Neuroscience and Social Work Practice Paper

Learning Objectives

This assignment is designed to give you essential information about neuroscience as a foundation to
inform your social work practice. An understanding of an individual’s biology and early relationships are
essential in assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention.

Knowledge

You will develop knowledge of neuroscience and how neurobiology affects individuals throughout their
life. This knowledge is essential for both treatment and prevention.

Skills

You will critically reflect on the knowledge shared within the text and integrate the ideas from the text
into planning for your work with individuals, families, groups, and systems

Critical reflection and integration of knowledge into practice are essential skills for successful completion
of this course, the program, and to be able to practice within the social work profession.

Assignment Components and Format

You will choose one of the following books to read as the basis of your paper:

● Neuroscience and Social Work Practice: The Missing Link (2009) by Rosemary L. Farmer, or
● Neurobiology for Clinical Social Work: Theory and Practice (2018) by Janet R. Shapiro and Jeffrey
S. Applegate.

After completing the book, you will write a 3-4 page paper (not including the title page or reference
page) related to neuroscience and social work practice. Your paper also needs to include two outside
citations (references).

Your paper should include the following components:

● Introduction (2 points) - Include key concepts from the book that you will be focusing on. (1-2
paragraphs).
● Neuroscience and Clinical Social Work Practice (4 points) - Include a reflection on what you
have gleaned about neuroscience, the brain, and clinical social work practice (3 – 4 paragraphs).
● Mind, Body, and Wellness (4 points) - Discuss the relationship (connection) between the mind,
body, and wellness and how these connect to social work practice (3 – 4 paragraphs).
● Integration with Practice (3 points) - Reflect on how this has changed your perspective of
clients, how it fits with your beliefs about practice, and how you will use this knowledge in your
future practice. What changes have you made, or will you make? (3 – 4 paragraphs)
● References (3 points) - Your references should include the book and two outside citations (peer-
reviewed).
● APA Format (4 points) - Your paper should be written in APA format, free from grammar and
spelling errors, and graduate-level writing.