History & Foundations
Before social workers talked about feelings, they were mostly focused on this major social issue.
Poverty
This therapy believes your thoughts are the drama queens of your emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This therapy is like emotional CrossFit for your brain.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Motivational Interviewing is basically therapy that says, “I’m not forcing you — let’s talk it out.” What does it build?
Motivation
Before a patient leaves the hospital, social workers help plan this so they don’t come right back.
Discharge planning
In the 1920s, mental health said, “I’m joining the group project.” What U.S. public health organization helped bring it into social work?
U.S. Public Health Service
The 1960s psychiatrist who said, “Maybe your negative thoughts are the problem.”
Aaron T. Beck
DBT is especially known for reducing these two very serious behaviors.
Self-harm and suicidal behaviors
The psychologist who created MI to treat alcoholism in the 1980s.
William R. Miller
Rehab social workers help patients adjust to this tough life change after injury.
Disability / loss of independence
This approach says, “It’s not just your thoughts — it’s your biology, your environment, and your life drama too.”
Biopsychosocial approach
CBT says these three things are basically in a toxic group chat together.
Thoughts, emotions, behaviors
DBT helps people stop going from 0 to 100 emotionally by improving this skill.
Emotional regulation
MI works best when clients feel stuck in this “I do but I don’t” mindset.
Ambivalence
Physical trauma can mess with your confidence, identity, and cause this emotional response about the future.
Anxiety
What era basically said, “Hey… maybe mental health matters too”?
The Progressive Era
When you catch your brain lying to you and say, “Actually… that’s not true,” that’s called what?
Cognitive restructuring
DBT fits social work because it focuses on dignity, empowerment, and not judging clients. What practice approach is that?
Strengths-based / empowerment approach
If a client says, “I know I should quit smoking but I love it,” MI doesn’t argue. It explores what instead?
Their motivation and readiness for change
True or False: Recovery is just physical — mental health doesn’t really affect outcomes.
False
Why was it a big deal when social work stopped focusing only on poverty and started addressing mental health too?
It made social work more holistic by addressing both environmental problems and mental health, not just poverty.
Name two mental health conditions CBT helps treat
Depression and anxiety.
Why is DBT so useful for teens, families, and substance use clients?
Because it teaches practical emotional regulation skills and can be adapted for different populations.
Why does MI align perfectly with social work values?
Because it respects client autonomy and empowers clients to choose change.
Explain how hospital social workers are basically the glue between doctors, patients, and families.
They connect medical care with emotional support and community resources.