Social workers often hold considerable power in their work as they regularly work with the most vulnerable, powerless, and oppressed populations. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics outlines regulations and ethical obligations that hold its members accountable for their actions. More specifically, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s (CBT) therapeutic journey and NASW code of ethics highlight the importance of active role of the client. Also, CBT compels social workers to pass on to the client the knowledge and skills that client will ultimately use to face and resolve life’s challenges. This collaboration is defined by the client’s right to self-determination and his or her ability to make choices relative to the treatment
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In this case, it is difficult to maintain a coherent focus and a consistent approach and at times, it felt like CBT’s skills and knowledge were not appropriate for the client’s outcome. For example, Peter’s clinician will encounter issues of weighing potential harm against potential benefit when asked to provide services outside his or her areas of training such as bereavement supports, finances, parental issues or family emotive issues. As a fundamental, the clinician must respect the inherent dignity and worth of Peter. Respecting a client’s autonomy can be unexpectedly complicated. For example, Peter cannot make a truly autonomous choice about goals or treatment process without clear and accurate information. By respecting and appreciating the inherent worth of the clients, by promoting an attitude of unconditional acceptance of self and Peter, the clinician will always provide Peter with honest information in a way that he understands, give him an opportunity to express a preference, and honor that preference. If Peter prefers to seek bereavement treatment, obliged by CBT’s principles and NASW’s principles, the clinician will referral out or if competent within that area of service will proceed with treatment. Even though the CBT-practicing social worker may possess the knowledge and skills of therapeutic strategies that facilitate change in the client, therapy is client-centered. Peter’s most presenting issue is the need to be treated with care and value regardless of presenting issues. In Peter’s case, the most relevant NASW principle is the clinician’s respect to accept his complexities and then, to pass on to the Peter the knowledge and skills that he will ultimately use to face and resolve life’s
In this case, it is difficult to maintain a coherent focus and a consistent approach and at times, it felt like CBT’s skills and knowledge were not appropriate for the client’s outcome. For example, Peter’s clinician will encounter issues of weighing potential harm against potential benefit when asked to provide services outside his or her areas of training such as bereavement supports, finances, parental issues or family emotive issues. As a fundamental, the clinician must respect the inherent dignity and worth of Peter. Respecting a client’s autonomy can be unexpectedly complicated. For example, Peter cannot make a truly autonomous choice about goals or treatment process without clear and accurate information. By respecting and appreciating the inherent worth of the clients, by promoting an attitude of unconditional acceptance of self and Peter, the clinician will always provide Peter with honest information in a way that he understands, give him an opportunity to express a preference, and honor that preference. If Peter prefers to seek bereavement treatment, obliged by CBT’s principles and NASW’s principles, the clinician will referral out or if competent within that area of service will proceed with treatment. Even though the CBT-practicing social worker may possess the knowledge and skills of therapeutic strategies that facilitate change in the client, therapy is client-centered. Peter’s most presenting issue is the need to be treated with care and value regardless of presenting issues. In Peter’s case, the most relevant NASW principle is the clinician’s respect to accept his complexities and then, to pass on to the Peter the knowledge and skills that he will ultimately use to face and resolve life’s