Psychoterapeutic approaches
Psychoterapeutic approaches
This course provides an introduction to the field of psychology and explores its application in social work practice. It examines key psychological perspectives and discusses the ways in which social workers can integrate psychological concepts into their work.
This course is designed for social workers, health and social care professionals, such as nurses, probation officers, educators, as well as other professionals working in multi-agency settings and voluntary and community sector workers – especially individuals supporting vulnerable populations in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define the term ‘psychology’.
- Understand the significance of psychology in social work and its role in understanding human behaviour and development.
- Recognise how psychological theories can be applied to social work practices.
- Distinguish between different approaches to therapy and their theoretical foundations.
- Appreciate the role of psychological principles in individual and community decision-making.
- Critically evaluate the application of psychological principles in social work practice.
The course is designed to be completed over a period of 3-4 hours. Each part consists of reading materials or videos, and ends with a short quiz to assess your understanding.
Description of the four main schools in psychology.
Introduction to Module 1
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Identify the major schools of thought in psychology (behaviourism, humanism, psychoanalytic theory, and cognitive theory) and their key principles.
- Explain the historical and philosophical roots of each school of thought.
- Describe the contributions of major figures in psychology, such as Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, B.F. Skinner, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, and Lev Vygotsky.
Behaviourism
Humanism
Psychoanalytic theory
Cognitive theory
Summary of Module 1
Quiz 1
Introduction to Module 2
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and its focus on modifying thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
- Recognise the wide range of issues addressed by CBT, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and relationship problems.
- Identify key CBT techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and self-monitoring, and their application in therapy.
- Appreciate the evidence-based foundation of CBT and its effectiveness in improving quality of life and functioning.
- Describe how CBT can be integrated into social work practice to support clients with emotional and behavioural challenges.
Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Core principles of CBT
Key CBT techniques for social work practice
Summary of Module 2
Quiz 2
Introduction to Module 3
Upon completion of this Module, participants will be able to:
- Understand the foundational principles of psychodynamic theory.
- Differentiate between psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories.
- Articulate the primary goals of psychodynamic therapy.
- Identify and apply key psychodynamic techniques.
- Acknowledge criticisms and limitations of psychodynamic therapy.
Introduction to psychodynamic theory
Goals of psychodynamic therapy
Applying psychodynamic therapy in social work practice
Criticisms of psychodynamic therapy
Summary of Module 3
Quiz 3
Introduction to Module 4
After completing this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of humanistic psychotherapy.
- Explain Gestalt therapy and its core concepts.
- Identify and apply Gestalt therapy techniques.
- Understand the application of Gestalt therapy in social work.
- Evaluate the benefits and limitations of Gestalt therapy.
Introduction to Humanistic Psychotherapy
Gestalt therapy in outline
Gestalt Therapy Concepts
Gestalt therapy techniques
Gestalt therapy and its applications in social work
Benefits and limitations of Gestalt therapy
Summary of Module 4
Quiz 4