Psychodynamic Theory In Social Work Essay
Introduction
Social workers work in a wide variety of settings with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences. While some of them work mainly with individuals, others work with families or groups in therapeutic or community settings. Although theory based practice can seem complicated in such contexts, social workers rely on a range of theoretical knowledge to make sense of the context and complexities of the human world and to offer solutions to the same (Greene and Greene, 2008). Theories play an important part in social work practice but at the same time undergo change and development according to practice outcome (Maidment & Egan, 2009).
Although there is an understanding that “the concept of theory is a social construct” (Payne, 1997, p. 26), for the purpose of this essay theory can be explained as a “set of propositions which posit the nature of the relationships between predefined constructs or variables” (Glynis et al., 1995, p. 5). In the same way, applying theories to practice may not always bring forth positive results, but it sets up a methodical way to deal with social work practices. The issue with picking a particular theory is …show more content…
However, the consensus among them all is the notion that most behavioural disorders are the result of unrestrained unconscious feelings. Psychodynamic theory is based on the principle that relationship difficulties experienced in the past remains in the subconscious level of an individual but re-emerge in later adult experience, especially in adult relationships. Freud argued that strengthening the ego to have more control over the Id and more independence from the super ego will enable an individual to accept oneself and tolerate the emotional experiences (Connolly & Harris,
Social workers work in a wide variety of settings with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences. While some of them work mainly with individuals, others work with families or groups in therapeutic or community settings. Although theory based practice can seem complicated in such contexts, social workers rely on a range of theoretical knowledge to make sense of the context and complexities of the human world and to offer solutions to the same (Greene and Greene, 2008). Theories play an important part in social work practice but at the same time undergo change and development according to practice outcome (Maidment & Egan, 2009).
Although there is an understanding that “the concept of theory is a social construct” (Payne, 1997, p. 26), for the purpose of this essay theory can be explained as a “set of propositions which posit the nature of the relationships between predefined constructs or variables” (Glynis et al., 1995, p. 5). In the same way, applying theories to practice may not always bring forth positive results, but it sets up a methodical way to deal with social work practices. The issue with picking a particular theory is …show more content…
However, the consensus among them all is the notion that most behavioural disorders are the result of unrestrained unconscious feelings. Psychodynamic theory is based on the principle that relationship difficulties experienced in the past remains in the subconscious level of an individual but re-emerge in later adult experience, especially in adult relationships. Freud argued that strengthening the ego to have more control over the Id and more independence from the super ego will enable an individual to accept oneself and tolerate the emotional experiences (Connolly & Harris,