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    At the Intersection of Social Work and Psychological Theories

    • At the Intersection of Social Work and Psychological Theories - Arlene Montgomery

    • Quiz

    • Certificate

Course Content

This paper explores the intersection of psychoanalytic theories, clinical social work concepts, and neurobiological constructs, emphasizing their historical roots and contemporary relevance. Key psychoanalytic concepts, such as developmental stages, drives, and the pleasure principle, are discussed alongside their integration into clinical social work treatment theories. The influence of environmental factors on development, attachment styles, and affect management is explored, drawing on recent neurobiological findings. The roles of transference, counter-transference, the therapeutic alliance, and projective identification are examined within the context of psychoanalytic and clinical social work perspectives. The paper highlights the interconnectedness of psychoanalytic theory, neurobiology, and clinical social work in understanding and addressing psychological and behavioral issues, emphasizing the importance of a person-in-environment and bio-psycho-social perspective in social work practice.

  • Understand the historical roots of clinical social work literature in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory.

  • Identify and explain key psychoanalytic concepts, including developmental stages, drives, the pleasure principle, conflict, adaptation, defense mechanisms, and the structural model (id, ego, and superego).

  • Examine the intersection of psychoanalytic concepts with contemporary clinical social work, considering the impact on treatment theory and development.

  • Explore the role of interpersonal neurobiology in supporting psychoanalytic and clinical social work concepts.

  • Analyze the neurobiological basis of certain psychoanalytic concepts, such as drives, developmental stages, and the pleasure principle.

  • Understand the implications of neurobiological functions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and mirror neurons, on the development of attachment styles and affect management.

  • Examine the concepts of transference, counter-transference, the therapeutic alliance, interpretation, and working through in the context of psychoanalytic and clinical social work perspectives.

  • Recognize the influence of environmental factors, such as racism and aggression, on development and attachment styles.

  • Appreciate the role of projective identification in clinical social work interactions and its adaptive nature in maturing brains.

  • Evaluate the integration of psychoanalytic theory, neurobiology, and clinical social work in addressing psychological and behavioral issues. Recognize the importance of the person-in-environment and bio-psycho-social perspectives in social work practice. Consider the potential applications of informed speculations about clients' behaviors and the impact on neurobiologically "wired-in" preconceived notions.

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