Master of Social Work Field Practicum Reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10294/2907

The Master of Social Work program provides an option of completing the requirements with a thesis, or a practicum. The practicum option contains two streams: the field practicum and the research practicum. The full details for the program are provided here: Graduate Studies and Research -- Master of Social Work program.

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Open Access
Counselling experiences of a Master of Social Work student at Family Service Saskatoon
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Kanigan, Myrna
This report discusses the counselling experiences and agency involvement of an MSW student at Family Service Saskatoon. Formal individual counselling sessions are highlighted and depict the theoretical components of Cognitive Therapy and Solution- Focused Brief Therapy as they were utilized with two clients of the agency. Examples of strategies incorporated into an eight week Intimate Partner Violence Program is discussed and the importance of therapeutic alliance is examined. Other important learning aspects related to the practicum are described in relation to values, ethics skills and visions.
Open Access
Reflections on a practicum in clinical social work : adult community services for the Prairie North Health Region, Battlefords Mental Health Centre, North Battleford, January to April, 2009
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Hult, Karen Elaine; White, Judy
Battlefords Mental Health Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan was the site of my practicum experience from January to April, 2009. The opportunity to practice social work and counseling theories in North Battleford was significant, given the history intertwined within the local area. Saskatchewan Hospital was the first institution specifically designed to provide mental health care and rehabilitation for individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. With the introduction of psychotrophic medication in the 1970’s, individuals were treated instead of controlled, and institutions were replaced by mental hospitals in local communities. The Saskatchewan Plan changed mental health policies from an institutional approach to small mental hospitals (Dickinson, 1984), followed by a community based system. Today, federal and provincial governments are endeavoring to change the face of mental illness. As the highest indicator of disease that results in unemployment, disability or death (Conway, 2003), the alleviation of mental illness has grown significantly in public importance. The National Mental Health Commission, launched in 2007, was created in response to recommendations of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2006) report “Out of the Shadows at Last”. Governments now recognize that without intervention, individuals with mental illnesses are at risk of further marginalization in our globalized economy. Mental health centers play a major preventative role for governments in ensuring individuals with mental illnesses have access to support as requested. Social workers implement brief therapies to empower clients in articulating their chosen goals and assisting them in lifestyle changes. Examples of cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapies demonstrate that social workers can implement therapies to assist individuals in creating positive life changes.
Open Access
Addictions services and transitional outreach: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Labatt, Ryan; Durst, Douglas
This report is a reflective consideration of my MSW graduate student practicum at the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Addiction Services, an agency which provides several programs and services to address client needs in the Regina and surrounding area. My practicum objectives were for me to improve my knowledge in the area of addiction services and to specifically develop a program model to transition addiction clients who required housing into homes in the community. The result of my practicum was the creation of the Transitional Outreach Program (TOP) Model which I believe addressed the scope, objectives and learning activities identified in my MSW Practicum Proposal. This paper utilizes the Direct Practice Framework outlined for MSW Integrative Practicum Reports with headings that include: Ideology, Theory, Values, Ethics, Relationships, Strategies, Skills and Visions. It is through this identified structure that existing Addiction Services Programs and the TOP Model are explored. This report bridges both the theoretical and practice implications present in my practicum experience. Relevant literature is considered in relation to existing Addiction Services Programming and for the TOP Model.
Open Access
Healthy mothers, healthy babies: a practicum utilizing self regulation therapy to address symptoms of pre-natal and postpartum depression and anxiety
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Tucker, Kim M.
No abstract supplied by the author. Abstract created by the cataloguer from information contained in the Introduction. Research does bear out and delineate the myriad ways that early relationships, especially those with our primary caregivers, can shape and potentially harm us. The potential for damage to development, or attachment trauma, is especially relevant in the case of pre-natal or post-partum depression (PPD) or anxiety (PPA). Even if all other health determinants are ideal, presence of PPD and PPA can create a toxic and potentially traumatic initial environment for infants. PPD or PPA causes attachment trauma, which later manifests as anxiety and depression, which later still surfaces as PPD and PPA, which interferes with attachment…and the toxic gift keeps giving - generationally. Clinical psychologist David Wallin (2007) states that in order to resolve issues from earliest childhood (those which occur prenatally up to 18 months) something other than verbal or cognitive therapy is required. Therefore, to effectively resolve inaccessible or early childhood issues, the therapy must focus on where the memory is stored – the body and nervous system.
Open Access
Anti-poverty strategy: a reflective review of an anti-poverty organizing practicum with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Englot, Kirk; Cruikshank, Jane
The intention of this report is to serve as a reflective review of an eight-month part-time Master of Social Work field practicum, which I competed with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) between the months of May and December 2009. My practicum activity drew from community development theory and was informed by a trend emerging across Canada towards the incorporation of anti-poverty strategies. I contributed to an organizing effort to draw together anti-poverty and social justice activists and organizations into a provincial network that has adopted the title Action for a Poverty Free Saskatchewan. The pages of this report outline the ideological and theoretical tenants that underpinned my work. I also reflect upon my fieldwork experiences through an evaluation of values, ethics, strategies, skills and future visions for my career and the profession of social work. I conclude that an anti-poverty strategy can assist in collective anti-poverty organizing.
Open Access
Social work and the multidisciplinary mental health team
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Fraser, Karla Christina; Jeffery, Bonnie
This practicum report is a combination of my practice experience gained while completing a practicum at Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) Mental Health Services from May 2009 to July 2009 and the literature reviewed on the topic of multidisciplinary mental health teams. This report explores the strengths and challenges experienced by multidisciplinary mental health teams, including those that I observed while completing my practicum. Issues explored in the report include differences and similarities of ideologies amongst the different professionals that belong to the multidisciplinary mental health team, social work values and ethics and how they are similar and different to those practiced by other professions, strategies and skills that are utilized by the members of the multidisciplinary mental health team, and an examination of the relationships of varying levels by multidisciplinary mental health teams. Throughout the paper I make connections between the literature and my observations and experiences from my practicum. I conclude that many of the strengths challenges that are discussed in the literature reflect similar strengths and challenges that exist at PAPHR Mental Health Services.
Open Access
Integrating theory and practice: clinical counselling experience at the South East Integrated Care Center
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010-04-20) McMullen, Marnie; Novik, Nuelle
This Master of Social Work practicum report is a culmination of my clinical experiences at the South East Integrated Care Center in Moosomin, Saskatchewan from January 6, 2010 to April 1, 2010. This practicum experience is in portion of the requirements to obtain my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Regina. During this practicum, I was able to meet my goals which included: exploring counselling theory and its application to individuals with palliative health issues; gaining an understanding of issues related to resources available to rural palliative care individuals; gaining knowledge and skills to work with a multidisciplinary team and gaining experience in group work. The report is divided into nine sections which include ideology, values, theory, strategies, ethics, skills, relationships, practicum findings and visions. Within the practicum findings the writer will provide case examples to demonstrate knowledge and practice. The writer will also include complied statistical information obtained through the practicum and provide overall themes of evaluation. This paper will conclude with a summarization of the benefits and learned experience gained through this practicum. The report is divided into nine sections which include ideology, values, theory, strategies, ethics, skills, relationships, practicum findings and visions. Within the practicum findings the writer will provide case examples to demonstrate knowledge and practice. The writer will also include complied statistical information obtained through the practicum and provide overall themes of evaluation. This paper will conclude with a summarization of the benefits and learned experience gained through this practicum.
Open Access
Women and economic empowerment: gender and HIV/AIDS in Ghana
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010-08) De Ciman, Memunatou Abib; Durst, Douglas
This report discusses a practicum project that was focused on empowering women economically in the face of HIV/AIDS. The project was carried out in three African countries, namely Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda. Its purpose was to develop and deliver a multi-faceted, inter-generational training program designed to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. It operated in both institutional and community settings and focused on cultural and social impacts on sexual behaviour. The project also designed and implemented an income-generating activity to create long-term sustainable income for women living with HIV/AIDS.
Open Access
A social work practicum with the Regina Public School Division
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010-08) Boyd, Neeja Carling; Sanchez, Miguel
This field practicum report discusses my experience as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student from the University of Regina with the Regina Public School Division (RPSD). I was able to work alongside a school counsellor at three elementary schools within the RPSD. In this paper, I will outline my practicum objectives and discuss how I was able to achieve them. An overview of the agency and the roles and duties of a school counsellor will be reviewed. In this report I will incorporate the main projects and activities I was able to participate in such as: group facilitation, assisting with implementing interventions, attending specialized meetings and working collaboratively with outside agencies. I have discussed the theoretical orientation of each of these interventions and the strengths-based perspective and cognitive behavior therapy within this report. I have also discussed social work values and ethics.
Open Access
Working toward a provincial strategy to eliminate poverty: a reflective review of a practicum with poverty-free Saskatchewan.
(2011) Yung, Angela; Mulvale, Jim; Enoch, Simon; Novik, Nuelle
This report is a reflective review of an eight-month part-time Master of Social Work field practicum, which I competed in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Saskatchewan Office (CCPA-SK) and the Poverty-Free Saskatchewan (PFS) network between the months of January and August of 2010. My practicum experience focused on the continued development of Poverty-Free Saskatchewan, a network of concerned individuals seeking to develop a poverty elimination strategy. PFS is following the trend of other Canadian provinces which are working on poverty reduction strategies. My practicum followed the work of my colleague, Kirk Englot, who completed his MSW Field Practicum with PFS prior to my involvement. This report outlines the ideologies, theories, and values which underlie my work. Furthermore, I also reflect upon my practicum experience by evaluating my professional beliefs, skills, ethics and future career goals.
Open Access
Strength-based practice in a community based agency
(2011) Down, Debra Lynn; Bryson-Sarauer, Deborah
This paper is a reflection of my clinical counseling experience during practicum placement at Family Service Saskatoon (FSS) for my Master of Social Work from the University of Regina. The practicum report presents and analyses strength-based group work, from a feminist, mutual aid perspective. Issues related to culture and social work ethics are discussed. Barriers to learning, practices that could enrich the practicum experience and visions for future social work group work are presented. While I have chosen to apply the integrative practicum report framework outlined in the University of Regina Faculty of Social Work Guidelines for the MSW Practicum in a flexible manner for the purposes of this report, I have covered the suggested topics in the body of the report.
Open Access
Mental health and addiction services administration: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2011) Johnson, Sara Elizabeth; Durst, Douglas; Novik, Nuelle
This report reflects my practicum experience with the Regina Qu’Appelle Mental Health and Addiction Services Administrative Leadership. The practicum took place between September 5, 2010 and December 13, 2010. This report follows the Direct Practice Framework recommended for Integrative Practicum Reports as outlined by the University of Regina, Faculty of Social Work. This framework includes the areas of: Ideology, Theory and Models of Practice, Values, Ethics, Relationships, Strategies, Skills and Vision. This report is a synthesis of my observations, research, participation and personal experience of my practicum. Its purpose is to highlight critical thinking, and experiential and reflective learning.
Open Access
Healthy mothers, healthy babies: a practicum utilizing self regulation therapy to address symptoms of pre-natal and postpartum depression and anxiety.
(2011-02-23T16:21:17Z) Tucker, Kim M.
Open Access
Individual advocacy strategies and individual advocacy casework at the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2011-08) Nguyen , Thi Hong Thu; Durst, Douglas; Mulvale, James
This practicum report is about low income people in Regina, the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry (RAPM), and the journey of the writer to learn about poverty in its true colour. The report partly retells the self-exploration of the writer regarding low income people in Regina, her awareness of the deplorable conditions that low income people in Regina, and possible causes for damages in the lives of low income people. The report looks at the work of RAPM in the three following areas: 1) individual advocacy, 2) public education, and 3) social justice. The staff members at RAPM do not work by themselves to bring change to policies and regulations of the government. They work in collaboration with many community based organizations, non-governmental organizations, government organizations, self-advocates, and researchers to use case advocacy for cause advocacy. RAPM has achieved many successes in the individual advocacy area, public education area, and social justice area. The successes of RAPM have inspired me to be a social work advocate who is determined to bring change to the world around me.
Open Access
Postpartum depression: a reflective review of a practicum completed with St. Joseph’s Hospital
(2012-08-20T17:34:18Z) Pierson, Kelly Annette; Novik, Nuelle
For every woman, having a baby is a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. It is natural for new mothers to have mood swings after delivery. They may experience feelings of joy one minute and desperation the next. These feelings are sometimes known as the "baby blues", and often go away within 10 days of delivery. However, some women may experience a deep and ongoing depression which lasts much longer. This is called postpartum depression (PPD). This Practicum report is a review of the Practicum I completed, in conjunction with St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The Practicum took place between the months of August 2010 to April 2011. The goals for this Practicum included the following: to ascertain whether there is a need for a PPD Support Group in Estevan, to facilitate a six week PPD Support Group, to gain an in depth understanding of PPD and its effects on women and their families, to improve my clinical skills, to strengthen my skills in program development, to create a hospital newsletter to help educate staff on PPD, to provide education at prenatal classes offered by Public Health, as well as to provide education at the Baby and Me classes offered at the Family Place. This report is divided into nine sections which include ideology, theory, values, ethics, relationships, strategies, skills and visions. I conclude that, with a combination of education and supportive services, postpartum depression can be de-stigmatized which would, in turn, encourage women to access services rather than living a life of hopelessness and despair.
Open Access
Find your voice : through emotional focused therapy and attachment theory
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2014) Thoroughgood, Leanne; Novik, Nuelle; Durst, Doug; Kane, Colleen
This final paper is part of the requirements for completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work. This experiential final paper is based on a clinical field practicum focused upon Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples. This document presents the practicum student’s research into EFT and an exploration of the theoretical basis for EFT. Within the context of the requirements for graduate studies, investigation into the theory, ideology and challenges of this clinical approach was carried out in a private practice clinical environment. The primary goals of this field practicum were to gain knowledge of the process of EFT, and to learn the skills and challenges of this therapeutic process under supervision of an EFT clinician. A comprehensive investigation into Attachment Theory and its application to EFT was initiated. The field practicum provided a supervised environment to study Attachment Theory, EFT and its processes within the context of the practicum student’s personal and professional ideology. Clinical challenges; including student-client, student-supervisor and the student’s introspective relationships; are discussed within the framework of EFT. The challenge of Emotionally Focused Therapy for the clinician is the ability to develop a secure therapeutic relationship that provides the appropriate environment for clients to voice their vulnerabilities in order to allow healthy change to occur. The clinician is therefore responsible to insure that any of their own emotional triggers are addressed in order for the therapeutic relationship to be at its optimal functioning. Understanding Attachment Theory and the potential our own history has to influence or impact a therapeutic relationship is paramount in working with EFT.
Open Access
Critical analysis of a social work practicum experience at the Regina Immigrant Women Centre
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Nessa, Arifun; White, Judy
This practicum report is a description and critical analysis of my practicum experience the Regina Immigrant Women Centre (RIWC) during my placement with the organization. The RIWC offers support and settlement services to women who are recent immigrants to Regina. I was able to examine the work of the Centre staff in accordance with the social work theories: strength-based approach, solution focused theory and feminist theory. My report includes a reflection on the integration of social work ethics, values, and ideology. It also includes the discussion about the way in which the RIWC staff members assess and work with their clients while fulfilling the Centre’s goals of empowering and educating women. Since this is a small organization that deals with women from diverse cultural backgrounds, it provides a unique opportunity to analyze the way that cultural competency is helpful in achieving the organizational goals. I also reflect on my own training and interest in the field of domestic violence abuse counseling. The report ends with some recommendations: having a full time social worker to provide domestic violence counseling, facilitating a process to allow staff members at the RIWC to access ongoing professional development opportunities including culturally competent practice, and exploring relocation to a larger physical space to better accommodate the volume of clients. Other recommendations include engaging in research to understand the attrition rate for participants in the job search training program and to improve volunteer recruitment and commitment.
Open Access
Creative interventions with children and families in a mental health setting
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Derkatch, Chelsea; Petryk, Crystal; Krieg, Brigette; Halabuza, Donalda
Children’s Services (0-12), Youth Services (13-18), and Adult Services (19+) are divisions of Mental Health and Addiction Services within the Saskatoon Health Region. I completed a 450 hour clinical practicum from April 23rd, 2012 to August 2nd, 2012 with Children’s Services. This paper will examine the clinical practicum completed during that time. This paper defines important terms such as mental health, describes mental health disorders, and how they relate to the medical model, attachment theory, family systems theory, strengths-based practice, and anti-oppressive practice. This paper examines the skills I developed throughout my practicum including assessment skills, therapy skills, and reflecting skills. The paper concludes with practicum strengths, practicum challenges, practicum ethical considerations, and practicum recommendations.
Open Access
Family Service Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) King, Joanna; Novik, Nuelle; Johner, Randy
This report is a reflection of my practicum experience in the counselling unit at Family Service Regina. I focused on learning and practicing cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused therapy for this practicum. These two theoretical approaches are woven throughout the report as I illustrate how my original practicum goals were achieved and the different ways that theory and practice intersected. Anti-oppressive practice is another common theme that has been integrated throughout this report as this practice coincides with my values as a social worker. Moreover, this report discusses the ideology of the Agency, determinants of problems and considers values and how they impact various relationships between the Agency, clients and workers. This report also identifies and discusses the skills I identified as being developed throughout this clinical experience including work in drop-in counselling. Lastly, this report reveals the challenges that occurred during the practicum including ethical challenges and how they were addressed.
Open Access
An integration of theory and practice: a clinical counselling experience at Ehrlo Counselling Services
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Heese, Jenna; Halabuza, Donalda; Hunter, Garson
This paper is a reflection of my MSW field practicum placement at Ehrlo Counselling Services, a not for profit agency that provides counselling, training, assessment, and consultation services to the community at large. This report integrates current literature and research, theory, knowledge, and my clinical experiences at Ehrlo Counselling Services over the twelve week practicum placement. My practicum objectives were to enhance my clinical counselling skills and gain experience with various counselling methods, including individual, family, and group counselling styles. This report utilizes the Direct Practice Framework outlined for the MSW Field Practicum Reports, which includes the following elements: Ideology, Theory, Values, Ethics, Relationships, Strategies, Skills, and Concluding Visions.