Artifact Reflection

In Fall 2021, I recorded myself and a classmate role playing a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) session as the social worker and client, respectively. This role play was one component of the assignment, “Process Recording on Defining Goals,” which was required for Dr. Preble’s Resiliency and Solution-Focused Practice course. The purpose of this role play was for me to help the “client” develop a well-defined goal and determine how they will know when this goal has been achieved. After completing the role play, I transcribed both sides of the dialogue, annotated my quotes with self-directed feedback, discussed the effect this conversation had on the “client,” and reflected on what I learned from this exercise.

SFBT is strengths-based, goal-directed model that emphasizes exceptions to the client’s problem and possible solutions rather focusing on the causes of that problem. SFBT providers ask the client “miracle questions,” which prompt the client to visualize and describe what their life would look like if they woke up one morning to find that their problem had been miraculously solved. SFBT providers will also ask the client to describe a time where their problem could have reasonably occurred and instead did not or was less of an issue for them. A third staple SFBT is asking the client to rate how much progress they’ve made towards their goal, their motivation to continue this progress, and confidence in their ability to achieve their goal.

One thing that I really value about the SFBT process is the opportunity for the client to provide feedback on what is working and identify areas for improvement. I chose my original assignment submission as my artifact because it demonstrates my use of core social work skills, personal style when engaging with clients, and ability to evaluate my practice. I received positive feedback on my ability to define each step of the client’s goal and allow them to lead our conversation. I used the assigned text, Insoo Kim Berg and Peter Jong’s Interviewing for Solutions, to guide my self-directed feedback. I consider the feedback portion to be a strength of this assignment because I included specific questions that might have enhanced the solution building process and aspects of the client’s dialogue that I wish I had spent more time reflecting on. I learned the importance of asking questions that encourage the client to form a specific, measurable, and behavior-driven goal that builds on their current progress. Overall, completing this assignment increased my confidence in utilizing a solution-focused approach while continuing to validate the client’s experiences and feelings related to the change process.

Competency Reflection

At the beginning of this program, I had some knowledge of practice models and how to uphold social work values within clinical practice. I knew the importance of meeting the client where they are at but lacked a concrete understanding of how to do this. During this program, I have had ample opportunities to both challenge and evolve my understanding of clinical social work practice.

Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Participating in clinical role plays helped me practice active listening skills, such as summarizing, furthering, and empathic reflection. However, being in a student clinician role at the Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic (IBHC) during the Fall 2021 semester was the most challenging and enriching opportunity that I’ve had to practice and evaluate my clinical social work skills thus far. The IBHC is a student facilitated clinic that provides free case management, counseling, and psychoeducational group services to people who might otherwise not be able to access services. During my time in this role, my supervisor provided positive feedback regarding my ability to highlight discrepancies between clients’ goals and behaviors and provide amplified reflections while maintaining unconditional positive regard.

Both role plays and real client interactions have helped me find a style of complimenting that comes from a place of genuineness and benefits the client. I use the social work skill of affirmation to acknowledge any effort a client has directed towards their goal and instances of the client acting in alignment with their values. Affirming the client’s behaviors instead of circumstances outside of their control encourages an internal locus of control and empowers the client to make manageable steps towards their goal. For example, I might say compliment a client on how they handled a difficult situation, their introspection, or their resourcefulness.

Intervene with Families, Groups, Organizations & Communities

My clinical coursework and field experiences have helped me understand how to utilize social work skills and apply my knowledge of theories in an empowering and relevant way. I have practiced asking clarifying questions to increase my understanding of the client’s words and adjusted my language to match theirs. I have also enhanced my skills related to increasing a client’s motivation to participate in services and take steps in the direction of their goals. My clinical coursework has also stressed the importance of practicing within my scope of expertise and knowing when to refer a client to another service and important considerations necessary when making referrals. For example, it is best practice to explain practice limitations and treatment recommendations in a way that maintains the trust built with the client while prioritizing continuity of care and cultural competence during the referral process.

Like all areas of social work, it is important to maintain an anti-oppressive stance during motivational interviewing. One way I do this is by providing the client with the unbiased information needed to make an informed decision. I also understand that my identities and experiences shape my understanding of the world, just as the client’s identities and experiences have shaped theirs. Maintaining a judgement free stance and refraining from telling the client what I think they “should” do are fundamental standards within my clinical practice. Lastly, I maintain an anti-oppressive stance by modifying my practice approach based on client feedback and advancements in evidence-based practice.

I have had the opportunity to demonstrate my clinical knowledge and practice experience at The Bluffs. I utilize peer-reviewed research and the expertise of my supervisors to modify my practice and make recommendations related to the diverse needs of long-term care residents. For example, I have reviewed current research on “trauma-informed care” practices and “dementia-friendly” nursing home design before presenting that information to staff members. This semester, I have found that the trust between a client and social worker has the biggest impact on the client’s engagement in services. I will use this information and the clinical skills I practiced during this program to meet the diverse needs of individual clients by being mindful of how culture, background, physical and cognitive ability, and socioeconomic status can affect treatment outcomes.