Counseling Techniques and Theories in Social Work Practice

This course reviews counseling techniques and theories, integrating evidence-based practices to strengthen relationships and ethically support diverse clients across social work settings.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

AUTHORS: Beth Hagan, Ph.D. and Rachel Kalina, MSW, LCSW COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

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DirectorEducation Pathways, LLC provider # 0000, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 00/00/2025–00/00/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 5 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

explores essential counseling techniques and psychological theories utilized in social work. It provides an in‑depth review of evidence‑based practices, cultural considerations, and application strategies for diverse client populations and settings.

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to integrate theory with practice, strengthen therapeutic relationships, and ethically support clients in achieving their goals.

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Learning Objectives:

Compare and contrast micro and macro approaches in counseling.
Apply psychodynamic theory concepts and techniques in treatment planning.
Justify CBT exposure techniques for clients with social anxiety.
Incorporate humanistic approaches in group treatment.
Construct treatment modules for solution‑focused brief therapy.
Analyze narrative therapy processes to support empowerment and resilience.
Apply systems theory principles to assess family dynamics.
Adopt trauma‑informed care principles in counseling practice.
Adapt counseling techniques for diverse populations.
Create SMART goals in treatment planning.
Apply ethical and legal principles to real‑world case scenarios

View Course Timed Agenda

1. Introduction to Counseling in Social Work (15 min)

Role of counseling in social work
Micro vs. macro approaches
Client‑centered, strength‑based perspective
Building rapport and trust
Evidence‑based practice overview

2. Psychodynamic Theory and Techniques (17 min)

Historical roots and modern applications
Unconscious processes, defense mechanisms, transference
Techniques: free association, interpretation, early experiences
Case example

3. Cognitive‑Behavioral Theory (CBT) and Techniques (18 min)

Foundations of CBT
Challenging cognitive distortions
Behavioral activation and exposure
Structured sessions and homework
Applications to anxiety, depression, trauma
Case example

4. Humanistic and Person‑Centered Approaches (17 min)

Carl Rogers’ core conditions
Authenticity and active listening
Gestalt therapy techniques
Application with adolescents/adults
Trauma‑informed integration

5. Solution‑Focused Brief Therapies (16 min)

Solution‑focused techniques: scaling, miracle, exception finding
Strengths‑based approaches
Applications in schools, crisis, families
Community mental health

6. Narrative Therapy and Postmodern Approaches (19 min)

Constructivist/postmodern foundations
Externalizing problems
Re‑authoring and thickening narratives
Cultural relevance and social justice
Case examples

7. Systems Theory and Family Therapy Techniques (16 min)

Family systems and ecological model
Genograms, boundaries, roles
Structural and strategic family therapy
Multigenerational patterns
Applications in child welfare, schools, reunification

8. Trauma‑Informed and Strengths‑Based Practices (17 min)

Principles of trauma‑informed care
Neurobiology of trauma
Safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment
Resilience‑focused interventions
Vicarious trauma and clinician self‑care

9. Cultural Competency and Anti‑Oppressive Practice (11 min)

Cultural humility vs. competence
Power, privilege, intersectionality
Adapting techniques for diverse populations
Working with immigrants, LGBTQ+, Indigenous clients
Decolonizing approaches

10. Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning (14 min)

Steps in case conceptualization
Selecting theories for clients
SMART goals and measurable objectives
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Ethical issues in planning

11. Ethical and Professional Issues (16 min)

Informed consent, confidentiality, mandated reporting
Dual relationships and boundaries
Managing ethical dilemmas
Competence and scope of practice
Documentation and supervision

12. Conclusion and Final Reflections (4 min)

🕒 Total Instruction Time

180 minutes (3 CEU Hours)

🌟 Key Takeaway

This course equips social workers with theoretical knowledge, practical techniques, and ethical frameworks to deliver effective, culturally responsive counseling across diverse practice settings.

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