RECLAIMING OUR PLACE Successful Social Work Practice in Medical Model Settings BY ANNE PIRIE, MSW & JIM MORTON, MSW
Abstract: Social workers know that people can only be understood in relation to their social and physical environments, yet they often practice in settings where the focus is on individuals and cause-and-effect thinking. The authors, who are seasoned social workers, propose Bowen Family Systems Theory as a way to operationalize contextual practice. During the last several decades the contexts within which social workers practise have become laden with contradictions: restrained funding while faced with burgeoning demand; prepackaged interventions intended to target problems as unique as the clients who register for service; increased reliance on cause-and-effect, medical-model approaches to complex human problems; and time-limited service for conditions that unfold over a lifetime. These contradictions have led the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers to commission
20 Connection | Fall 2019
research to investigate mental health experience in the province, to advocate for child welfare reforms, and to make mental health the theme of the College’s conference in May 2020. This context inspired our article. We have decades of diverse experience in psychiatric and acute care hospitals, addictions services, mental health clinics, private practice, child welfare, and family service settings where they have worked in clinical, supervisory, leadership and consulting roles. We are hopeful that this article will stimulate both reflection and discussion within the social work and larger professional community, and are encouraged by the College’s proactive responses to the issues that social workers face every day.
