Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as a Core Theoretical Framework in Social Work - Essay Example

Social work methods theories for practice case study This assignment therefore makes use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a core theoretical framework in social work to give a detailed analysis of case study 2. The paper provides an in-depth discussion on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a theory for analyzing social work cases. The subjective approaches of specialized as well as academic control help in developing social structure and most importantly different attributes of the community members. The development in different qualities of the individuals eventually aid in strengthening the social structures by a considerable extent. It is worth mentioning that numerous psychological dilemmas as well as attributes are attached with the development of a proper societal structure. The psychological as well as the biological understanding are observed to be striking positive impact on the socio-structural settings in the form of varied ways. These ways may entail greater development in the abilities of the community members towards any doubtful circumstance and making effective decisions from a long-term perspective. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat or mitigate a number of issues including psychological problems. One ought to note that this form of therapy is the most commonly used because it helps one to identify and cope with challenges as fast as possible. On most occasions, cognitive behavioral therapy needs fewer sessions as compared to other forms of therapies. Additionally, the structured manner in which this form of therapy is done makes it the most suitable in addressing certain challenges. A momentous process in cognitive behavioral therapy is called thought challenging. Some social workers also refer to it as cognitive restructuring. It is the process through which patients or victims challenge their negative thinking patterns that bring about their anxiety while substituting them with realistic and positive thoughts. Cognitive restructuring involves three key processes. These include the recognition of negative thoughts, the challenging of the negative thoughts and the replacement of the negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts. One must not that all the three processes must the involved during cognitive reconstruction or thought challenging in order to successfully mitigate emotional trauma. Use of cognitive behavioral therapy theoretical framework to critically analyze case study 2 Introduction The society entails different people all of whom undergo different life problems. Additionally, life structures place different people in varied mental, psychological and spiritual positions. Such complications normally arise from societal disconnection instigated by family issues. It is for this reason that certain social workers intervene with the aim of restoring normalcy in people affected by such situations. The subjective approaches of professional as well as academic restraint help in developing social structure and most importantly different attributes of the community members. The development in different qualities of the individuals eventually aid in strengthening the social structures by a considerable extent. It is worth mentioning that several psychological dilemmas as well as attributes are attached with the development of a proper societal structure. The psychological as well as the biological understanding are observed to be imposing positive impact on the socio-structural settings in the form of varied ways (Miller, 2006, p. 62). These ways may entail greater development in the abilities of the community members towards any uncertain situation and making effective decisions from a long-term perspective. Social work has a significant role in the society as it is meant to support persons who, for some reason, are unable to accomplish their needs in the society and participate as required in social life. Such people always have difficulties in coping with some life situations and if not assisted by qualified social workers they may end up in compromising situations. Social services, social workers and social institutions, for that matter present the characteristics of civilization in democracy, social justice and human rights are conceived and bore as vital values in the societies (Coulshed, & Orme, 1998, p. 98). Social work, therefore, plays a significant role in ensuring that the quality of life in a society is upheld and that social cohesion and solidarity prevail. This assignment therefore makes use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a core theoretical framework in social work to give a detailed analysis of case study 2. The paper provides an in-depth discussion on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a theory for analyzing social work cases. Additionally, this assignment presents an overview of case study 2 as provided in the case materials and uses the case study as the basis for understanding the theoretical framework chosen for the purposes of this assignment (Stepney, & Ford, 2000, p. 98). Overview of case study 2 Case study 2 as presented in the case files highlights the condition of a young girl aged 15 who seems to undergo some sought of depression after discovering that her mother’s sexual life was not straight. Gemma, the girl in question, lives with her mother and brother after her father left following the discovery of his wife’s secret love life. Kitty, Gemma’s mother had been having a secret relationship with a woman she had met at one of the PTA meetings at Gemma’s comprehensive school. As a result of this, Tony, Gemma’s father, separated with his wife and now lives with another partner with whom they have a three-month old kid. Gemma had been a model daughter to her parents until her mother cheated leading to her separations with Gemma’s father. She now spends more time away for the house and stays out until late at night. She has even been reported to have spent a few nights away from home. She does not see why her mother forbids her from staying out until late night and her mother thinks that her argument with Gemma may have a negative impact on her younger son Jake. As if that is not enough, Gemma has started cutting herself and her mother thinks she could be experimenting on drugs. On some occasions, Gemma was reported to have endless quarrels with girls in her class. Very recently, Gemma was involved in a fight with one of her girlfriends in which police officers were involved. These trends have since compelled the police to exclude her from school and she has been referred by the police to one of the social workers in the city. The social worker has been working with ladies that are at risk of being part of the criminal justice system. Gemma has been put on this program to help her reshape her character and lifestyle. This is because she could be at risk damaging her character irreparably. Overview of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) The primary goal of social work is to enhance the well-being of people especially those that have psychological problems. It also assists people in meeting their basic needs with particular attention to the empowerment and needs of the vulnerable. In this process, social work makes use of certain theoretical frameworks to meet its goals of enhancing people’s lives. One of the most significant theoretical frameworks used by social workers in the process of assisting affected persons is cognitive behavioral therapy; also known as (CBT) (Fook, 2002, p. 115). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used for correcting anxiety disorders. Recent researches have indicated that this form of therapy is the most effective in treating phobias, panic disorders and social anxiety disorders amongst many others. It is important to mention that cognitive behavioral therapy addresses the negative distortions and patterns in the way people view not only the world but also themselves ((Lishmasn, 1991, p. 93). Some life situations may prompt victims into believing that they are worthless and are not meant to bring any significant change in the society. In such occasions, victims always engage in unwanted behavior like abuse of drugs with the aim of suppressing the perceived depressions. However, it is worth noting that such behavior do not assist in any way and instead escalate the depression even further (Teater, 2014, p. 119). It is in such situations that social workers use cognitive behavioral therapy as a form of mitigation of the problem. The underlying principle of cognitive behavioral therapy is that the thoughts of people play a significant role in affecting the way they feel. On most occasions, people’s feelings are dictated by how they think and this always has a significant effect on their day-to-day lives. It noteworthy, therefore, that people’s thoughts may have either positive or negative effects on their lives. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy highlights the fact that it is not the situation a person is in that determines the way he or she feels but their perception of that particular situation (Healy, 2005, p. 56). For this reason, not all bad situations prompt people to have a negative feeling about them and subsequently a negative impact on their lives. Similarly, not all good situations prompt people to have a positive feeling about them and subsequently a positive impact on their lives. This is therefore an indication that only the thoughts of people and not events determine the way they feel (Pincus, & Minahan, 1973, p. 76). Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to treat or mitigate a number of issues including psychological problems. One ought to note that this form of therapy is the most commonly used because it helps one to identify and cope with challenges as fast as possible. On most occasions, cognitive behavioral therapy needs fewer sessions as compared to other forms of therapies. Additionally, the structured manner in which this form of therapy is done makes it the most suitable in addressing certain challenges (Healy, 2005, p. 56). Emotional challenges are best addressed with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, this therapy may help one in managing symptoms of metal illnesses. This can be done alongside of the forms of treatment like medication. Additionally, this form of therapy can also be applied to avert the relapse or degeneration of mental illness signs. Social workers also use cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of mental illnesses in the event that medication is not a preferable option. Pregnancy is a good example in this case. On some occasions, people have poor strategies for coping with stressful life situations like problems at work. It is noteworthy that cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in making victims learn how to cope with such situations (Parker, & Bradley, 2007, p. 133). Relationships are major sources of conflicts in societies. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in resolving conflicts in relationships if victims subscribe to such therapies. In addition to that, this form of therapy can help victims of grief in coping up with the situation. During such times when people lose their loved ones, they tend to undergo emotional stress that can be mitigated with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy (Beckett, 2006, p. 92). Emotional trauma can also be overcome with the help of this form of therapy. One ought to note that some medical illnesses like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome are always accompanied by emotion stress and depression. Certainly, the treatment of such illnesses may become futile in the event that their accompanying mental trauma is not addresses. If is for this reason that social workers apply cognitive behavioral therapy as a way of assisting such patients to overcome their emotional trauma (Jones, Cooper, & Ferguson, 2008, p. 177). In addition to the general complications that can be addressed by cognitive behavioral therapy, there are also specific mental health conditions that can be addressed through this form of therapy. They include: Sleeping disorders Bipolar disorders Depression Sexual disorders Eating disorders Personality disorders Obsessive-Compulsive disorder also known as OCD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD Anxiety disorders Phobias Schizophrenia It is noteworthy that on some occasions cognitive behavioral therapy becomes most effective when administered alongside other forms of treatment. Patients are always give antidepressants in such cases to assist in the process of managing their mental traumas. However, one ought to note that not also cases where cognitive behavioral therapy is used require the additional use of antidepressants (Oko, 2011, p. 161). Critical analysis of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) As already mentioned cognitive behavioral therapy addresses negative distortions in the way people view the world themselves. As its name suggests, cognitive behavioral therapy incorporates two major concepts which are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy seeks to examine the manner in which negative thoughts or what are called cognitions set off anxiety. Behavior therapy, on the other hand seeks to examine the manner in which people react and behave in the situations that elicit anxiety (Coulshed, & Orme, 1998, p. 98). The same event may lead to varied emotions in different people depending on how they think. Aside from thoughts, the difference in emotions that arises from a similar situation depends on people’s expectations, beliefs and attitudes. For persons that have disability disorders, their negative ways of perceiving situations instigate the negative emotions of fear and anxiety (Thorne, 1993, p. 87). The principle goal for cognitive behavioral therapy, therefore, is to identify and replace these negative beliefs and thoughts with positive perceptions. As a result of this, the key idea is that f people change the manner in which they perceive situations then they can alter the way they feel (Howe, 2009, p. 100). The challenging of thought in cognitive behavioral therapy A significant process in cognitive behavioral therapy is called thought challenging. Some social workers also refer to it as cognitive restructuring. It is the process through which patients or victims challenge their negative thinking patterns that bring about their anxiety while substituting them with realistic and positive thoughts. Cognitive restructuring involves three key processes. These include: Identifying negative thoughts Challenging the negative thoughts Replacing the negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts One must not that all the three processes must the involved during cognitive reconstruction or thought challenging in order to successfully mitigate emotional trauma (Trevithick, 2012, p. 56). a) Identifying negative thoughts Anxiety disorders normally prompt victims into perceiving situations as more dangerous than they actually are. For instance, someone with a germ phobia may find shaking hands life-threatening although this may not actually be the case. Therefore, the process of identifying ones negative thoughts is characterized by the assessment of the things that make people have negative perceptions about situations, things and other people as well (Beckett, 2006, p. 142). Social workers normally encourage their patients to try and identify the various things that persuade them to view situations negatively in this phase of cognitive behavioral therapy. Here, the social workers usually ask their patients to try and remember whatever they were thinking when they began to feel anxious. The therapists then help their patients in distinguishing the relevant and irrelevant situations in order to stay on track with the situation at hand. b) Challenging the negative thoughts In this process, the therapist always assists his or her patients in evaluating the thoughts that provoke anxiety. It is important to note that this process always involves the questioning of the evidence of the anxiety-provoking thoughts while excluding the useless beliefs. This process is always followed by testing the validity of the negative predictions. Therapists always take their patients through the entire process. There are a number of strategies that a therapist may use when challenging negative thoughts of a patient. One of the most significant strategies in this process is conducting experiments. Additionally, the therapist may also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of avoiding the things his patient fear. In this process, the therapist always aims at determining the probability that what his or her patient are worried about will actually turn into reality. c) Replacing the negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts Once the patient has identified the irrational predictions in his or her anxious thoughts and challenged the negative thoughts, the therapists always take their patients through the process of replacing the negative thoughts with more rational and realistic thoughts. This is always the last process of any cognitive behavioral therapy session (Coulshed, & Orme, 1998, p. 118). It is during this time that the therapist will help his or her patients construct calming, realistic statements that they can narrate in the event that they are anticipating or facing situations that make them anxious. Advantages and disadvantages of cognitive behavioral therapy People that attend and complete cognitive behavioral therapy sessions are less likely to forget the skills acquired after the sessions. It is for this reason that such people may not find it difficult to overcome similar situations when they arise in future. There is a risk that the bad feelings people associate with their problems may return even after completing the cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. Nonetheless, it should be easier for patients to overcome similar cases in the future with CBT skills. It is worth noting that cognitive behavioral therapy may not be suitable for everyone that undergoes the process. It is for this reason that some aspects of this form of therapy are advantageous while others are disadvantageous to patients (Payne, 2014, p. 112). Advantages of cognitive behavioral therapy a) Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be as effective as other forms of medication in curing some mental health complications. b) CBT can be used to mitigate psychological complications where medication alone has proven ineffective. c) Most therapists that administer cognitive behavioral therapy complete their sessions in relatively short time. The time spent in completing CBT is much less as compared to other forms of therapy like talking therapies. d) CBT is highly structured. The structured nature of this form of therapy makes it easy for therapists to conduct sessions in many formats. For instance, the sessions can be conducted in groups, in the form of computer programs and in self-help books. e) The skills learned during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions practical. They contain strategies that can be applied in day-to-day lives with the aim of coping better in the event that similar situations that provoke anxiety arise again. Additionally, the skills can be passed on to a different victim by a previous victim without having to see a therapist. For this reason, patients become cognitive behavioral therapists by apprenticeship after completing all the therapy sessions (Howe, 2009, p. 90). Disadvantages of cognitive behavioral therapy a) One has to commit him or herself to the entire process of cognitive behavioral therapy in order to benefit. Therapists are only meant to make patients identify their problems and advise them on how to mitigate the problems. However, the problems may to go away in the event that patients are not corporative and responsive. b) It is difficult to attend to any other work while attending therapy sessions. This is because the sessions require utmost concentrations without disruptions. In the event that therapy sessions are disrupted, the therapists may be compelled to start from the beginning. c) People with learning difficulties or severe mental complications may not gain from cognitive behavioral therapy. This is because the sessions require that patients understand and implement the directives provided by then therapist. d) Patients may become more anxious during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions because they involve confronting ones anxieties and emotions. As a result of this, they may become unconformable during the therapy sessions. e) Some critics have since presented an argument that since cognitive behavioral therapy only addresses present situations it does not take care of causative factors of the problems in question. For instance, a therapist may not identify unhappy childhood are the reason for a patient’s emotional trauma during the therapy sessions and will instead focus on mitigating the problem. f) Another critique of cognitive behavioral therapy is that it only focuses on the ability of patients to change their behaviors, thoughts and feelings. Therefore, the theoretical framework does not take into consideration other factors that have significant influence of the wellbeing of a person. The application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in case study 2 Problem identification in case study 2 Gemma is only fifteen years old and is already getting involved in fights at school and she spends several nights away from home. Additionally, she has begun cutting her body and has a few marks on her skin. The sudden change of character is realized after her father separated with her mother following the discovery that her mother Kitty was having a relationship with a fellow woman she had met at one of the PTA meetings at Gemma’s school. Gemma is obviously going through an emotional trauma after realizing that her mother’s sexual life is not straight and that her father just had a baby with another woman. That notwithstanding, she and her brother Jake only gets to see their father once every month and this is traumatizing to her (Beckett, 2006, p. 142). Now that Kitty thinks her daughter is experimenting with drugs, Gemma needs urgent help before things get out of hand. Following her fight with a classmate at their school’s gate, Gemma has been excluded from school and referred to a social worker by the police. According to this girl’s present condition, cognitive behavioral therapy is the best form of therapy she can be given in order to help her identify her negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic, positive thoughts. Just like every other patient, Gemma will have to go through the three critical processes of cognitive behavioral therapy. She will have to suspend school and concentrate of getting better before she resumes her classes. That notwithstanding, she will have to cooperate with her therapist in order to fully recover from her traumatizing situation (Thompson, 2001, p. 84). As already noted in the disadvantages of cognitive behavioral therapy, unless the patient is corporative not significant change can be expected. Also noted is the fact that cognitive behavioral therapy sessions cannot be attended alongside other commitments and it is for this reason that Gemma will have to suspend all her classes until she is done with the therapy sessions. Identifying Gemma’s negative thoughts Gemma certainly has negative thoughts following the circumstances in her family. The very first process in assisting this girl with her problem will be to identify her negative thoughts. Her therapist will have to make her mention her problems and the possible reasons that may have led to her depression. Nonetheless, Gemma has to accept that she had a problem that needs the intervention of a cognitive behavioral therapist and agree to cooperate before anything else begins. Gemma must be asked to state her negative thoughts. According to the case study, Gemma has several negative thoughts that contribute to her negative perception of the situation her family is presently going through. First, this girl has a negative perception of the fact that her parents are separated. She only sees the negative side of the separation and finds it difficult to love without a father. The fact that she sees her father only once a month frustrates her so much. Another factor that might have led to Gemma’s negative thoughts is her mother’s sexual life. Her mother Kitty is sexually involved with a fellow woman who she had met at one of the PTA meetings at Gemma’s comprehensive school. This frustrates her because it is difficult to comprehend the fact that her own mother is not straight. Lastly, Gemma must be frustrated by the fact that her father just had a baby with another woman. Alongside having separated with her mother, this girl is infuriated by the fact that her father has withdrawn attention from her and her family and is now caring for another woman. For this reason, she feels that her father ought not to have diverted his attention to another family in spite of having separated with her mother (Thompson, 2001, p. 39). The problems mentioned above have brought anxiety into Gemma’s life thereby compelling her to engage in negative thoughts. She feels that by avoiding her home she might forget her tribulations. Additionally, she could be experimenting with drugs, as her mother Kitty thinks, as a way of addressing her problems (Connoly, & Harms, 2012, p. 78). Her fights in school are an indication of depression and the need to let out anger. These are, therefore, the negative thoughts that the therapist must assist her in replacing with positive and more realistic ones. Challenging Gemma’s negative thoughts In this process of the therapy session, the therapist must teach Gemma how to evaluate her anxiety-provoking thoughts. A significant part of this session will involve questioning the viability and evidence of the frightening thoughts. As a result, the therapist will have to ascertain the truthfulness of Gemma’s story (McLeod, 1998, p. 98). The therapist must confirm that Gemma’s parents were separated following the circumstances that will have already been mentioned by Gemma in the previous session. After having ascertained the truthfulness of these statements, the therapist will then proceed to assist Gemman in replacing her negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts (Gaine, 2010, p. 120). Replacing Gemma’s negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts After having identified and challenge Gemma’s negative thoughts, the therapist must now assist her in replacing the thought with positive ones. First, she must be advised by the therapist that her tribulations should not be the reason for engaging in activities that throw her life away. One positive thought that can replace her negative thoughts is engaging in extensive reading. On most occasions, reading occupies minds and as a result a person suffering from emotional problems may forget his or her problems when reading extensively. Gemma is a student and reading extensively will not only improve her performance in class work but also assist her in forgetting her problems. Gemma could also engage in sporting activities as a way of keeping her mind occupied with relevant issues. Sporting activities not only clears the mind but also assist people in staying fit. For this reason, Gemma will have a clear mind and stay fit in the event that she engages in sporting activities. For this reason, the therapist should advise Gemma to get involved in sports as one of the positive thoughts that replace her negative thoughts. Conclusion In conclusion, CBT is an effective way of mitigating emotional trauma. The case study of Gemma is a good example to a situation that requires CBT as a mitigation strategy. The underlying principle of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is that the thoughts of people play a significant role in affecting the way they feel. On most occasions, people’s feelings are dictated by how they think and this always has a significant effect on their day-to-day lives. It noteworthy, therefore, that people’s thoughts may have either positive or negative effects on their lives. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy highlights the fact that it is not the situation a person is in that determines the way he or she feels but their perception of that particular situation (Payne, 2014, p. 82). For this reason, not all bad situations prompt people to have a negative feeling about them and subsequently a negative impact on their lives. Similarly, not all good situations prompt people to have a positive feeling about them and subsequently a positive impact on their lives. This is therefore an indication that only the thoughts of people and not events determine the way they feel. References Beckett, C. (2006). Essential Theory for Social Work Practice. London, Sage. Connoly, M. & Harms, L. (2012). Social work from theory to practice, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Coulshed, V. & Orme, J. (1998). Social Work Practice, An Introduction (3rd. edn.) 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