Within Social Work the relationship between theory and practice is largely controversial. Coulshed and Orme (1998) argue that 'theory informs and enlarges practice...theoryless practice does not exist; we cannot avoid looking for explanations to guide our actions '. This is also supported by Thompson (2000) who describes theory as providing practice with the 'essential raw material for understanding and action '. The concept of theory is often confused and misinterpreted due to the complex nature and conflicting dogmas within a discipline. It is firstly important to clarify what is meant by the term 'theory '. Theory can be described as an 'attempt to explain a phenomenon...by providing a structured set of concepts that help us to understand
…show more content…
Stepney and Ford (2000) argue that theoretical knowledge should be used as a general base for social work to which adaptation, research and application to practice can then take place. This is the approach I wish to adopt in this research. I intend to critically explore examples of both psychological and sociological theories and methods within social work, examining how they can promote interpersonal communication and relationships and subsequently how they inform practice by applying them to the case study of Megan Jones. In practice it would be imperative to create a holistic assessment by involving all members within the family 's macro environment in the creation of interventions. However, for the purpose of this essay I will only focus on Megan and Caitlin Jones to ensure I am able to provide enough depth and exploration into how specific theories and methods can be applied to social work …show more content…
Guerin and Pendagast (1976) were the first to publish a chapter on the genogram, and it was later developed by Mcgoldrick and Gerson (1985) who increased its applications to marriage and family therapy. The genogram is a highly respected tool within Social Work and has been used by multitude of professionals such as Psychologists, Doctors, Therapists and Social Workers for many years (Demaria, Weeks and Hof, 1999). The genogram consists of a family tree which depicts marriage, deaths, births and some details on qualities belonging to relationships. The diagram A represents the symbols used in the genogram and diagram B demonstrates a genogram of Megan Jones client
Stepney and Ford (2000) argue that theoretical knowledge should be used as a general base for social work to which adaptation, research and application to practice can then take place. This is the approach I wish to adopt in this research. I intend to critically explore examples of both psychological and sociological theories and methods within social work, examining how they can promote interpersonal communication and relationships and subsequently how they inform practice by applying them to the case study of Megan Jones. In practice it would be imperative to create a holistic assessment by involving all members within the family 's macro environment in the creation of interventions. However, for the purpose of this essay I will only focus on Megan and Caitlin Jones to ensure I am able to provide enough depth and exploration into how specific theories and methods can be applied to social work …show more content…
Guerin and Pendagast (1976) were the first to publish a chapter on the genogram, and it was later developed by Mcgoldrick and Gerson (1985) who increased its applications to marriage and family therapy. The genogram is a highly respected tool within Social Work and has been used by multitude of professionals such as Psychologists, Doctors, Therapists and Social Workers for many years (Demaria, Weeks and Hof, 1999). The genogram consists of a family tree which depicts marriage, deaths, births and some details on qualities belonging to relationships. The diagram A represents the symbols used in the genogram and diagram B demonstrates a genogram of Megan Jones client