Weekly Reflection #3

As I read this chapter, the best way I could find to describe it was say it explained exactly what needs to happen and how the best way for social workers to complete their jobs. For example; different teamwork perspectives, interdisciplinary situations, and organizational considerations that should take place in the social work field. Chapter three puts social work into perspective for each situation that may arise such as holistic, sensitivity, and/or mental health.

            Instead of trying to explain this chapter in definitions and situations, I would rather just talk about what I learned from it. I really enjoyed broadening my mind to the understanding of what needs to take place in secondary and graduate level program in order to prepare social workers for everything they may run into our there in the real world. I really thought about how holistic perspectives need to take place in the social work field but actually they need to take place everywhere. Being able to think holistically with patients, friends, family, etc. will ultimately help anyone with allowing them to see the entire picture before trying to help or intervene with a situation. Teaching social workers all behaviors and understanding before they are put in front of patient is in the best interest of all social workers. The chapter tells us that there are five components in order to provide the ultimate social support; 1) felling care about, 2) feeling valued and respected, 3) having a sense of belonging, companionship, and communication with others, 4) having access to informational support, advice, & guidance, 5) having access to material and physical assistance (Cowles, 2003, p. 120). These five things make understanding what a social worker needs very easy to understand and simplistic.

Cowles, L. A. Fort (2003). Social Work in Primary Care Settings. Social work in the health field: a care perspective (2nd ed., pp. 84-130). New York: Haworth Social Work Practice Press.