The Institute of Family Therapy has considerable experience in providing training to social workers who work in a range of social care contexts and wish to incorporate systemic ideas into their social work repertoire.
This course introduces systemic ideas to social work practice in line with the conclusions of the Munro Report.
These 3 connected workshops will incorporate systemic approaches into social work contexts to enable newly qualified social workers and those in their first 3 years of practice to meet the requirements of the social work task using a range of interventions which have the potential to bring forth skills and resources in clients. These workshops are designed to fit with the Pilot Outcome Statements and Evidence Requirements as laid out by the Children’s Workforce Development Council.
The format of the workshops will be based on some direct teaching and experiential exercises to facilitate learning. The workshops will be facilitated by staff members with social work, systemic therapy and supervisory qualifications with experience in statutory and voluntary sectors.
The 3 sessions will incorporate the following topics:
- Introduction to systemic theory
There will be opportunities to explore a range of systemic theory relevant to social work practice. This will be transformed into action through the use of case studies and consultations.
- Communication theory and managing challenging relationships
This workshop will identify communication needs of clients, including adults and children. We will develop methods and techniques for engagement and bringing forth different voices and perspectives in relation to decision making. The communication theory of the coordinated management of meaning will be used to deconstruct and make sense of complex interactions both between professionals and clients and between family members.
- Direct Work with children
This workshop will set out different ways of interacting with children and bringing forth the child’s perspective. We will explore systemic ways of talking with children building on the extensive literature in the field. Social workers will develop confidence in including children in a range of conversations, many of which will be in an assessment context. Participants will be encouraged to develop creative ways of applying systemic ideas into direct work with children.
- Referral, Assessment and Planning
This workshop will share best practice in collecting, recording and assessing information from families. We will use systemic approaches to gathering information and making sense of family life by exploring patterns and connections through generations across time. The needs of each family member will be considered, especially if there are different and colliding views. The workshop will look at ways of planning for the best outcomes for children and young people, whether they remain within families or live in other contexts.
The workshop format will include pre-reading of relevant systemic and social work literature followed by facilitated discussions. There will be an emphasis on shared learning through the use of exercises, role play, case consultation and other methods for transforming theory and concepts into lived practice.
Barbara McKay is a qualified social worker, systemic psychotherapist and supervisor with experience in statutory and voluntary sectors.
Nick Pendry is a registered social worker, systemic psychotherapist and supervisor with experience in a London Borough Health and Social Care context as well a leading NHS trust and the voluntary sector.
Cost: £270
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