Brief, Goal-Oriented Interventions in Social Work

This class explores three brief, evidence‑based social work interventions—TCP, PSM, and SFBT—covering theory, principles, and practice across diverse client settings.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 4/15/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1354074

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485 , 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: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

provides an in-depth exploration of three brief, evidence-informed approaches used in social work practice: Task-Centered Practice (TCP), the Problem-Solving Model (PSM), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Each model is described in detail, including theoretical foundations, core principles, intervention structure, and applications across diverse settings. The course also compares and contrasts these approaches, highlighting how social workers can integrate or select among them based on client needs and context.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe the historical development and rationale of brief, goal-oriented models.
Apply the stages of Task-Centered Practice to case scenarios.
Analyze each phase of the Problem-Solving Model and differentiate it from traditional casework.
Demonstrate key SFBT techniques in simulated dialogues.
Compare and contrast TCP, PSM, and SFBT in theory and practice.
Evaluate which model is most appropriate for specific settings and populations.
Assess ethical and cultural implications of brief models.
Critique limitations of brief therapy and propose strategies to address them.
Design an integrative brief practice plan incorporating elements of TCP, PSM, and SFBT.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction to Brief and Goal-Oriented Interventions (11 min)

Historical evolution of brief interventions
Rationale for time-limited, goal-oriented models
Client collaboration and empowerment
Relevance in healthcare, schools, child welfare, community practice

Task-Centered Practice (TCP) (22 min)

Origins and theoretical underpinnings (Reid & Epstein, 1970s)
Core principles: problem definition, short-term intervention, tasks as change agents
Stages: exploration, goal formulation, task development, review
Populations and settings: families, children, mental health, case management
Strengths, limitations, and case example

Problem-Solving Model (PSM) (25 min)

Historical development (Helen Harris Perlman, 1950s)
Cognitive-behavioral and functional social work roots
Phases: engagement, problem clarification, alternatives, decision-making, action, evaluation
Use in crisis intervention and systems navigation
Case vignette illustrating structured problem-solving

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) (36 min)

Origins (Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, 1980s)
Philosophy: strengths-based, client as expert, change is constant
Techniques: miracle question, exception-finding, scaling, compliments, tasks
Session structure and cultural responsiveness
Case scenario in child welfare or school setting

Comparative Analysis of TCP, PSM, and SFBT (22 min)

Similarities: brief, structured, goal-oriented, client participation
Differences: theoretical orientation, problem definition, use of tasks, practitioner role
Choosing appropriate models based on client and context
Opportunities for integration and flexibility

Applications in Practice Settings (19 min)

Mental health, schools, healthcare, child welfare, corrections, crisis settings
Case scenarios demonstrating model choice and rationale

Cultural Responsiveness and Ethics (15 min)

Addressing client values and cultural narratives
Adapting models for diverse populations
Informed consent and goal alignment
Avoiding oversimplification and ensuring follow-up

Challenges and Critiques of Brief Models (14 min)

Risks of superficial intervention
Limitations for complex trauma or severe mental illness
Challenges with imposed timeframes
Misuse in underfunded systems
Ethical concerns around closure and follow-up

Summary, Integration, and Future Directions (16 min)

Review of differences and similarities among models
Clinical implications for practice
Reflective practice and supervision
Emerging tools and technologies for integration

Total Time

180 minutes (3 CEU Hours)

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