Clinical Theory I

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to broaden and deepen participants' mastery of several theories of development, personality, and behavior that have contributed to social work's knowledge base across the decades and continue to inform clinical social work epistemology today. Drawing primarily from original sources, we will study the evolution of theories central to psychodynamic thought, from Freud's early biological model of the mind, through various relational perspectives, to contemporary work in the fields of attachment and interpersonal neurobiology. The course will also cover the paradigm shift to first- through third-wave cognitive-behavioral theories and explore the potential for psychodynamically-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We will consider key assumptions, constructs, and propositions of each theory in terms of its congruence with social work's principles, values, and mission and in relation to the profession's person-in-environment perspective. This process will involve critically examining the empirical support and indications for the use of various psychotherapy practices. The course is restricted to Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) students.