Social Work Personal Statement
I was given the opportunity to learn basic research methodology through my undergraduate Social Work degree. A graduate program would allow me to build upon this knowledge in order to not only perform research projects but also to evaluate the work of others.
The graduate program at Renison University College specifically addresses my desire to work within the health care field. The holistic framework used by Renison University College closely mirrors my own personal values.
I have a personal interest in bureaucratic insurance and bio-medical systems that devalue individuals having dealt with them due to a work related injury of my own. The reductionism of these systemic structures becomes instrumental in prohibiting healing and recuperation …show more content…
of its clients. It is my desire to have the opportunity to invest in furthering my education in order to reinforce my current skills, improve my knowledge base and to incorporate a wider-based approach to address societal concerns of marginalization and oppression in order to offer opportunities for positive change for individuals, families and communities. I have completed my Honors Specialization in Anthropology and am in the final year of my Bachelor of Social Work program.
The opportunity I have had to pursue an Honors Specialization in Anthropology at Western has allowed me to have an expansive examination, through course work, of experiences of the philosophical and phenomenological. My knowledge level has naturally increased through my Western experience as, I believe, has my wisdom. I have enhanced both my rhetorical skills and my competence in critical analysis. The study of anthropology has given me a clearer sense of the intersection of issues, from structure to ideology and from cultures of interest to values which shapes my research interests. The addition of the Bachelor of Social Work program has allowed me to attain theoretical models of social work intervention to the 20 years of practical experience that I have had in the social service field. The blending of an anthropological and a social work perspective will allow me to have a more multidisciplinary approach to my future research in order to create a more holistic intervention …show more content…
strategy. I hope to have the opportunity to complete research on the adversarial automobile insurance system and how this negatively affects the health and recuperation of individuals who sustain acquired brain injuries. With my expertise in advocacy relating to themes of marginalization, identity, structure and agency, I wish to investigate the negative effects these systemic issues have on treatment modalities and recuperation. As part of my comprehensive exploration, I would hope to make a difference by illuminating the stories of accident and injury victims and contribute to the discussions of philosophical and sociological agency, as well as marginalization.
My ultimate goal is to work with and conduct research on the oppression of adults and children, particularly in regards to health. Hopefully, in doing so, I will be able to advocate for a greater understanding of these populations and mediate on their behalf for social justice and positive structural change.
The practicum I would most desire would be a hospital setting. My first choice would be Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario. This institute specializes in physical and mental rehabilitation with a holistic outlook. While there are many areas of specialization within this locale, my preference would be the acquired brain injury program. This program has several components that all work together towards to total rehabilitation of the individual. There is a psychosocial support group that I think would assist me in learning more about a social problem that is of interest to me; that of systemic issues that prevent early diagnosis and intervention of depression in individuals with acquired brain injuries.
With my expertise in advocacy through social work relating to themes of marginalization, identity, structure and agency in my background, I wish to investigate the negative effects these systemic issues have on treatment modalities and recuperation. As part of my comprehensive exploration, I would hope to make a difference by illuminating the stories of accident and injury victims and contribute to the discussions of philosophical and sociological agency, as well as marginalization.
Many studies identify that early intervention is critical within the ABI population. As studies are done, new information about alternatives is coming forth and it is important that service providers continue to educate themselves with these options. Continuation of studies of the efficacy of CBT and MBCT on depression in individuals with ABI need to occur. One of the directions that needs to be examined is whether or not early intervention prior to one year post ABI can improve the outcomes of success for remission and/or control of depressive symptoms and this is what I wish to pursue in my research. If it can be determined that early diagnosis and treatment with CBT or MBCT results in higher outcomes of success, this can then lend itself to the creation of an evidence based standard of treatment for all individuals with ABI who are experiencing emotional distress.
While I am specifically interested in mental health issues with ABI survivors, I do have an overall interest in psychiatric health and wellness in general as well. I have worked with both adults and youth with psychiatric issues in a number of venues over the last 20 years. I would also be open to expanding on this knowledge and experience base through such agencies as the Child and Parent Research Institute or the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care.
The qualities I would most appreciate in a field instructor would be someone who would encourage and challenge me to grow and improve my skills and abilities while working with me to leave something of worth behind when I complete my placement whether it be research, programming or something more concrete.
Individuals who sustain acquired brain injuries (ABI) are at greater risk of developing depression.
Research findings vary greatly regarding the incidence of depression developing after an ABI from 14-77% (Koponen, Taiminen, Kurki, Portin, Isoniemi, Himanen, & Tenovuo, 2006). In one study of depression two and a half years after ABI showed that 42% met DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) measures for major depression (Kreutzer, Seel, & Gourley, 2001).
So, do victims who receive psychiatric assessment and treatment immediately following an ABI have decreased rates of depression?
Interest in this subject came from a personal experience. My husband, and many clients at the Sarnia Lambton Brain Injury Association that I was on the Board of Directors for, were unable to access appropriate services in order to attain diagnosis or treatment. Barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment included such a lack of guidelines for immediate treatment of ABI victims, a lack of tools and often, the regulations of the adversarial automobile insurance industry.
Identification of barriers to diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of rehabilitation may allow for changes to be made in order to allow social workers, caregivers, family and the injured party to navigate the system better, have more successful outcomes and maintain support systems. It may also decrease the risk secondary conditions such as familial breakdown or substance
abuse.
Early diagnosis and intervention is critical within the ABI population. Creativity and flexibility is needed on behalf of both the patients and the service providers to meet the individual needs and to create the most effective treatment plan in order to allow for the most successful outcomes. It is possible that having early, accurate diagnosis, a social worker to provide case management at an earlier stage and access to holistic health care intervention would prevent the development or worsening of post-injury depression.
My theoretical approach to this issue would be using the conflict perspective. This approach would assist me in conveying assessments involving oppression and client vulnerability. I would then be able to identify evidence of oppression and support systemic change that best serves my clients.
I have worked within the social service field for the last 20 years. Additionally, being the main caretaker of a spouse who attained an acquired brain injury in an automobile accident necessitates my continual navigation, understanding and manipulation of the structures, systems and discourses of the Ontario-Canadian state – which historically has marginalized populations in concordance with hegemonic ideologies while ignoring the intrinsic dignity of millions of Canadians.
Renison would offer me the opportunity to expand my understanding of health and systemic issues, broaden my knowledge base and increase my confidence as a social worker. This program has a strong social justice foundation and a focus on an anti-oppressive approach that would be a good fit for me. It would provide me with the tools to address this social issue through research and quality, strengths-based program development and advocate on behalf of those who have been denied a voice.
The graduate program at Renison University College specifically addresses my desire to work within the health care field. The holistic framework used by Renison University College closely mirrors my own personal values.
I have a personal interest in bureaucratic insurance and bio-medical systems that devalue individuals having dealt with them due to a work related injury of my own. The reductionism of these systemic structures becomes instrumental in prohibiting healing and recuperation …show more content…
of its clients. It is my desire to have the opportunity to invest in furthering my education in order to reinforce my current skills, improve my knowledge base and to incorporate a wider-based approach to address societal concerns of marginalization and oppression in order to offer opportunities for positive change for individuals, families and communities. I have completed my Honors Specialization in Anthropology and am in the final year of my Bachelor of Social Work program.
The opportunity I have had to pursue an Honors Specialization in Anthropology at Western has allowed me to have an expansive examination, through course work, of experiences of the philosophical and phenomenological. My knowledge level has naturally increased through my Western experience as, I believe, has my wisdom. I have enhanced both my rhetorical skills and my competence in critical analysis. The study of anthropology has given me a clearer sense of the intersection of issues, from structure to ideology and from cultures of interest to values which shapes my research interests. The addition of the Bachelor of Social Work program has allowed me to attain theoretical models of social work intervention to the 20 years of practical experience that I have had in the social service field. The blending of an anthropological and a social work perspective will allow me to have a more multidisciplinary approach to my future research in order to create a more holistic intervention …show more content…
strategy. I hope to have the opportunity to complete research on the adversarial automobile insurance system and how this negatively affects the health and recuperation of individuals who sustain acquired brain injuries. With my expertise in advocacy relating to themes of marginalization, identity, structure and agency, I wish to investigate the negative effects these systemic issues have on treatment modalities and recuperation. As part of my comprehensive exploration, I would hope to make a difference by illuminating the stories of accident and injury victims and contribute to the discussions of philosophical and sociological agency, as well as marginalization.
My ultimate goal is to work with and conduct research on the oppression of adults and children, particularly in regards to health. Hopefully, in doing so, I will be able to advocate for a greater understanding of these populations and mediate on their behalf for social justice and positive structural change.
The practicum I would most desire would be a hospital setting. My first choice would be Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario. This institute specializes in physical and mental rehabilitation with a holistic outlook. While there are many areas of specialization within this locale, my preference would be the acquired brain injury program. This program has several components that all work together towards to total rehabilitation of the individual. There is a psychosocial support group that I think would assist me in learning more about a social problem that is of interest to me; that of systemic issues that prevent early diagnosis and intervention of depression in individuals with acquired brain injuries.
With my expertise in advocacy through social work relating to themes of marginalization, identity, structure and agency in my background, I wish to investigate the negative effects these systemic issues have on treatment modalities and recuperation. As part of my comprehensive exploration, I would hope to make a difference by illuminating the stories of accident and injury victims and contribute to the discussions of philosophical and sociological agency, as well as marginalization.
Many studies identify that early intervention is critical within the ABI population. As studies are done, new information about alternatives is coming forth and it is important that service providers continue to educate themselves with these options. Continuation of studies of the efficacy of CBT and MBCT on depression in individuals with ABI need to occur. One of the directions that needs to be examined is whether or not early intervention prior to one year post ABI can improve the outcomes of success for remission and/or control of depressive symptoms and this is what I wish to pursue in my research. If it can be determined that early diagnosis and treatment with CBT or MBCT results in higher outcomes of success, this can then lend itself to the creation of an evidence based standard of treatment for all individuals with ABI who are experiencing emotional distress.
While I am specifically interested in mental health issues with ABI survivors, I do have an overall interest in psychiatric health and wellness in general as well. I have worked with both adults and youth with psychiatric issues in a number of venues over the last 20 years. I would also be open to expanding on this knowledge and experience base through such agencies as the Child and Parent Research Institute or the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care.
The qualities I would most appreciate in a field instructor would be someone who would encourage and challenge me to grow and improve my skills and abilities while working with me to leave something of worth behind when I complete my placement whether it be research, programming or something more concrete.
Individuals who sustain acquired brain injuries (ABI) are at greater risk of developing depression.
Research findings vary greatly regarding the incidence of depression developing after an ABI from 14-77% (Koponen, Taiminen, Kurki, Portin, Isoniemi, Himanen, & Tenovuo, 2006). In one study of depression two and a half years after ABI showed that 42% met DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) measures for major depression (Kreutzer, Seel, & Gourley, 2001).
So, do victims who receive psychiatric assessment and treatment immediately following an ABI have decreased rates of depression?
Interest in this subject came from a personal experience. My husband, and many clients at the Sarnia Lambton Brain Injury Association that I was on the Board of Directors for, were unable to access appropriate services in order to attain diagnosis or treatment. Barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment included such a lack of guidelines for immediate treatment of ABI victims, a lack of tools and often, the regulations of the adversarial automobile insurance industry.
Identification of barriers to diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of rehabilitation may allow for changes to be made in order to allow social workers, caregivers, family and the injured party to navigate the system better, have more successful outcomes and maintain support systems. It may also decrease the risk secondary conditions such as familial breakdown or substance
abuse.
Early diagnosis and intervention is critical within the ABI population. Creativity and flexibility is needed on behalf of both the patients and the service providers to meet the individual needs and to create the most effective treatment plan in order to allow for the most successful outcomes. It is possible that having early, accurate diagnosis, a social worker to provide case management at an earlier stage and access to holistic health care intervention would prevent the development or worsening of post-injury depression.
My theoretical approach to this issue would be using the conflict perspective. This approach would assist me in conveying assessments involving oppression and client vulnerability. I would then be able to identify evidence of oppression and support systemic change that best serves my clients.
I have worked within the social service field for the last 20 years. Additionally, being the main caretaker of a spouse who attained an acquired brain injury in an automobile accident necessitates my continual navigation, understanding and manipulation of the structures, systems and discourses of the Ontario-Canadian state – which historically has marginalized populations in concordance with hegemonic ideologies while ignoring the intrinsic dignity of millions of Canadians.
Renison would offer me the opportunity to expand my understanding of health and systemic issues, broaden my knowledge base and increase my confidence as a social worker. This program has a strong social justice foundation and a focus on an anti-oppressive approach that would be a good fit for me. It would provide me with the tools to address this social issue through research and quality, strengths-based program development and advocate on behalf of those who have been denied a voice.