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
Clinical counselling at Joshua Tree Learning Centre: a field practicum experience
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-08-08) Hogberg, Tiara S.; Milne, Lise; Eaton, Andrew
This report provides a description of my field practicum experience in a clinical counselling experience with Joshua Tree Learning Centre. The report includes a literature review of the theoretical frameworks and approaches that guided my interactions and the work I did during my practicum. The report then discusses the specific counselling modalities I adopted through the use of an integrative approach, which included narrative therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behaviour therapy, expressive therapy, and equine facilitated psychotherapy, as well as practices in individual counselling and group work. The report also highlights case examples and discusses how my learning goals were achieved throughout my practicum experience. Supervision experiences and self-reflection on the practicum experience will be discussed, followed by a section on challenges, including ethical dilemmas that arose and appropriate boundaries and self-care. My personal and professional values will be reflected throughout the report. To conclude, implications for my future social practice will be discussed, as well as final comments on the benefits of utilizing an integrative therapeutic approach.
Open Access
Perspectives on reform: a cross-border analysis of sex work policy in New Zealand
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-07) Preston, Shylan; Eaton, Andrew; Pino, Fritz
This practicum report outlines my experience as a graduate social work student at the University of Regina, travelling to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, New Zealand to complete an international practicum placement with Aotearoa/New Zealand Sex Worker’s Collective (NZPC). The goals of my practicum were to advance my graduate level social work knowledge and to engage with an area of social work that would provide me with a deeper understanding of macro social work practice while working alongside those working within sex work in a country where it is decriminalized. This report will include a literature review, exploring the various policies that inform sex work legislation globally, while highlighting the advantages that adopting a full decriminalized approach to sex work has. As highlighted by the New Zealand Model, a comparative analysis will be completed on the current legislative landscape within Canada. Additionally, this report will include personal reflections that occurred throughout my placement, including the connection of direct practice to personal values and ethics. Completing a practicum placement with NZPC has been an invaluable opportunity that has supported me in advancing my social work practice within a variety of areas. Through my work alongside NZPC, I developed an understanding of how the sociopolitical and legal frameworks for sex work in New Zealand and Canada differ, gaining a deeper understanding of policy reform.
Open Access
Counselling at the Youth Resource Centre
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-08-23) Chowdhury, Shabnam; Sanchez, Miguel; Pino, Fritz
This report details my clinical experience as well as my learnings and insights such as how theory and practice were integrated throughout my field practicum. The practicum was completed at the Youth Resource Centre (YRC) with Mental Health and Addictions Services (MHAS) in Saskatoon within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The first sections of this report focus on my learning goals, practicum tasks, and my overall experiences in this setting. I then discuss the three therapeutic frameworks I used: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). Furthermore, I shared my reflection on how I engaged with the assessment process that this setting provides. I discuss further how the relevant literature and theories are applicable in working with the population receiving services from this Centre. In conclusion, I address the ethical dilemma and social work values that I prominently encounter. I conclude with my final reflection summary.
Open Access
Northern social work practice: three months of discovery at Yukon Health and Social Services
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-07) Coutts, Sarah
This report outlines my MSW practicum experiences in working in Whitehorse Yukon in Health and Social Services for three months during the Summer of 2018. Yukon Health and Social Services serves clients in a variety of capacities including the Income Support Unit. I worked in the Income Support Unit for eight weeks on a full-time basis while completing the remaining four weeks formulating a project looking at ways to incorporate the voices of individuals with lived experience in service delivery, program development, and policy. I wanted to gain an appreciation and understanding of how Cognitive Behavioral techniques can be used to assist individuals who are struggling with economic insecurity to obtain meaningful employment, cope with life stressors, and manage stress in a variety of ways. A key component of my practicum also involved formulating a report which includes tangible recommendations on how individuals with lived experience could be represented in Northern Health and Social Services in actionable ways. As this area of practice is not well represented in the Yukon, I wanted to shed light on ways in which individuals with lived experience could be represented in meaningful ways within existing systems. This project allowed me the ability to have discussions with leaders in a variety of Health and Social Services programs to gain valuable insight into how this objective could be achieved in different ways. The use of Appreciative Inquiry as a model gave me a greater understanding of the importance of using a model to map out ways in which recommendations could be realized, deciphered, and implemented.
Open Access
Supporting children and families with developmental differences through a trauma-informed and disability justice-oriented approach
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-05) Vass, Kristen A.; Pino, Fritz; Sorensen, Michele
This practicum report summarizes and reflects my learning and experiences at the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program (ABCDP) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a clinical field practicum in partial fulfilment of a Master of Social Work degree. The purpose of this 450-hour practicum was to gain graduate-level field experience using a trauma-informed care and disability justice-oriented approach while working with children and families accessing support at the ABCDP. In addition to working as a multidisciplinary team member, I engaged in case management, provided therapy to children and caregivers, and became familiar with various programs relevant to children and families with developmental differences. The report begins with a description of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the ABCDP, a discussion of my learning goals and outcomes, and an overview of child development and family-centred care. A literature review of trauma-informed care and disability justice follows. I then discuss how these frameworks were integrated into my clinical social work practicum, along with social work values and ethical considerations. The report concludes with a summary and reflection on the personal and professional growth I experienced because of my clinical practicum experience.
Open Access
“Shared responsibility” an intersectional approach to sexual violence prevention: counselling and training experiences at the sexual violence and response office
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-07) Fraser, Jessica; Shokirova, Takhmina; Eaton, Andrew
Sexual violence affects a significant amount of people in Saskatchewan, in particular women experiencing the highest rates of sexual violence. In Canada, there are a significant number of students in post-secondary institutions who have experienced or witnessed unwanted sexual behaviour. This report outlines my experiences while completing the MSW field practicum at the Sexual Violence and Prevention office located at the University of Regina. The ultimate goals of my practicum were to gain clinical counselling knowledge using a trauma-informed framework and to gain skills to provide educational opportunities for students to learn about gender-based violence. This report will highlight my use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and the use of Judith Herman’s (2022) stages of trauma recovery. These tools were utilized in counselling practice when supporting someone who has experienced gender-based violence. Additionally, I will discuss education and awareness-raising important events that occurred related to gender-based violence with the campus community. Beyond my day-to-day practicum, I will highlight how I have been reflective and aware of my positionality and to ensure I am an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed social worker.
Open Access
Beyond free condoms and exit strategies: developing a working model of practice with sex working clients through a field practicum experience
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-07-11) Ritenburg, Emily; Roy, Renee; Beckwell, Erin; Pino, Fritz; Eaton, Andrew
Open Access
Supporting individuals experiencing mental health and addiction in homeless populations in Regina: case management experience at Salvation Army Waterston Ministries
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-11) Oduenyi, Chinonso Stephanie
This practicum report describes my learning and insights gained at the Salvation Army Waterston Ministries, Regina, Saskatchewan. My work as a practicum student involved providing supervised case management support and services to individuals experiencing houselessness/homelessness, including those with mental health challenges and/or those living with addictions. This report explains the rationale for my practicum placement, the programs and services offered by The Salvation Army Waterston Ministries, my learning goals, objectives, and the activities completed to accomplish the learning goals. A literature review focused on issues of homelessness in Regina, as well as the social work intervention of case management within which I integrated Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care (TIC). Within this report, my worldviews have been informed by a strength-based perspective, ecological theory, and a mental health approach that incorporates elements of anti-oppressive practice. This report also includes a discussion of ethical , dilemmas and challenges I encountered throughout the practicum placement.
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.