Contents

1. Principles underpinning equality and diversity..................................................................................... 1

Five Principles underpinning equality and diversity ................................................................................. 1
2. Social Work theoretical frameworks..................................................................................................... 2
3. Treatment groups ................................................................................................................................. 4
What are the aims of group therapy ........................................................................................................ 4
Declaration ................................................................................................................................................ 7
4. References ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Name : Fisani Fisokuhle Masemola
Student Number :13754122
Module : BSW1503
Assignment number :2
Assignment unique Number : 645183
 1. Principles underpinning equality and diversity
Social workers understand that diversity characterizes and shapes human experience
and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multi-dimensional and includes
race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender (including transgender),
faith and belief, and the intersection of these and other characteristics. We understand
that because of difference, and perception of difference, a person's life experience may
include oppression, marginalization and alienation as well as privilege, power and
acclaim. We identify this and promote equality.

Five Principles underpinning equality and diversity

Ethics and value: Social workers must always function within the framework of Code of
Ethics. Cultural competence requires self-awareness, cultural humility, and the
commitment to understanding and embracing culture as central to effective practice.

Self-awareness: Social workers shall demonstrate an appreciation of their own cultural

identities and those of others, also be aware of their own privilege and power and must
acknowledge the impact of this privilege and power in their work with and on behalf of
clients. Social workers will also demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity to the
dynamics of power and privilege in all areas of social work.

Cross-cultural knowledge: It is not simply a matter of understanding and accepting

difference; it also often requires having the skills to work effectively across cultures. For
social workers, this means being able to build trust and rapport, communicate
effectively, and understand the unique needs of each individual.

Cross-cultural skills: Social workers need to be able to move from being aware of their
own cultural heritage to becoming aware of the cultural heritage of others. This cultural
awareness enables them to value and celebrate differences in others as well as to
demonstrate comfort with cultural differences. Social workers with cross cultural skills
have the ability to understand, communicate, and effectively interact with people across
cultures, be it their colleagues, customers, clients, or suppliers.

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Professional education: Social workers must advocate for, develop, and participate in
professional education and training programs that advance cultural competence within
the profession. Social workers should embrace cultural competence as a focus of
lifelong learning.

2. Social Work theoretical frameworks

• Systems theory: Observes human behavior from the standpoint of the individual
in the context of complex and interrelated systems. A social worker trained in
systems theory evaluates all system aspects affecting the client and seeks to
make that system healthy and supportive. The client, as well as members of the
client's family, networks, and communities, are all participants in the system.
Friends, counselors, teachers, mentors, classrooms, schools, and religious ties
are among the members. Individuals' reactions to societal ideals are also
considered in systems theory.
A systems theory approach could be perfect for a male client who is struggling
with feelings, anxiety, or relationships. Similarly, a systems theory evaluation can
help LGBTQ+ people who are facing difficulties as a result of an unsupportive
environment. Both conditions present chances for treatment using a systems
therapy modality. Systems theory can also help us understand why adolescents
act out. For example, are the teenagers being abused or neglected, or are they
yelling for attention? What are their assistance systems? Assuming no underlying
psychiatric issue exists, this therapy approach would entail altering the children's
relationship with their parents.
• The person-centered approach: This method focuses on understanding the
individual as a whole. Individually, as a family, as a group, and in their
community. With so much self-doubt, uncertainty, and inner struggle about who
they are when they meet with the social worker, the social worker's
responsibilities enable the intervention process to change the client's identity.
The client must establish a comfortable, relaxed, and healthy setting in order for
the client to freely express themselves and cope with their problem. Other than
facilitating a good relationship with the customer, it is also crucial to recognize

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 that every individual strives to accomplish their best, as well as the principle of
self-actualization.
• The strength perspective and empowerment: emphasizes the human capacity
for resilience, resistance, courage, thriving, and ingenuity. The social worker
must remember that no matter how complex or helpless a situation appears to
be, there is always the option of discovering one's inner power and working
through the intervention process. As professionals, social workers must use their
abilities, values, and ideals to assist clients in realizing their own strengths and
the need to believe in themselves. Both the client and the social worker are able
to ignore the client's weaknesses and instead focus on their strengths, which
empowers the client and facilitates problem-solving and coping abilities. For
certain clients, pursuing support and attending an appointment is a big task, and
it should be recognized as a strength. For instance, if you are helping someone
who does not have safe and secure housing, it may be important to empower
them to build strong relationships with their family and friends. Another great way
to empower your clients is to remind them to utilize their resources, resilience,
and strength to tackle any challenges.
• Ecological Systems Perspective: This primarily focuses on the client's social
well-being and is commonly utilized in social work practice. It is quite difficult for
the social worker to understand the client's issue areas if he or she does not
know the client's social background. It is then critical for the social worker to
understand the client's social environment, the social systems (because they are
made up of a number of aspects), and how they relate to the client as a system.
There is a risk of an imbalance between the client's social surroundings and him
or her, which could complicate the intervention procedure. The relationship
between a person and his or her social environment
• Problem-solving approach: The social worker's abilities, expertise, professional
ideals, and principles are what the client uses to take control of their own issue
and come up with their own positive and feasible solutions. The social worker will
assist and encourage the client to draw on their own inner power, which each
person possesses. The social worker must always be mindful that the client is

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 the only one who knows and understands their circumstances. This strategy has
three stages that the social worker must implement: contact, contract, and action.
This is followed by the social worker executing certain activities to ensure the
success of the intervention process.

3. Treatment groups
It is a type of psychotherapy in which people who have similar problems or experiences
meet together and work through their issues. Individual counseling is supplemented by
group therapy. People in group therapy sessions can meet others who have had similar
experiences. Group therapy sessions are led by one or more professional psychologists
or other mental healthcare practitioners.

There are numerous group treatment models to choose from. Most groups, on the other
hand, tend to focus on exposing members to new, more positive behaviors so that they
can manage better with major life events and mental health symptoms. A group therapy
session is open to anyone. Group therapy, on the other hand, can be especially
beneficial for persons with limited access to mental healthcare, such as those living in
rural or low-income areas where healthcare is scarce.

Group treatment typically focuses on a specific mental health issue, such as social
anxiety or depression. Other problems that a group may focus on include: generalized
anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, phobias, depression,
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and drug use disorder.

Group treatment can also assist people deal with grieving, obesity, chronic pain, weight
loss, anger management, domestic abuse, cultural trauma, and chronic sickness.

What are the aims of group therapy

Group therapy and individual therapy are similar in various ways, and their goals are
usually similar. However, in group therapy, the therapist may use the group dynamic to

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attain these goals in a different way. In general, the goals of group therapy are as
follows:

• To assist individuals in identifying maladaptive behavior

Being in a group setting in a therapy setting might help people better identify their
own behaviors and peculiarities. Because there is room for comparison, you may
learn that you are not as adaptable as you would like to be. Group therapy tries
to help people gain a better understanding of themselves and their behaviors.
• To provide emotional support through feedback
Discussing emotional issues with your therapist and other group therapy
participants will provide you with detailed comments. This input could include
advice from the therapist or practical recommendations from others in the group
who have dealt with a similar challenge. The goal is to help you develop your
own coping strategies so that you can deal with challenges as they arise.
• To provide a nurturing environment
Group therapy provides an opportunity not only to get criticism and advice but
also to reach out and help others. What is mentioned in your treatment sessions
is kept private. Speaking with others who are going through similar challenges as
you can make you feel less isolated and, hence, more supported.

In a group therapy session, the therapist may ask questions to help people discuss their
experiences and learn about what they have in common with others. The participants
may also share personal stories or talk about their feelings while they listen to others'
experiences. A therapist will use different methods to help the participants come
together as a group while addressing any issues that arise. These methods include:

1) Asking questions - "Who are you? What do you like doing?" The therapist might ask
these questions as part of the ice-breaking process or a group introduction.

2) Agreeing on ground rules - It is important for groups, strangers, friends, and families
to agree on ground rules and safety precautions for their group therapy sessions to
foster an environment of empathy and understanding.

3) Choosing a topic to discuss at length such as steps to overcoming addiction.

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Some topics the group therapist could lead the group to discuss include:

Personal successes

Personal struggles

Appropriate ways to support each other in the workplace

Cross-department interactions

Team strategies to create a better working environment or to increase productivity.

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Declaration

Name: Fisani Fisokuhle Masemola

Student number: 13754122

I declare that this assignment is my original work. I have not copied anyone else’s work
or allowed anyone else to copy mine. I am aware that plagiarism is fraud and may be
punished by the cancellation of an offending student’s registration.

Signed: Fisani Fisokuhle Masemola

4. References
Basic Counseling Skills. (n.d.). Strengths based counseling and positive
thinking/learned optimism.

Introduction to social Work as a Proffession (BSW1502 Study Guide) Dr J Sekudu,

Ms G Bhuda 2023

Introduction to the landscape of social Work Practice (BSW1503 Study Guide) Ms F

Mathibela, Dr ML Shirindi 2023