1. Where am I in relation to the learning goal(s) I established for myself for this course?
The three main learning goals I established for this course was to gain self-awareness and examine ethical issues that arises in mental health practice, learn interventions and evidenced-based practices that I can incorporate when engaging my clients, and to heighten my knowledge of cultural disparities in mental health. Ultimately, I wanted to feel and identify professional and personal growth after completing this course. I believe I exceeded my learning expectation.
I have been working in the mental health field for 5 years. I was often faced with ethical issues; however, they were either overlooked due to what the agency considers as “norms” and I did not feel confident with discussing them. Through readings, discussions, and feedback from my peers and the professor, I’ve gained more confidence in advocacy for myself as the social worker and more importantly my clients. The book report allowed me to expound my awareness upon ethical issues stemming from the state and government surrounding mental health; for example, the criminal justice system currently holds most of our mental health population, which leaves their mental health untreated. Furthermore, I found myself interested in learning the impact of state and federal laws on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Becoming informed about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was very helpful. This course was its first introduction to me. DBT provided me with the insight on why the CBT approach wasn’t necessarily the best practice when dealing with clients whom suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and their suicidality. Also, the presentation on “Loss/Grief” put things in perspective for me personally and professionally. When dealing with the veteran population, loss has been identified as a huge barrier for them to move forward in life. I was provided an understanding how the precipitating event of one loss can excavate other losses. In other words, “loss recapitulates loss.” I was able to focus on cultural disparities in mental health and how culture influences the response from treatment and/or dictates whether or not treatment is an option. …show more content…
I believe it is important for me to be a cultural relativist. Mental Health is diverse; it does not discriminate against any race, gender, or socioeconomic status. With that being said, I have learned how to effectively address mental health adults from their perspective and core beliefs. Being cognizant of my own biases is essential when understanding clients with cultural differences. Utilizing active listening and asking appropriate “straight forward” questions will help strengthen my cultural competence and bridge the communication gap between myself and clients, so that I can effectively serve and address their needs. 2. What topics have been especially provocative or surprising? Physical discipline of children and the incarceration of the mentally ill were the most provocative topics. I became more aware that physical discipline of children is a cultural punishment. It sparked an interesting conversation, which was a complex one. Until surfaced, I’d never reflected upon the rights of children compared to adults. It was appreciated to hear from my peers whom worked for The Department of Children & Family services. I found that some of their beliefs relative to a child’s punishment did not align with their job’s ethics. The transinstitutionalization of mental health adults from state hospitals to the prisons was a stimulating topic. I believe the class was aware of this process, but oblivious to what it may entail for our clients. My book report of “Crazy” primarily focused on barriers of treating mental health adults and the result of those left untreated: prison. I learned about the ultimate betrayal of the government, closing state hospitals …show more content…
In relation to medications, I mentioned in class that I have a number of clients who are not adhering to their medication regiment. As the professor stated, “There is a good reason why they are not taking their medications.” I found that side effects and the stigmatization are two leading reasons my client’s chooses not to comply with medications. I believe becoming educated about medications and their side effects can assist me with showing more empathy when discussing medications with clients and igniting better communication with prescribing doctors. In addition, I want to be more aware of what medications are used to treat a particular
The three main learning goals I established for this course was to gain self-awareness and examine ethical issues that arises in mental health practice, learn interventions and evidenced-based practices that I can incorporate when engaging my clients, and to heighten my knowledge of cultural disparities in mental health. Ultimately, I wanted to feel and identify professional and personal growth after completing this course. I believe I exceeded my learning expectation.
I have been working in the mental health field for 5 years. I was often faced with ethical issues; however, they were either overlooked due to what the agency considers as “norms” and I did not feel confident with discussing them. Through readings, discussions, and feedback from my peers and the professor, I’ve gained more confidence in advocacy for myself as the social worker and more importantly my clients. The book report allowed me to expound my awareness upon ethical issues stemming from the state and government surrounding mental health; for example, the criminal justice system currently holds most of our mental health population, which leaves their mental health untreated. Furthermore, I found myself interested in learning the impact of state and federal laws on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Becoming informed about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was very helpful. This course was its first introduction to me. DBT provided me with the insight on why the CBT approach wasn’t necessarily the best practice when dealing with clients whom suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and their suicidality. Also, the presentation on “Loss/Grief” put things in perspective for me personally and professionally. When dealing with the veteran population, loss has been identified as a huge barrier for them to move forward in life. I was provided an understanding how the precipitating event of one loss can excavate other losses. In other words, “loss recapitulates loss.” I was able to focus on cultural disparities in mental health and how culture influences the response from treatment and/or dictates whether or not treatment is an option. …show more content…
I believe it is important for me to be a cultural relativist. Mental Health is diverse; it does not discriminate against any race, gender, or socioeconomic status. With that being said, I have learned how to effectively address mental health adults from their perspective and core beliefs. Being cognizant of my own biases is essential when understanding clients with cultural differences. Utilizing active listening and asking appropriate “straight forward” questions will help strengthen my cultural competence and bridge the communication gap between myself and clients, so that I can effectively serve and address their needs. 2. What topics have been especially provocative or surprising? Physical discipline of children and the incarceration of the mentally ill were the most provocative topics. I became more aware that physical discipline of children is a cultural punishment. It sparked an interesting conversation, which was a complex one. Until surfaced, I’d never reflected upon the rights of children compared to adults. It was appreciated to hear from my peers whom worked for The Department of Children & Family services. I found that some of their beliefs relative to a child’s punishment did not align with their job’s ethics. The transinstitutionalization of mental health adults from state hospitals to the prisons was a stimulating topic. I believe the class was aware of this process, but oblivious to what it may entail for our clients. My book report of “Crazy” primarily focused on barriers of treating mental health adults and the result of those left untreated: prison. I learned about the ultimate betrayal of the government, closing state hospitals …show more content…
In relation to medications, I mentioned in class that I have a number of clients who are not adhering to their medication regiment. As the professor stated, “There is a good reason why they are not taking their medications.” I found that side effects and the stigmatization are two leading reasons my client’s chooses not to comply with medications. I believe becoming educated about medications and their side effects can assist me with showing more empathy when discussing medications with clients and igniting better communication with prescribing doctors. In addition, I want to be more aware of what medications are used to treat a particular