Theory, Method, Modality, and Technique: Effective Mental Health Services Begin with Speaking Precisely

Theory, Method, Modality, and Technique Definitions Sidenote: You could also call these Theory, Therapy, conText, and Technique if you wanted the alliteration. Definitions of Theory, Method, Modality, and Techniques A precise understanding of the distinctions between theory, method, and modality is paramount in the realm of therapeutic intervention. Although these terms may be used interchangeably […]

DEI, DEIB, or IDEA: The BA in Social Justice and Institutional Change

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is more than a construct—it’s a catalyst for organizational and social change. Despite the progression of this concept, it’s now often considered DEIB, adding the significant element of ‘Belonging.’ The ‘B’ in DEIB signifies ‘Belonging,’ a notion representing more than individuals’ personal feelings of fitting in or having a place […]

The Problem with Anti-Racist Titling: Embracing Complexity and Moving Beyond Race as a Sole Indicator

The issue with anti-racist titling lies in the underlying assumption that race is a clear-cut, defining attribute when, in reality, it is not. While race has played a significant role in shaping societal hierarchies and dynamics throughout history, using race as a singular marker for categorizing individuals falls short of capturing the true complexity of […]

Three Things Social Workers Should Stop Saying

Social workers play a vital role in assisting individuals, families, and communities to cope with various challenges. However, sometimes the language and approach used by social workers may contribute more to confusion than clarity. In this article, we will discuss three phrases that social workers should stop using, and explore more effective ways to communicate […]

A Critical Analysis of CSWE Competency 3 (ADEI)

  Prologue: Radical Innovation – Decidedly Economic, Operational, and Constructivist The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Competency 3 emphasizes the importance of engaging in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in social work practice. This critical analysis proposes a reorganization of the construct to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) and a shift from […]

Individualizing Assessment through Individualized Education of Baccalaureate Students

The following content was presented at the Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD) Annual Conference 2017. Abstract: Abstract: Explicit Curriculum refers to the interactions structured for the delivery of content. Education can be delivered face-to- face or distributed to cellphones or handheld media devices. Maybe it’s not the modalities that are the challenge, but our structuring of the […]

Mike Pence, Institutional Racism, and the Worst Family Feud Players Ever

My daughter has two favorite shows. At least, she watches two shows religiously. One of these is Family Feud. The team that choses to play gets a chance, each one individually, to guess what the survey says. That means five from the other team listen as the first team fails with three strikes to guess […]

Quiet Exits & Oligarchy: Lessons from the End of Scott Walker’s and Rick Perry’s 2016 Presidential Bids

Quiet Exits from the Field As Bernie Sanders gains fundraising momentum after his great showing in the Democratic debate, we continue along in the campaign season toward primaries for both parties. Little notice has been given to the Walker and Perry campaigns that have folded on the Republican side. Scott Walker posted to his Facebook […]

The Need in Social Work Community Organizing: Responding to Oligarchy with Access & Math

#SWNext #SocialWorkNext #Oligarchy   The Nobel prize for Economics was announced Monday. It went to Angus Deaton for work highlighting the mechanisms that perpetuate the wealth gap between the rich and the poor. It reminded me of one of the most troubling moments ever as a social worker. I cringe when I hear another social worker […]