Critical Reflection Is Central To Social Work Practice
As Critical reflection is central to social work practice, we have been asked to reflect on our learning throughout the mental health subject. Having a lived experience of mental health, and having worked in the industry, I came into the class with knowledge that some classmates may not have had. While I had a sound knowledge of some topics covered, there were some areas where I still had a lot to learn. Following is a brief snapshot of the learning I experienced throughout the subject.
General Info (1)
At the beginning of the semester, we learned the difference between mental health, mental health problems, and mental illness, and the ubiquitousness of mental health problems. Learning that “45 per cent of Australian aged 16-85 years have …show more content…
I feel like integrating a consumer/client perspective is a positive step which should be taken by all mental health organisations, because who better to inform practice than the people who have been, or are going through, it.
Recovery (7)
Another area I though was great was that of recovery, and recognising that people can live “satisfying, hopeful and contributing lives even with the limitations caused by illness” (Anthony, 1993, p.15 as cited in Bland, Renouf & Tullgren, 2015, p.46). I spoke about this in more detail in one of my blog entries.
1.
2.
Cultural Competence (12)
The final area I’d like to reflect on is that of cultural competence. It is important for social workers, especially those working in mental health to be mindful of differences between cultures and not to judge people based on their own cultural perceptions. Workers who are unfamiliar with cultures they are likely to work with should seek further knowledge about these culture, especially in regards to mental health (Barrera & Jordan, …show more content…
The importance of valuing the lived experience and of relationships is central to mental health work, and a consumer/client perspective is highly valuable. In difficult times such as dealing with crisis or people suffering effects of stigma and discrimination, going back to the core values of social work can aid workers in providing effective service delivery and fighting for client’s rights. I’ve learned that there is a lot of policy around mental health that I still need to familiarise myself with. While I was scared by the term ‘medical model’ at first, I found this area interesting with plenty of valuable information in regards to assessing and diagnosing mental illness. I’ve seen how different theoretical lenses will inform practice in different ways, and been able to identify which theories sit with my values. I’ve also expanded my knowledge about mental health with different cultural groups and the dangers of judging other in relation to your own cultural norms. I feel, however, that the piece of learning I value the most, was that of the recovery model. As seen in my blog, I’m not sure how I’d never come across it before, but I feel like it offers hope to so many people with mental health problems. Having lived experience and working in the industry, I wasn’t sure how much I would get out of this class, but it has given me
General Info (1)
At the beginning of the semester, we learned the difference between mental health, mental health problems, and mental illness, and the ubiquitousness of mental health problems. Learning that “45 per cent of Australian aged 16-85 years have …show more content…
I feel like integrating a consumer/client perspective is a positive step which should be taken by all mental health organisations, because who better to inform practice than the people who have been, or are going through, it.
Recovery (7)
Another area I though was great was that of recovery, and recognising that people can live “satisfying, hopeful and contributing lives even with the limitations caused by illness” (Anthony, 1993, p.15 as cited in Bland, Renouf & Tullgren, 2015, p.46). I spoke about this in more detail in one of my blog entries.
1.
2.
Cultural Competence (12)
The final area I’d like to reflect on is that of cultural competence. It is important for social workers, especially those working in mental health to be mindful of differences between cultures and not to judge people based on their own cultural perceptions. Workers who are unfamiliar with cultures they are likely to work with should seek further knowledge about these culture, especially in regards to mental health (Barrera & Jordan, …show more content…
The importance of valuing the lived experience and of relationships is central to mental health work, and a consumer/client perspective is highly valuable. In difficult times such as dealing with crisis or people suffering effects of stigma and discrimination, going back to the core values of social work can aid workers in providing effective service delivery and fighting for client’s rights. I’ve learned that there is a lot of policy around mental health that I still need to familiarise myself with. While I was scared by the term ‘medical model’ at first, I found this area interesting with plenty of valuable information in regards to assessing and diagnosing mental illness. I’ve seen how different theoretical lenses will inform practice in different ways, and been able to identify which theories sit with my values. I’ve also expanded my knowledge about mental health with different cultural groups and the dangers of judging other in relation to your own cultural norms. I feel, however, that the piece of learning I value the most, was that of the recovery model. As seen in my blog, I’m not sure how I’d never come across it before, but I feel like it offers hope to so many people with mental health problems. Having lived experience and working in the industry, I wasn’t sure how much I would get out of this class, but it has given me