Psychodynamic. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is concerned with how internal processes such as needs, drives and emotions motivate human behaviour. Emotions have a central place in human behaviour. Unconscious, as well as conscious mental activity serves as the motivating force in human behaviour. Early childhood experiences are central in the patterning of an individuals’s emotions, and therefore, central to problems of living throughout life. Individuals may become overwhelmed by internal and/or external demands. Individuals frequently use ego defensive mechanisms to avoid becoming overwhelmed by internal and/or external demands.

Systems theories. Those concepts that emphasise reciprocal relationships between the elements that constitute a whole. These concepts also emphasise the relationships among individuals, groups, organisations, or communities and mutually influencing factors in the environment. Systems theories focus on the interrelationships of elements in nature, encompassing physics, chemistry, biology,, and social relationships (general systems theory, ecological perspective, life model, and ecosystems perspective).

Conflict Theory. This theory draws attention to conflict, dominance, and oppression in social life. Individuals try to advance their own interests over interests of others. Power is unequally divided, some social groups dominate others. Social order is based on the manipulation and control of non dominant groups by dominant groups. Lack of conflict is a sign of exploitation. Social change is driven by conflict, with periods of change interrupting long periods of stability. Key words: change.

Pro-Feminist perspective takes into account the role of gender and the historical lack of power experienced by women in our society. Pro-Feminist social workers emphasise the collaborative relationship between the social worker and the client and place an emphasis on equality and empowerment of women in our society. The ‘pro’ subjunctive is appropriate for a man who is a feminist.

Strengths Perspective. Stems from the work of Saleeby 1996. The social worker assumes that the client has multiple strengths. The worker tries to assess the strengths of the client and emphasises the helping relationship.

Problem Solving. A current social work practice model. The problem solving model focuses on understanding the problems, brainstorming possible solutions, having the client pick a solution, having the client try out a solution and then evaluating how the solution worked.

Task-centred. This model focuses on breaking down the problem into small tasks that the primary agent can accomplish.  The central agent may use rehearsal, deadlines, and contracts, in order to help the primary agent feel successful and motivated toward solving the problem.

Solution-Focused.  This model starts with the solution and then helps the primary establish the steps that will lead to the solution.  This model is the one that uses the miracle question to help primaries envision the future that they want to obtain.

Narrative. This model uses letters and other methods to help the client re-author their lives.  The work involves a re-authoring of the identified “problem narratives” that have come to shape people’s image of their personhood and identity. This re-authoring work requires looking for the social and historical contexts that have helped construct the problem stories, then looking beyond these for alternative expertise, wisdoms, and life knowledges – all founded upon real lived experience in the relationships and other contexts of the person’s life… and co-constructing new and preferred stories about the person or community that will shape them differently.

CBT. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or CBT is the current working model within health practice. There are some more accessible models in the media.

Crisis Intervention.  A part of the crisis model is living in the moment versus planning for the future.  Another part is that clients mind to not see the wood for the trees.  This model is

Anti-oppressive Practice.

• Preconventional – Heteronymous morality – Accepting what the world says is true – Instrumental purpose – Defining the good as whatever is agreeable to the self and those in the immediate environment.
• Conventional – Interpersonal experiences – Seeking conformity and consistency in moral action with significant others. The societal point of view – seeking conformity and consistency with what one perceives to be the opinions of the larger community.
• Post-conventional – Ethics – Observing individual and group (societal) rights. Conscience and logic – Seeking to apply universal principles of right and wrong.
• Formal operations (11 – adulthood) – The person becomes able to solve real and hypothetical problems using abstract concepts.

In her own right…

Piaget’s Theories of Cognition.

Transpersonal Theory.  Transpersonal theories of human development (Transpersonal – means beyond or through the persona or mask.  Going beyond identity rooted in the individual body or ego to include spiritual experience or higher levels of consciousness.)

• Infancy – Trust vs. Mistrust
• Early childhood – Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt
• Play age – Initiative vs. Guilt
• School age – Industry vs. Inferiority
• Adolescence – Identify vs. Identity diffusion
• Young adult – Intimacy vs. Isolation
• Adulthood – Generativity vs. Self-absorption
• Mature age – Integrity vs. Disgust and despair