Master of Social Work Field Practicum Reports

Permanent URI for this collection

https://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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Now showing 1 - 20 of 88

Open Access
“It’s not about me or them”: a close-up experience with the settlement of refugees at Regina Open Door Society
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-11) Tang, Tung Yu (Jon); Sanchez, Miguel; Hunter, Garson
This report outlines my practicum experience working with refugees at Regina Open Door Society. Regina Open Door Society is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to new refugees and immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan. My first objective was to comprehend the settlement process of refugees in Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan. I was aware that refugees experience ongoing systemic discrimination and oppression, which leads to increased levels of vulnerability. Most often, refugees experience persecution, severe hardship and life-threatening situations prior to seeking refuge in other countries. Thus, I wanted to gain more insight into refugees’ life experiences and, at the same time, wanted to further develop my family case management skills. To obtain these objectives, I became familiar with the programs offered by Regina Open Door Society and immersed myself in their daily activities for four months. The Anti- Oppressive, the Strengths-based, and the Structural Social Work perspectives guided my experience at Regina Open Door Society. During my practicum experience, I gained a greater insight into the refugee settlement process in Canada and Saskatchewan. I believe my family case management ability has improved. In my experience, the strengths-based approach was helpful in addressing a wide array of common challenges (i.e. accommodation, domestic violence, gender discrimination, self-discrimination, substance abuse). As a result of this practicum, my confidence as a social worker has significantly improved. I have become further aware of structural changes and my increased commitment to work with oppressed people.
Open Access
Children’s mental health services: learning and exploring on a clinical playground
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-10) Wilde, Kristin R.; Chalmers, Darlene; Milne, Lise
This practicum report is a summary and reflection of my learning and experiences at Children’s Mental Health Services in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; a clinical field practicum in partial fulfilment of a Master of Social Work degree. The purpose of this 12-week practicum was to gain graduate level field experience using narrative therapy techniques in working with children and families accessing Children’s Mental Health Services. In addition to working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, I provided family, individual, and group-based therapy, assisted with various groups, and became familiar with an assortment of programs that are connected to Children’s Mental Health Services. The report begins with a discussion of my learning goals and outcomes, an overview of children’s mental health, and a description of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Children’s Mental Health Services. A literature review of child development, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and trauma-informed care follows. I then discuss how these frameworks were integrated into my clinical social work practicum and include professional development opportunities, and social work values and ethical considerations. The report concludes with a summary and reflection of the personal and professional growth I realized by means of this practicum experience.
Open Access
Counselling at Family Service Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-11) Strinja, Meagan M.; Novik, Nuelle; Pino, Fritz
This document provides a narrative of my personal experience in a clinical counselling practicum with Family Service Regina. Within the report, you will find a literature review of the clinical frameworks I chose to study which included expressive therapy, no-talk therapy, solution-focused therapy, couples therapy, and motivational interviewing. This document will also highlight case studies and discussion of the goals achieved throughout my practicum experience. The themes which emerged from my learning during the practicum include the use of self, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the use of multiple frameworks within a counselling session. In addition, challenges and ethical considerations, such as boundaries and self-care, will be discussed. Within the entirety of this document, my personal and professional values will be reflected. To conclude, implications for my future social practice will be discussed, as well as final comments on the use of self and the therapeutic relationship in a clinical counselling setting.
Open Access
“I live in prison and sometimes I visit the streets” : utilizing narrative therapy at the Regional Psychiatric Centre : a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-10-28) Hryniuk, Chad
The purpose of this practicum placement was to gain knowledge and experience in utilizing narrative therapy with complex clients admitted to a correctional institution. In this practicum report, I provide an account of my experience as a Master of Social Work student during a four-month practicum placement with the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Specifically, the report includes an overview of the Regional Psychiatric Centre and provides a literature review on narrative therapy; it outlines my personal and professional values and ideologies when working with individuals with mental health and addiction concerns, and it discusses my learning objectives and how I achieved them. Furthermore, I demonstrate how I incorporated narrative therapy into practice with clients at the institution. Finally, I included sections on challenges and ethical considerations and implications of my learning for social work practice.
Open Access
Practicum in the midst of a pandemic: a unique clinical counselling experience at Family Service Regina
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-12) Harvey, Shanae; Novik, Nuelle; Sorensen, Michele
This practicum report outlines my unique clinical counselling experience at Family Service Regina within the Counselling Unit and the Thrive Walk-in Counselling Clinic (WICC). My placement involved providing in-person clinical counselling for the first half of my practicum, and telephone and video counselling sessions for the latter half of my placement from a remote location in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged during my practicum. The objective of my practicum placement was to gain advanced knowledge and clinical skill development in providing counselling to children, individuals, and families experiencing a wide array of challenges on an ongoing or single-session basis. This report highlights the three predominant therapeutic approaches that were implemented throughout my clinical counselling experience, including: solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy with both adults and children, and child-centered play therapy with children. These three approaches were guided by trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strength-based values and ideology at personal, Agency, and professional levels from a theoretical social constructivism lens. The way that these approaches were integrated throughout my practicum experience from in-person, telephone and video-based communication platforms will be discussed. Overarching themes that emerged during my practicum placement, including personal and professional growth and skill development, challenges, and ethical considerations will also be explored.
Open Access
A literature review and case study of a constructivist therapy approach: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-10) Brown, Cassie Maria
This paper discusses my practicum experience at Family Service Regina and my learning objectives that were met through my practicum activities. This paper highlights my learning and skill development in delivering a constructivist approach to therapy. Further, this paper explores how a constructivist approach uses the selective integration of many counselling theories. Specifically, this paper will discuss the selective integration of narrative therapy, client-generated metaphors, and expressive therapeutic arts. After exploring each technique individually, this paper explores the reasons these theories can be integrated when using a constructivist approach to therapy. Finally, a detailed case-study will explore a variety of adjunctive strategies, and demonstrate how this constructivist approach can be used with clients in practice.
Open Access
A clinical field practicum experience at the northwest community addictions and mental health clinic utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-04) Ternes, Tamarah; Novotna, Gabriela; Kikulwe, Daniel
This report is a reflection on my clinical practicum experience at the NW Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinic in Calgary, AB, with Alberta Health Services. The goals of this practicum were to: 1) gain clinical social work experience and knowledge in the area of outpatient mental health and addiction care; 2) to become familiar with clinical assessment and interventions used within the outpatient mental health and addictions clinic; and 3) to gain knowledge and skills in the clinical theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) used in individual and group settings within the clinic. This report opens with an introduction to my learning objectives, the NW Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinic and individual and clinic ideologies and is followed by a literature review and discussion surrounding how I achieved my practicum goals. Lastly, the report discusses professional challenges and ethical considerations followed by a final summary and conclusion.
Open Access
An integrated community-centered clinical approach to social work: practicing within a school and community setting
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-04) Shaw, Ian; Johner, Randy; Oba, Funke
The following is a practicum report regarding my MSW practicum experience at St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre, an elementary school within the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. The purpose of the practicum was to gain graduate level social work knowledge and practice as it relates to an integrated approach to social work practice through facilitating the role of school counsellor within the school. This report provides a description of the theoretical approaches of an integrated Community-Centered Clinical practice, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a Two-Eyed Seeing approach; and how integrating these theoretical approaches creates a culturally- informed and integrated (micro and macro) social work practice. This report outlines the application of these approaches through the practice of individual counselling, group work, community initiatives, and interdisciplinary teamwork in order to provide benefits to the students and the community. Through sharing stories and personal reflections which are framed within the literature, this report provides insights into developing cultural competency within social work practice and the challenges associated with integrating Indigenous and Western knowledges and worldviews. Lastly, this report suggests that building a holistic approach to social work practice requires an understanding of the benefits of an integrated approach to practice that embraces the value of both micro and macro practice, and the importance of developing cultural competency when working with members of Indigenous communities.
Open Access
Settlement and integration process of refugees and immigrants
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-08) Owusu Nyamike, Belinda
Canada is largely comprised of immigrants from across the world. Many of these immigrants are people who have come into Canada for safety, freedom from persecution and others, in hopes of finding better lives for themselves and their families. There are many challenges that come with the change of moving from one country to another and this report will explore these challenges; including, how Regina Open Door Society (RODS) designs programs which are tailored to assist newcomers in their settlement and integration into their new environment. Additionally while exploring these challenges, this report will explore other resources and organizations in the community that work with RODS to provide for the needs of newcomers. In this document, social work practice and theories such as the strength based perspective are discussed as they are used to empower new immigrants to realise their goals. This report will also include a reflection of the integration of social work ethics and skills used by staff at RODS to assess and work with newcomers while fulfilling the aims of the organization.
Open Access
Therapy at professional counselling associates: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-12) Norris, Denise R.; Halabuza, Donalda; Watkinson, Ailsa M.
This report reflects my experience during my Master of Social Work field practicum placement at Gryba Phillips Professional Counselling Associates in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This document provides an overview of the business and the specific types of therapies that are practiced at this agency. It also outlines the goals and objectives of the practicum and provides a review of the literature for the theories and therapies that I utilized during my practicum experience. The focus is on family systems theory, with some incorporation of Adlerian therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, expressive arts therapy, and play therapy. Three case examples of clients that I had the opportunity to counsel independently, are also described. A reflection of my experience is included. This report will also speak to the importance of clinical supervision, boundaries and ethics.
Open Access
Light beyond the horizon: a mindful counselling experience at Family Service Regina
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-06) Marit, Katelyn
This report outlines my clinical counselling experience at Family Service Regina (FSR) within the Counselling Unit and the Thrive Walk-in Counselling Clinic. Within this report, there are two therapeutic approaches that are of primary focus: 1) trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy with both adults and children, and the use of 2) solution-focused therapy in both brief walk-in and extended counselling sessions. Both approaches were utilized in conjunction with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction activities. The theme of mindfulness emerged consistently, both professionally and personally, throughout this practicum setting. The benefits of being attachment focused, trauma-informed and antioppressive, and placing emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, were instrumental for my growth and development both personally and professionally throughout my time at Family Service Regina. A discussion about the prevention of burnout with the use of self-care strategies will also be included in this report, as this phenomenon becomes a reality for many counselling practitioners new to the field of social work. As a student counselling practitioner, my experiences with Family Service Regina will be highlighted and woven into this report to illustrate the therapeutic approaches noted above as I navigated working with clients and family systems during the practicum placement for my Master of Social Work degree.
Open Access
Implementing a system-wide trauma informed care model
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-04) Dupuis, Marcie; Oba, Funke; Johner, Randy
This practicum report describes my practicum experience in the Mental Health and Addictions department (MHAD) of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at the University of Regina, this practicum focused on integrating trauma informed care (TIC) into social work practice within a health care system. The report outlines the theoretical underpinnings of the TIC approach and discusses both the opportunities and challenges of using TIC for system-wide transformative social work practice. It also highlights the benefits of TIC such as avoiding re-traumatization and ensuring best interest of clients, both of which require an understanding of trauma and the impact it has on patient functioning. Through a narrative approach that includes personal reflections, field journals, and stories, I discuss the TIC literature and incorporate systems theory and anti-oppressive theory specifically, in interrogating the challenges I faced in achieving my goals. Finally, in the report, I proffer recommendations to enable the Saskatoon Health Authority to alleviate the adverse effects of trauma on clients and employees by integrating TIC into all levels of staff training, as well as micro and macro practice. I argue that TIC is basically good social work and is therefore relevant to a large interdisciplinary system such as SHA seeking to put clients first by prioritizing their best interest. Trauma Informed Care enhances patient outcomes and effective community reintegration through a systems theory informed wholistic treatment that reflects the core social work code of ethics, values and principles of practice.
Open Access
Chronic disease and mental health in a primary health care setting
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-12) Dehmke, Cheryl L.; Halabuza, Donalda; Johner, Randy
This practicum report summarizes my experiences as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student in my field practicum placement at the North Primary Health Care Network. Primary Health Care is an integrated and coordinated health service that is client focused, community designed, and team delivered. During the practicum placement, I increased my understanding of the services offered at the North Primary Health Care Network. I also gained an understanding and knowledge in the areas of chronic disease, public health, home care, and primary health care counselling. This report will discuss my involvement in the care pathways and the knowledge I gained from the clients, health care providers, managers, directors, and family physicians. I will discuss the strengths-based perspective and the intervention models, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) that are utilized in primary health care. Lastly, I will discuss the values and ethics of social work in a primary health care setting.
Open Access
Counselling at the Regina Sexual Assault Centre
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-07) Ball, Carissa; Halabuza, Donalda; Fletcher, Kara
This report outlines my practicum experience providing counselling at the Regina Sexual Assault Centre. The goal of my practicum was to achieve advanced graduate level social work knowledge and the ability to effectively provide individual counselling from a trauma recovery approach working with individuals who have been victims of sexual assault. To successfully achieve the goal of my practicum proposal I immersed myself into studying and practicing trauma informed treatment. I became a team member within Regina Sexual Assault Centre by providing counseling services five days a week and I frequently completed one to five sessions daily. I began my practicum by enhancing my knowledge so that I could address clients’ needs and be of benefit to the client. I researched various theories and models of trauma counselling through books, academic journal articles and online webinars. The main approach followed at the Regina Sexual Assault Centre is The Three Stages of Trauma Recovery, by Judith Herman (1997). I also gained knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectic behavioural therapy, somatic experience and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Completing my practicum at the Regina Sexual Assault Centre allowed me the opportunities to build skills in areas related to assisting survivors of sexual abuse who were from different socio-economic backgrounds and lived with intellectual disabilities. As a result of my practicum experience my counselling skills, my confidence as a counsellor and trust in the counselling process have significantly improved and adapted. I experienced growth as a trauma informed counsellor, and was able to acknowledge my personal strengths, limitations and challenges.
Open Access
Reflection on my practicum and learning at child and family services: building knowledge about provincial child protection
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-04) Adhikari, Arjun; Kikulwe, Daniel
This report is a reflection of my practicum experience which was carried out from September 18 to December 15, 2017 at the Child and Family Services division at the Ministry of Social Services. The primary objective of the practicum was to gain knowledge and practical experience in the provincial child and family welfare system. The Ministry uses theoretical frameworks that are client focused such as critical theory, attachment theory, and solution/strengths-based strategies. The safety and well-being of the child is paramount to all that the Ministry does with an eye to empowering and preserving the family. The workers use an integrated practice strategy (IPS) that attempts to reduce individual biases. Overall, I gained skills in therapeutic practice, personal reflection, utilizing decision making tools and case management. Unfortunately, poverty is an overwhelming obstacle to improving the lives of these children. The work is challenging, and it takes personal strength and team work to successfully protect vulnerable children in our communities.
Open Access
Dancing through the fire and soaring to the skies
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-01) Abbott, Lori Michelle
This field practicum report is the final component for this writer’s completion of a Master’s Degree of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Regina. The report includes highlights and learning gained during the student’s field placement at Family Service Regina (FSR), in Regina, SK. This practicum focused specifically on individual, couples and group counselling theories and strategies. Areas of theoretical practice highlighted include: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Group facilitation and interventions will also be discussed in the context of a trauma support group, a domestic violence support group, and a peer supervision group at FSR. The report will also include an exploration of the student’s professional preparation and completion of a literature review to support the student’s future career as a military social worker in the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence.
Open Access
Feminizing the spectrum: raising awareness of females with autism spectrum disorder
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-07) Troesch, Kimberly; Oba, Funke
The following is a field practicum report discussing my experiences at Autism Services of Saskatoon in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My focus during this field practicum was on females diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I was able to gain an understanding of the reasons behind the imbalanced ratio of males and females being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and understand the lived experiences of females with ASD. I discovered that males and females display symptoms of autism in differing ways, thus leading to misunderstandings, misdiagnosis, and missed diagnosis for females. Also within this field practicum, I was able to educate others about the realities of females diagnosed with ASD and begin a discussion regarding their experiences and how this diagnosis impacts their lives, their families, and the roles these females play in society. This report uses the feminist perspective as the basis for understanding why females with ASD are being misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and under diagnosed. Through this practicum opportunity, I was able to gain an understanding of the services offered by the Autism Intervention Program (AIP program) and the Mental Health and Wellness division of Autism Services of Saskatoon, as well as the roles I could play in the organization as a graduate level social work intern.
Open Access
Counselling in child and youth mental health: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-01) Silzer, Colette; Chalmers, Darlene; Novik, Nuelle
This report discusses my clinical experience and integration of theory and practice while completing a Master of Social Work field practicum. The practicum was completed at Youth Community Counselling (YCC) with Mental Health and Addictions Services (MHAS) in Saskatoon within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The objective of my practicum placement was to gain graduate level practice experience with youth diagnosed with complex mental health issues via individual counselling and family therapy sessions. The therapeutic framework integrated into my practice with individuals and their caregivers included Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), from a Strengths-Based Perspective (SBP). The report begins with my learning objectives, practicum activities, and my direct practice learning experiences in my placement setting. I then present information on mental health and the process of assessment and diagnosis within my practicum placement, followed by a review of the literature on the theories integrated into my practice and a reflection on the theories. Lastly, I discuss values and ethics in relation to my practicum learning experience, and conclude the report with a final summary reflection.
Open Access
Children’s mental health services: a practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-02) Sidhu, Gurkirat; Chalmers, Darlene; Novotna, Gabriela
This report provides a critical review of my field practicum experience as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Children’s Mental Health Services within the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The focus of this field practicum was to work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide services to caregivers and children from birth to 11 years of age experiencing mental health challenges. This 450-hour field practicum was completed over 12 weeks under the supervision of my Professional Associate, a clinical social worker. I carried a small caseload of children and their families and provided direct counselling services and initial assessments. Included in the report is a description of the agency, my practicum goals and activities, a literature review, a reflection of theories which shaped my practice with discussion reflecting on ethical social work practice. I conclude the report with a reflection on my professional growth over the 12 weeks of my field practicum placement.
Open Access
Engaging older adults in walk-in counselling: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-07) Rogers, Kathleen; Novik, Nuelle; Jeffrey, Bonnie
This paper examines a unique MSW field practicum experience at CFS Saskatoon, a counselling agency that provides programs and services to residents of all ages in the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. One objective of this practicum was to strengthen program development skills by researching, designing, developing, and implementing a pilot project walk-in counselling clinic specifically for adults 55 and older. Another objective was to enhance clinical skill development by completing literature reviews and providing general walk-in counselling at the Saskatoon Foodbank for clients of all ages. This practicum took place from September 5, 2018 to December 13, 2018 on a full-time basis. The 55 and older walk-in counselling pilot project was offered to residents of Saskatoon, and general walk-in counselling was also provided at the Saskatoon Foodbank. An evaluation of the counselling services provided at the Saskatoon Foodbank for one year prior to this writer’s practicum was completed, and although no clients attended to the walk-in counselling clinic pilot (focused on adults aged 55 and older), important data was gathered for CFS Saskatoon. This information will be shared with CFS Saskatoon to use in their development and implementation of future programming. Recommendations are made for the agency to work more effectively with the older adult population. Such recommendations focus on building and maintaining partnerships within the community, ways to engage older adults in counselling services, as well as considerations for future research and training.