on understanding the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, having the client pick a solution, having the client try out a solution and then evaluating how the solution worked.
Theories Used in Social Work Practice & Practice Models
The model includes seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop an action plan, and follow up. This social work practice model is commonly used with clients who are expressing suicidal ideation. To learn more about SocialWork@Simmons, request information ...
6 Important Theories in Social Work & 6 Practice Models
The problem-solving model was created by Helen Harris Perlman, a social worker and author of "Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process." Using the problem-solving model, a social worker helps an individual identify a problem, create an action plan to solve it, and implement the solution.
PDF Problem-Solving Theory: The Task-Centred Model 9
In social work, problem-solving theories have informed the development and evolution of social work practice throughout the history of the profession. Since the beginning, a main focus of social work has been the resolution ... of the social work problem-solving model by Helen Perlman (1957). Perlman's problem-solving model was rooted in ...
Social Problem Solving
The four models presented for social problem solving have several common elements. The seminal social problem solving model and the revised models all share core steps in the problem solving process, including recognizing the problem, generating alternatives, deciding on an action, and implementing the action.
PDF Social Work: A Problem Solving Profession
4.1 Theory for problem solving in social work . We, the social workers have to work with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. So have to follow some steps and processes. Helen Harries Perlman, discussed about the problem solving model in social care work: a problem solving process (Chicago 1957).
Models of Social Case Work
(3) A problem-solving model. The hospital is viewed as a problem-solving organization. Illness is a real problem. The problem-solving phase, in casework, focuses on the identification of the problem to be worked on, breaking it down into manageable parts, and establishing or limiting goals. The emphasis is on the present problem.
A problem-solving model for professional practice: A social worker's view
Suggests that professional workers should consider a more realistic model, based on self-help, mutual aid, and group services, rather than the traditional medical model. Advantages of a problem-solving model include (a) reliance on processes related to the problem rather than the service setting; (b) involvement of services at levels in addition to the pragmatic or cognitive; and (c) providing ...
Models of Social-Work Practice
H. H. Perlman, 'The Problem-Solving Model in Social Casework', in Theories of Social Casework, ed. Roberts and Nee. Google Scholar H. H. Perlman, 'Social Casework in Social Work: its Place and Purpose', in Casework within Social Work, ed. J. Parker (Department of Social Studies, University of Newcastle, 1973).
Psychological safety and leadership development
1. With consultative leadership, which has a direct and indirect effect on psychological safety, leaders consult their team members, solicit input, and consider the team's views on issues that affect them. 5 Supportive leadership has an indirect but still significant effect on psychological safety by helping to create a positive team climate ...
Person-Centred Approaches to Social Work Practice
Social workers have developed several important and enduring practice approaches. Helen Perlman's social casework model, which drew on the problem-solving model prominent at that time in social work and other disciplines, such as Dewey's work in education (Sarfaraz and Ishrat 2012), was an influential model until recent times.A key value of her model was that it focused on developing the ...

Social Learning Theory

Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

List of Theories Used in Social Work

Systems Theory

Systems Theory Related Resources

Behaviorism and Behavioral Theory

Cognitive Theory in Social Work

Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory Related Resources

Drive Theory

Psychodynamic Related Resources

Transpersonal Theory

Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Developmental Perspective Related Resources

Social Exchange Theory

Rational Choice Perspective Related Resources

Practice Models Used in Social Work

Narrative Therapy

Task-Centered Practice

Solution-Focused Therapy

Theories Used in Social Work

Common Theories and Practice Models in Social Work

Why is Theory Important in Social Work?

Common Social Work Theories

Common Practice Models in Social Work

Reviewed by:

Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW

Social Work

How to Subscribe

In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy

Related Articles Expand or collapse the "related articles" section about

Other Subject Areas

Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy by Cynthia Franklin , Krystallynne Mikle LAST REVIEWED: 06 May 2015 LAST MODIFIED: 30 September 2013 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0188

Task-Centered Model Literature

Social Work Graduate

Practice Model: Problem Solving

Background Material

Practice Approach

Supporting Material

Recent Posts

Theories Used in Social Work Practice & Practice Models

Social Work Theories

Social Work Practice Models

Request Information

Six important theories in social work

Why is theory important in social work?

University of Denver

Fordham University

Applying social work theory to practice

List of important social work theories

1. Social learning theory

2. Systems theory

3. Psychosocial development theory

4. Psychodynamic theory

5. Social exchange theory

6. Rational choice theory

Six practice models in social work

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

2. Crisis intervention model

3. Narrative therapy

4. Problem-solving model

5. Solution-focused therapy

6. Task-centered practice

Resources to explore social work theories

Introductory books

Other online resources

Science-based social work theory helps social workers and their clients succeed

Models of Social Case Work

What is social work?

Models of social casework

(1) Psycho-analytical model

(2) Psycho-social therapy

(3) A problem -solving model

(4) Crisis intervention

(5) Behavior Modification Model:

(6) Use of a sociological model:

7) Eclectic model:

Popular Posts

Find your topic