social work theory
... My involvement with Stephen will enable me to use Task Centred Theory and Counselling. With the Task Centred Theory, I will be looking at the benefits and the limitations and will be analysing the effectiveness and the limitations in respect of how it could be used in any work undertaken with Stephen. With the limitations of the Task centered approach in working with Stephen I will address the limitations by discussing the Counselling theory using Rogers’ client centred approach. The origins of the Task Centred Theory could be seen in the work of Reid and Epstein (1972) and this was informed by the research into brief casework carried out by Reid and Shyne in the 1960’s. This research found that a brief period of social work, with agreed goals, was more affective than ongoing pieces of work. This theory is mainly a cognitive approach, although it includes some behavioural ideas. ... Reid (1978) later wrote that Task Centred Practice could deal with eight problem areas in social work: · Interpersonal conflict · Dissatisfaction in social relations · Problems with formal organizations · Difficulties in role performance · Problems in social transition · Reactive emotional distress · Inadequate resources · Behavioural problems (Cited in Coulshed, 1998) The eight points above show a wide range of referrals which are made on a regular bases to social services departments, and the problems in people’s lives which social workers try to support and overcome. ... Task Centred Practice is seen to be led by the service user and not by the social worker thus working in an anti-oppressive and non-judgmental manner and empowering the service user to take control back in their life. ... The problems which are to be addressed are identified from the start, an agreement as to the length of time of involvement and the tasks to be undertaken to achieve the desired goals defined this theory can be seen to use clear thinking and planning which is of benefit to the service user, the social worker and the agency for which the social worker is employed. Marsh (1997) points out that, ‘Task centred work is designed to provide indicators by both discussion and demonstration; indicators of need, of motivation, of lack of progress and of progress. ... These seem highly relevant developments for social services to adopt. ... However, this also allows the social worker a chance to see their, or the service users, failures. ... ’ As Task Centred Theory is service user focused and led it is an empowering process, which respects individual beliefs, values and perceptions. Doel points out that ‘Its value base is anti-oppressive in that it addresses issues of power and oppression, both in the immediate encounter between worker and service user and in the broader social context.’ (Cited in Adams, Dominelli and Payne 1998) Task-centred Theory is thought to be a useful working method by black practitioners (Devore and Schlesinger, 1981) and by Solomon’s (1976) black empowerment strategies.