SOCW 696 Practice Rotating Topics Elective (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Topics not included in the regular curriculum, but within the Practice sequence. Specific title and description information will be posted in the registration portal for the term offered.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 721 Couple Therapy: Systems, Models, and Narratives (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Students will be introduced to the fundamental theories and practices of work with couples through didactic presentations and discussion, analysis of videotapes and experiential exercise. The course will focus on three levels (1) the set of expectations and “models of intimacy” brought to the relationship from each partner’s family of origin, (2) the problematic patterns of current interactions; and (3) the larger systemic context that serves to maintain the problem. The theoretical framework for understanding and helping couples will utilize an integrative approach, drawing on intergenerational, structural, trauma, social constructionist and narrative perspectives.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 722 Family Therapy: Narrative Approaches to Social Work (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

This five week course is designed as a beginning process of integrating family therapy theories and concepts into practice. This course will present a brief overview of the family therapy field and approaches. The format will include lecture, group discussion, formal case presentations, role playing, and video presentations. Student participation is key. Vital contextual factors, such as, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, race, sexual identity, immigration and citizenship status will be discussed separately and within the practical application of the different approaches presented. This course offers opportunities for students to fortify their understanding and skill in narrative therapy and to apply specific maps of narrative practice to their own lives as social workers. Students will explore the ways stories shape lives and to experiment with practices that can open space for new stories to emerge. Amidst the various approaches to collaborative family therapy, we will focus on the work of Michael White and David Epston, and developments of their re-authoring conversations approach in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 724 The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Clinical Social Work (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Acquaints the student with predominant theories regarding religion and spirituality for the "person-in-the-situation." Particular attention will be given to the function of spirituality and religion in bridging internal and external adaptations throughout the life cycle. Theoretical orientations will include psychodynamic, philosophical and sociocultural. The implications of these theories will be examined in terms of their impact on clinical practice. Students are encouraged to bring case material.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 725 Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Practice (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Focuses on cognitive behavioral practice as related to evidence based practice. The material covered will include an introduction to and critical analysis of the family of theories which fit into the cognitive behavioral rubric including social learning theory, behavioral theories and cognitive theories of inter- and intrapersonal functioning. Theories will be examined from their genesis to their clinical applications with a goal of assessment of each for fit with particular client problems, therapeutic relationships, situations and contexts based upon empirical research. Theories will also be assessed for racist, sexist, ageist and other oppressive and unjust assumptions and uses. The seminar process will be focused upon the learning of cognitive behavioral methods including cognitive restructuring, contracting, Socratic questioning, thought stopping, motivational interviewing and behavioral reward systems. Use of self and relationship as well as models of integration across theories and methods will also be emphasized throughout the seminar.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 726 Treating Child Trauma Using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics© (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT™) developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. The NMT™ is a “biologically respectful” approach to understanding the neuro-developmental impact of childhood trauma on Sensory Processing, Self Regulation, Relational and Cognitive functioning of children who have experienced neglect and abuse in a variety of settings and forms. Often children and families involved in foster care, adoption, juvenile justice and residential treatment settings are blamed for their behavior by larger systems around them. This is particularly problematic for youth of color and LGBT youth who are pushed deeper into systems of control rather than receiving attuned and appropriate support and treatment for their experiences of trauma. This course will provide an in depth understanding and framework for working with the neuro-developmental impact of child trauma with an emphasis on identifying and prioritizing which types of treatment will be most effective and in what order - and helping larger systems shift their view of traumatized youth and families from “what’s wrong with them” to “what happened to them.”.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 727 Group Treatment for Children and Young Adolescents (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Addresses theme-centered psycho-educational groups, as well as time-limited and long-term activity-interview, and play therapy groups. The therapist's role in different models of group treatment will be considered, with particular emphasis on group structure, composition, modes of communication, limit-setting, transference, countertransference, creating a therapeutic group culture, and stages of group development. Students will be encouraged to share their experiences in working with child and adolescent groups and to participate in role playing designed to address problematic group process issues.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 728 Beyond Armed Conflict in Domestic/Global Contexts: Addressing Trauma Through Clinical Soc Wk Lens (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Draws from research and conceptual data that explore the effects of deployment and combat stressors on the physical and mental health of active duty US service members and their families. Attention is also paid to the impact of trauma and collective violence on individuals and communities, both nationally and globally, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. Cultural influences are addressed that shape responses to traumatic events, a “fear-based social learning” or “moral injury” explanation of trauma-related effects, and engagement with healing and treatment approaches. Clinical social work treatment interventions are grounded in a synthesis of trauma, relational psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, attachment, somatic and social theories that inform a multi-modality clinical social work practice plan. Modalities include: individual, couple/family, group and community. An overview of specific trauma treatment approaches is addressed, harmonizing a psychodynamic foundation with empirically-supported treatment approaches (e.g. cognitive-processing treatment (CPT), psychodynamic (PT), cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and EMDR). Settings include behavioral health programs in the community, Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMC), federal and local prisons and jails and community-based Veteran-led peace-keeping projects. Attention to intersecting social identities and the use of professional self will be included in all class discussions. We will also focus on the effects of working with these clients as developing clinical social workers, with ongoing attention to secondary trauma and transference/countertransference processes. Priority is given to students who have worked with and who anticipate working with service members, veterans and their families and communities affected by armed conflict and collective trauma.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 729 Social Work Treatment with Adolescents in Culture and Context (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Targeted to any student who would like to improve their understanding and practice with adolescents, and who is interested in bridging the gap between clinical theory, youth development and social justice. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to think critically about social work practice with adolescents and to provide an integrative model of care to improve their practice. The model will focus on integrating developing theoretical, youth development and social justice frameworks to help conceptualize our work with transitional age youth or TAY. Proven approaches for engaging adolescents in this phase will be discussed including strength-based, youth centered, culturally congruent practices. Concepts from neurological development, clinical theory and youth development will be integrated within a multisystemic ecological model of adolescent care. Class discussion will focus on exploring and applying this model of care. We will routinely consider how the social ecology of adolescence including such influences as media, family, school, and community shape individual youth’s experiences. We will also attend to various forms of social work practice with adolescents ranging from traditional psychodynamically-oriented talk therapy to innovative models of hip hop therapy and much in between. Direct case examples of practice that integrates these themes will be presented. The course will be an exciting mix of classroom lectures, group discussions, case presentations, reflective papers, social media examples and an accompanying guest lecture series aimed at complementing, and adding context to, the information covered in class.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 730 Social Work Practice with Children (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

The purpose of this course is to teach 2nd and 3rd year social work students how to think about and provide a framework for clinical work with children. The course is largely based upon a psychodynamic theoretical foundation and integrated within a contextual and biopsychosocial frame. Elements of the cognitive behavioral methods often required of practitioners in agency-based practice will be offered as well.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 731 Social Work and Health Care: Tools of the Trade (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Introduces students to social work practice in healthcare settings from a biopsychosocial perspective. We will address central practice themes including: the subjective experience of and reactions to living with illness, social work values and ethical dilemmas in health care, communicating with patients at the end of life, the role of integrative medicine, as well as issues of economic justice and access to health services. Students will learn about merging sub-specialties in medical social work (i.e., transplant, oncology, palliative care), as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the shifting role of social work in the interdisciplinary world of health care practice.   We will examine differences in the social work role across settings including: inpatient, outpatient clinics, and home hospice, with a focus on more acute settings.  Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene effectively in medical settings and to work with clients experiencing serious health problems. Practice topics include writing a good assessment, how to run a family meeting, how to discuss advance care directives with patients and navigating complex ethical cases.  There will be an overall focus on the impact of structural factors (i.e. racism, sexism, ableism etc.) on patient’s experience with the healthcare system, and how cultural beliefs around health, healing and illness impact the clinical relationship and the service delivery system.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 732 Trans-Affirming & Anti-Oppressive Prac Approach to Clin Soc Wk w/ Trans/Queer/Gender Non-Conforming (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Examines clinical approaches for working with trans and gender non-conforming persons. The term "trans" serves to encompass those who identify as differing from the historic cisnormative binary of gender. Together we will examine the gender identity distinctions, intersections, and the related clinical implications - including those related to transference and countertransference. We will study a variety of clinical intervention approaches that are, and include, the following: psychodynamic and attachment theory related, trauma-informed, EMDR therapeutic, social neuroscience based, sex positive, anti-oppressive, and responsive to the social realities experienced by members of gender expansive communities. In regard to the lives of trans persons and the professional roles of social work, we will dissect and examine bigotry, prejudice, misogyny, heteronormativity, cisnormativity, transphobia, racism, stigma, and shame. Relevant issues will be explored - including depression, suicide, accessibility, and social injustice - in relation to clinical assessment, diagnoses, treatment planning, and evaluation. Diverse, interactive, and dynamic teaching methods will be used to reflect real-life experiences of gender diverse clients and clinicians, and these teaching methods also will capitalize on the expertise of global leaders and the classroom of students.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 733 The Mindful Clinician: Building Professional Resilence and Effectiveness Through Mindfullness (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

***Registration in this course requires a mandatory online orientation prior to the first day of classes as well as a a day-long session (7/20 from 9-4). More information will be sent after registration.*** Uses Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a framework for introducing students to mindfulness as a foundation for professional self-care, and as a vehicle for cultivating some of the key therapeutic factors that can help you be a more effective clinician such as: presence, attentional control, self-regulation, empathy, compassion, and cognitive flexibility. Because you can't grasp mindfulness through concepts alone, this course is highly experiential in nature. Students are introduced to mindfulness through participating in guided meditation practices, and are invited to experiment with these practices on a daily basis for homework. Class discussion and assignments provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their experience of the practice, and to share both successes and challenges in applying mindfulness in their daily lives and work. Course readings review current research and theory on mindfulness as a framework for fostering personal and professional resilience and clinical skill development. This course focuses on fostering the clinician's own personal exploration of mindfulness, which serves as a first step towards developing competence in delivering mindfulness-informed interventions. Please be aware that in order to allow us to explore the full potential of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Model, this course involves a distinct class schedule.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 734 Constructing Critical Conversations in a Social Justice Paradigm (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Critical conversations are those in which power dynamics in social context are illuminated, substantively examined in the moment and subsequently reflected upon in order to produce change - personal, systemic, institutional (Kang & O'Neill, 2017). This course will focus on supporting students in developing consciousness of structural power dynamics expressed through interpersonal interactions in dialogue - all with the aim to create change. Students will learn how to facilitate and enhance their authentic participation in discussions using the Critical Conversations (CC) Model in addition to other approaches grounded in humanist and critical pedagogy. Centering social justice issues and challenges, students will practice: (a) expanding knowledge regarding manifestations of differential structural forces of oppression and opportunity across systems (individual, family, community, organizational, society, world); (b) examining how structural power dynamics emerge, are enacted, and influence discourse and interpersonal engagement; (c) cultivating dialogic skills including, (1) the capacity to witness one's level of connectedness through disagreement, tension and conflict; practicing "calling in" rather than "calling out" to mitigate potential for offensiveness and harm in critical conversations and (2) applying a stance of curiosity and commitment to explore the intersection between structural forces of oppression as enacted within interpersonal relationships. This will be a highly interactive course. In addition to providing theoretical grounding, reading and course materials will substantively by applied in class discussions. Each session will include critical conversations. Be prepared to engage in a range of strategies including but not limited to reflection, meditation, and out of classroom individual exercised to advance critical awareness.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 735 Knowing, Not Knowing, And Muddling Through (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Knowing, not knowing, and muddling through will each be valued as essential and normative experiences as we encounter the inevitable therapeutic impasses, intense emotions, and unconscious processes inherent to the dynamic understanding of ourselves, others, and the clinical relationship. All clinical social workers experience positive and negative reactions toward their clients, and these reactions must be curiously examined to facilitate ethical and compassionate clinical care that fosters growth. A commitment toward an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens, which values diversity and facilitates open dialogue, is expected, as well as a beginning understanding and appreciation of one’s own social identities and their effects on clinical relationships and interventions. The course will draw on a range of theoretical and clinical perspectives, including but not limited to psychodynamic (Relational/Intersubjective), contemplative, and CBT models. However, class members will be encouraged to conceptualize clinical material within whatever theoretical framework seems most useful to them and the clinical material at hand. Class time will include clinical presentations, discussion, and lecture.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 736 Social Work & the Schools (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Examines, assesses, and develops skills in the implementation of social work policy and practice in the public education setting. Whether a social worker is employed in the school setting, or in a child welfare agency, the school experience is an integral part of every client’s identity and exerts a significant influence on one’s functional capacity. For some, the school experience itself is traumatizing; for others, it is a welcome refuge from trauma in the environment. Understanding the impact of the school setting enhances the social worker’s effectiveness whether working in schools or in clinical social work settings. Practice issues to be explored and discussed include: 1. Working with “teams” 2. Utilizing the “Response to Intervention [RTI] model” to design and implement systems, group and individual interventions in the school setting 3. Working with individuals, groups, and families 4. Working with a special needs population with the framework of legal mandates 5. Consultation, crisis intervention, and coordination of services 6. School/family/community collaboration Through a variety of methods, this course will help you examine a range of policy and practice issues related to the delivery of social work services in the school setting. An ecological and risk and resiliency framework for practice will be emphasized throughout the course. Furthermore, students will examine the role of school social workers in light of their own educational experience as well as participate in role plays of situations which typically arise at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 737 Clinical Perspectives on Disability (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Develops clinically meaningful understandings of working with people with disabilities. Through a psychodynamic lens, we will examine the ways in which systems of oppression/ableism impact intrapsychic resources, definitions of health, meanings of physical and cognitive variance, and strategies for healing. We will identify the trajectory of disability as an identity category from illness to disability pride. We will use the framework of Self Psychology to examine the impact of ableism on identity, development, attachment and resiliency. We will then develop strategies for increasing social and emotional resources toward an empowered sense of self.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 738 Psychosocial Capacity Building in Response to Disasters (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Disasters are a process and occur locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. There is a social ecology for every disaster: a matrix of socio-historical factors interacting with geographical, geological, social, cultural and political conditions. Clinical social workers are expected to offer psychosocial services in the wake of disasters. This course will consider different types of disasters and the range of psychosocial responses that social workers provide. There will be a particular emphasis on the immediate, short-term and mid-term provision of services. Traditional disaster mental health approaches will be compared and contrasted with psychosocial capacity building. The relationship between individual and collective healing with community recovery will be explored as will the importance of using group modalities to foster social support. The course will also consider disaster service delivery systems, psychological first aid, crisis intervention skills, critical incident stress management, self-care for responders, policy issues surrounding disaster response and research on the effectiveness of interventions. By the end of this course students will be able to offer basic psychosocial intervention services to individuals, families and communities where disasters have occurred and have the beginning capacity to work with others to plan and evaluate disaster response programs.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 739 Social Work Practice in Forensic Settings (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

This course will provide an introductory overview of social work practice in the criminal justice system. Attention will be given to the history and development of the criminal justice system as well as the role of social workers in it. We will explore the unique specialties and challenges of social work practice in jails, prisons, parole/probation, and the legal system. The course will examine how various psychosocial factors and forces of oppression impact people involved in the criminal justice system. It will identify clinical techniques for assessment, treatment, and outcome assessment. The course will also discuss clinical work with special populations impacted by the criminal justice system including the chronically mentally ill, historically marginalized communities, pregnant women, and juveniles. Attention will also be given to: the use of self in forensic social work, race and gender in the criminal justice system, the intersections of privilege and oppression in forensic settings and the complex role of locked facilities in society. This course will explore relevant interventions and treatment modalities, and safety considerations while reviewing the micro, mezzo and macro opportunities for social workers in the criminal justice system.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 740 College Counseling (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Adapt your practice to meet the unique and complex challenges that arise in college counseling settings. Together, we will examine some of the current issues that face college counseling centers and explore the pros and cons of contemporary models of service delivery. Learn about common mental health challenges such as suicidality, anxiety, and depression as well as developmental issues specific to the traditional college age population including identity and career exploration and the transition towards independence. Identify how to match treatment options to the needs of the student and draw on social work skills to provide a range of interventions including:  risk assessment and crisis intervention; groups and workshops; and individual therapy in a brief/time-limited treatment setting. Practice learning/adapting a variety of theories to interventions in this setting including: crisis theory, relational psychodynamic theory, cognitive-behavioral theory and group theory. Consider the intersectionality of clinician and client as a central dynamic of treatment and explore readings that reflect the diverse identities of the populations served including the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, military status, international status, first-generation college students, non-traditionally aged students and graduate students. Experiential exercises, case examples, small group discussions, and in-class activities will enable you to apply developing knowledge and build practical skills to provide comprehensive mental health treatment in a college counseling setting.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 751 Advanced Group Theory and Practice (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Develops a working theoretical base for group psychotherapy, drawing from the Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, and Group-As-Whole perspectives. The emphasis will be on long-term group psychotherapy principles, which can serve as the basis for understanding phenomena that occur in all types of groups. To a limited extent, we will consider the applicability of these theories to short-term groups. Particular attention will be paid to: group dynamics, member selection and preparation, group formation, group development, and leadership techniques. We will also examine the role and impact of projective processes in group psychotherapy and consider the influence of diversity on group dynamics.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 755 Short-Term Psychodynamic Practice (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Focuses on theory and practice of brief dynamic psychotherapy (BDP) with adult individuals. It is based on psychodynamic and developmental theories of personality organization, as well as on theories about the impact of time and time limits on the process of therapy. Topics to be covered include the evolution of brief therapy, the work of major contributors to the field, and consideration of treatment issues such as selection criteria, use of a dynamic focus, and use of transference and confrontation. Other topics include short-term work with more disturbed clients, and cross-cultural issues in brief treatment. Prior course work and clinical experience in longer-term therapy, specifically knowledge about the differential use of self in the treatment relationship and skills in psychosocial assessment, provide the foundation from which we examine the technical shifts that occur when treatment is time-limited.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 760 Bearing Witness: Making Sense of Trauma and Traumatic Stress Responses (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

The objective of this course is to develop in students a fluency of knowledge around trauma theory which will enable them to apply themselves effectively in clinical contexts. Building on the premise that theory is an essential tool in assessment, diagnosis and intervention, a significant proportion of the course will be dedicated to building a foundation of knowledge around the seminal writings on trauma, both historical and contemporary. A core objective of the course is to identify trauma as being central to multiple areas of psychic functioning, and to link it to other bodies of knowledge such as attachment and personality theory as well as to psychoanalytic neurobiology. The course will apply theory to practice in looking through a biopsychosocial lens at the assessment and diagnosis of traumatized individuals. The notion of therapist as witness to an unfolding narrative will provide the fabric to exploring the range of interventions available. These models of intervention will be interrogated, they will be located in the relevant body of theory, and their mechanisms of action will be explored. Finally, the course will visit the concept of trauma as a crisis of meaning, and at the potential for transformation, forgiveness and healing once trauma has been re-membered, repeated and worked through. Teaching methods will include lecture, small group discussions, class presentations and media input.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable

SOCW 796 Practice Rotating Topic Elective (2 Quarter Hours)

Coordinating Sequence: Practice

Fulfills: Practice Sequence Elective

Topics not included in the regular curriculum, but within the practice sequence. Specific title and description information will be posted in the registration portal for the term offered.

Summer 1 - SSW, Summer 2 - SSW, Variable