Social Work, Psychotherapy, & Psychoeducation
Social Workers and Psychotherapy
Social Workers are one of a select group of health professionals who are authorized to practice the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy. This group of allied professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists and Psychologists. Psychotherapy is an interactive process that involves a relationship between therapist and client in which cognitive, emotional and behavioural issues are explored and addressed. It seeks to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance one’s level of interpersonal functioning and or to solve intrapsychic issues.
Psychotherapy may be provided by Social Workers in individual, couple, dyadic, family, group or multiple family group modalities. Depending on the issue/issues being addressed, psychotherapy may be provided as a stand alone treatment or it may be combined with other supports, services or medications.
Psychotherapy is a term that encompasses a wide variety of theories, methods, and techniques. The majority of Social Workers employ what is known as an eclectic approach in which they draw from different theories and techniques according to the unique, individual needs of their clients.
Social Workers at Taylor Fitzgerald are eclectic in their approach. Being aware of Best Practices and Evidenced Based Approaches, they draw most heavily on Mindfulness practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and derivatives thereof (MBCT, ACT, DBT). For some clients who have experienced trauma, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) may be recommended and engaged/initiated.
“You’re imperfect,
and you’re wired for
struggle, but you
are worthy of love
and belonging”
Brené Brown
Social Workers and Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a strengths-based approach to care that melds educational and therapeutic techniques. The educational component offers key information and care strategies about a life challenge so that clients can develop a frame of reference for their experience. The therapeutic component provides structure, safety, feedback, and time for participants to absorb and process information that may be new and challenging and may trigger emotions.
Psychoeducation can be offered individually, in groups and in multiple family groups. It can also be used to train professional and peer providers. When psychoeducation is offered in group settings, the sharing of personal experiences, information and social support can greatly enhance the experience. It is worth noting, however, that in most psychoeducation groups, the detailed sharing of histories and personal narratives is not required. The focus is truly on education and skill building/care strategies.
Social Workers at Taylor Fitzgerald are skilled and experienced in providing psychoeducation in group settings for both clients and professionals alike. The strengths-based assumption inherent in psychoeducation fits well with Social Workers strong beliefs in the innate capacity that we all have to heal given the correct support and education.