Discussion: 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 that 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.

To prepare:

• 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.
• 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 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.

By Day 3

Post:

• Provide the reference for the study you found using APA guidelines.
• Briefly paraphrase, in 2 to 3 sentences, the methodological context (i.e., research method, how data was collected, and the instruments used) of the study and the findings.
• Evaluate the findings in terms of its applicability or appropriateness 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.

Required Readings

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)

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.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/1534650109345004

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

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.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/1066480712466538

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Document: Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study (Word document)

Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)

Required Media

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.psychotherapy.net.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/stream/waldenu/video?vid=277

This week, watch the “Behavioral Therapy” and “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy” segments by clicking the applicable links under the “Chapters” tab.

Note: You will access this video from the Walden Library databases.

Optional Resources

Gregory, V. L. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder: implications for clinical social workers. Journal of Social Service Research, 36(5), 460–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2010.510950

Gregory, V. L. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia: applications to social work practice. Social Work in Mental Health, 8(2), 140–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332980902791086

Pössel, P., & Knopf, K. (2011). Bridging the gaps: An attempt to integrate three major cognitive depression models. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 35(4), 342–358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-010-9325-z
(Only read pp. 342–344)

Hinton, D. E., & Pollack, M. H. (2009). Introduction to the special issue: Anxiety disorders in cross-cultural perspective. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 15(3), 207–209. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00097.x

Robey, P., Burdenski, T. K., Britzman, M., Crowell, J., & Cisse, G. S. (2011). Systemic applications of choice theory and reality therapy: An interview with Glasser Scholars. The Family Journal, 19(4), 427–433. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480711415038