Humanistic Perspective in Clinical Social Work Practice

Catalog description

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of existential-humanistic perspective in social work practice. Social work students will learn about the key concepts, principles, and practices of the Existential-Humanistic perspective and their relevance to social work practice, including the importance of human dignity, freedom (e.g., the capacity to choose), responsibility(e.g., the capacity to respond to and act on that for which one becomes aware), experiential reflection (e.g., the capacity for embodied, here-now awareness), authenticity, and meaning-making. Students will explore ways in which this perspective can inform and enhance social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. The therapeutic relationship in social work practice will be emphasized, students will learn about empathy, congruence, unconditional positive regard, and other core conditions for establishing an effective therapeutic alliance. Students will explore existential-humanistic interventions such as exploring choice and responsibility, meaning making and life purpose, enhancing self-awareness, authenticity and self-expression. Ethical consideration will examine issues related to self-disclosure, autonomy, cultural sensitivity and the balance between self-exploration and client support. Lastly, clinical application will focus on applying existential-humanistic principles to real-life social work contexts. Students will explore how these approaches can inform assessment, intervention and advocacy strategies across various clinical populations and settings. Prerequisite: SSWN 650. 3 credits.