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The importance of critical reflection in social work
Critical reflection in social work
The importance of critical reflection in social work
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In an increasingly globalised world, it is important that social workers are aware of the multitude of loss that immigrants experience and how this impacts on their life and the lives of others. Grief is a complex emotional response that arises from experiences of loss (Kanel 2003). Loss can be multidimensional and 'accompanies most big changes in our lives' (Goldsworthy 2005, p. 176). Moving to another country involves multiple diverse changes, in which people experience a variety of loss (Lee 2010). This essay will demonstrate how critical and ecological perspectives would inform my practice, as a counsellor, when working with people who are experiencing grief associated with immigration. Immigrating is not a single event; rather it is a collection of many diverse life changes (Lee 2010). As such, immigrants may experience various forms of loss. When working with people, it is important to recognise that grief is a response to a range of loss, not just loss resulting from death (Walsh-Burke 2006). The transition from one country to another involves a change in ones identity (Lee 2010). In addition to losing ties with family and friends, immigrants can experience a loss of status, self-worth, employment, environment, language, culture, dreams, and ideals (Lee 2010). This loss can lead to feelings of grief, which can have profound and enduring effects on people's lives, complicating their situation (Allan 2003). Critical theory is a progressive approach to practice that incorporates a variety of different theoretical perspectives. This approach highlights the importance of dialogical relationships and is committed to standing and working alongside service users (Healy 2000). Concerned with social change, this theory challenge... ... middle of paper ... ...s', Pastoral Psychology, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 159-169, doi: 10.1007/s11089-009-0261-3 Pardeck, T 1996, Social work practice: an ecological approach, eBook collection (EBSCOhost), viewed 23 March 2014, EBSCO Publishing, . Moreau, M 1979, 'A structural approach to social work practice', Canadian Journal of Social Work Education, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 78-94. Payne, M 2005, 'From radical to critical perspective', in Modern social work theory, 3rd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, Houndmills, pp. 227-250. Teater, B 2010, An introduction to applying social work theories and methods, eBook collection (EBSCOhost), viewed 22 March 2014, EBSCO Publishing, . Walsh-Burke, K 2006, 'Self-preparation and training for professionals encountering loss and grief', in Grief and loss: theories and skills for helping professions, Pearson, Boston.
Popple, P. R, & L. Leighninger. (2011). Social Work, Social Welfare, and American Society. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
As in the stages of change, pre-contemplation or denial is followed by the slow understanding that a profound alteration in our lives is occurring. In this early stage, Deits encourages the reader to focus on the immediate personal needs of the grief stricken. Early in this pr...
Popple , P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2011). Social work, social welfare, and american society. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Morales, A., Sheafor, B. W., & Scott, M. E. (2012). Social work: a profession of many faces. (12th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Migration has been found to have negative effects on mental health because of circumstances surrounding the move, circumstances of the actual passage, trouble adapting to the new culture, breaks in the migrant’s support system of friends and family, and disappointed expectations of social and economic acquisition.
Individually, everyone has their own methods of dealing with situations and emotions regardless of any positive or negative connotation affixed to them. One prime example of this comes with grief. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book “On Death and Dying” suggests that there are five stages of mourning and grief that are universal and, at one point or another, experienced by people from all walks of life. These stages, in no particular order, are as follows: Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance. Each individual person works through these stages in different orders for varying levels of time and intensity, but most if not all are necessary to “move on.” In order for positive change to occur following a loss, one must come to terms with not only the event but also themselves.
This paper will entail my reflections on three main areas pertaining to my own personal experiences. I will describe the influence of my own life experiences, give my particular world view, and describe what advantages and disadvantages, power, and privileges I will bring to my interaction as a social worker.
The interaction between the immigrant and the citizens of the receiving country varies on whether or not their introduction into the new country is seen as a loss or something positive. These differing stances serve as a buffer for an immigrant’s desires, as they can either advance or stagger depending on how far their new situation allows them to advance. For this reason, the likely success of the individual depends on the descending community’s desire to embrace them. This acceptance or denial presents itself in the form of the resources available to “the other.” If these outsiders are not given the tools with which to function properly they will likely find solace in the ethnic specific networks that provide them with a means to survive.
Parker, J. and Bradley, G. (2003). Social Work Practice: Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Review. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Delgado, M. (1999). Social work practice in nontraditional urban settings. New York: Oxford University Press.
For the purpose of this assignment I will consider how I have already started to develop as a ‘Critical Practitioner’. By this statement I would put forward how I am being ‘open minded’, use a ‘reflective approach’ that takes account of ‘different perspectives, experiences and assumptions’ (Glaister cited in the reader pg 8). I will discuss how my practice has developed and has been influenced by K315 course materials such as Barnett’s three domains of critical practice, action, reflexivity and analysis (Barnett cited in Glaister in the Reader p. 13) as key aspects of understanding the complexities involved in practicing critically. I will also discuss the importance of Glaister’s three pillars of everyday practice, ‘Forging of relationships’, ‘empowering others’ and ‘making a difference’. (Glaister cited in the reader pp. 17-21). I will analyse and evaluate my progress using examples from my practice learning opportunity in a Criminal Justice setting which will illustrate ways in which I have begun to demonstrate the autonomy required of a qualified worker, ‘respecting others as equal’s and the ‘open and not knowing approach’ (Glaister cited in the reader pp 12-14) whilst working to SiSWE standards. I will conclude by demonstrating why as a Critical Practitioner and reflective thinker I have been able to make informed judgements that seek to empower the service user, allowing them to take account of their views whilst balancing the complexity of professional power issues.
Galpin, D. and Bates, N. 2009. Social work practice with adults. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Chenoweth, L & McAuliffe, D 2012, The road to social work and human service practice, 3rd edn, Cengage Learning, South Melbourne.
Forder, A. (1976). Social Work and System Theory. British Journal of Social Work, 6(1), 23-42.
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .