06 Jan Discussion 6 Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality
Imagine that some of your colleagues mention using cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and reality therapy. Your colleagues continue to say that, based on their experiences, they really like these therapies and they appear to work. Your instincts also tell you that perhaps they might be helpful for your client in your case study. However, from Week 1, you recall that experiences and instincts as sources of knowledge are quite limited because they are biased. Instead, it is important to utilize existing research and data to support your choices of interventions. Theory helps inform the evidence-based practice process that should guide social workers’ practice.
In this Discussion, you examine the research related to a therapy based on cognitive or cognitive behavior theory to determine its effectiveness.
Recall the client from the case study you have been using in this course. You will apply your research for this Discussion to that client. (Ella Shultz) is my client
Select one therapy from the following: cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or reality therapy.
Conduct a search in the Walden University Library for one peer-reviewed research study about the effectiveness of the therapy you selected.
Note: You must select a study that has not already been used by a colleague in the Discussion. Each student is required to identify a unique research study.
Remember when looking for studies to take into account your client’s age and developmental stage and presenting problem.
Post a response to the following:
Provide the reference for the study you found using APA guidelines. Be sure to provide a link to the article.
Identify the therapy that you chose.
Briefly paraphrase, in 2–3 sentences, the methodological context (i.e., research method, how data was collected, and the instruments used) of the study and the findings.
Explain how the findings are applicabile or appropriate for the client in your case study.
Determine whether you would use or not use the therapy you selected for the client in your selected case study (consider how culturally relevant it is, how aligned it is with social work ethics, etc.) and explain why.
References
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Chapter 4, “Cognitive Behavior Theory and Social Work Treatment” (pp. 54–79)
Chapter 5, “Cognitive Theory and Social Work Treatment” (pp. 80–95)
Jergensen, K. (2018). Practice what you preach: An exploration of DBT therapists personal skill utilization in burnout prevention. Clinical Social Work Journal, 46(3), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-017-0633-6
Singer, J. B. (2018). Suicide risk in schools: What social workers need to know. New Social Worker, 25(4), 29–31.
Villarreal-Otálora, T., Jennings, P., & Mowbray, O. (2019). Clinical interventions to reduce suicidal behaviors in Hispanic adolescents: A scoping review. Research on Social Work Practice, 29(8), 924–938. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731519832100
Klodnick, V. V., Kissane, B., Johnson, R. P., Malina, C., Ewing, A., & Fagan, M. A. (2021). Adapting dialectical behavior therapy for young adults diagnosed with serious mental health conditions in residential care: A feasibility study. Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 38(3), 269–288. https://doi.org/10.1080/0886571X.2020.1751017
González-Prendes, A. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2009). Culturally sensitive treatment of anger in African American women: A single case study. Clinical Case Studies, 8(5), 383–402. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650109345004
Graham, M. A., Sauerheber, J. D., & Britzman, M. J. (2013). Choice theory and family counseling: A pragmatic, culturally sensitive approach. Family Journal, 21(2), 230–234. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480712466538
Document: Cognitive Behavioral Theory: Key Points and Best Practices (PDF)
Document: Analysis of a Theory Worksheet (Word document)
Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)
