Using in-text citation, Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

• Add to your colleague's suggestion for applying resiliency to Talia's case by suggesting an adaptation of the strategy.
• Critique your colleague's suggested application of resiliency to social work practice, stating whether you would use the strategy in your own practice, and why.

Colleague 1

As Talia's social worker, I would apply the concept of resilience by focusing on building her protective factors and coping skills in response to the assault she experienced. Research by Kte'pi (2020) and the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child (n.d) emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships in fostering resilience. Therefore, I would prioritize establishing a strong therapeutic alliance with Talia to provide personalized support and validation, as demonstrated in her case by her seeking counseling at the RCC and her willingness to engage in therapy sessions (Walden University LLC., 2021).

Additionally, I would help Talia identify and utilize coping strategies such as journaling and breathing exercises, which are evidenced-based practices to promote resilience and mitigate the impact of trauma (Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, n.d). Talia's decision to report the assault to the campus judicial system showcases her resilience and determination to seek justice despite the unknowns that come with it (Walden University LLC., 2021). By acknowledging and reinforcing her strengths, I would empower Talia to navigate her challenges effectively and work toward her recovery (Zastrow et al., 2019).

In a broader social work context, the concept of resilience informs interventions aimed at promoting positive outcomes for individuals and communities facing adversity (Kte'pi, B., 2020). This includes advocating for supportive environments, facilitating access to mental health services, and fostering a strengths-based approach that emphasizes individuals' capacity to adapt and thrive despite difficult circumstances (Zastrow et al., 2019). Incorporating resilience-focused strategies into social work practice enables practitioners to empower clients like Talia to overcome challenges, build resilience, and lead healthier lives.

Reference

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child. (n.d.). Key concepts: Resilience.https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilienceLinks to an external site.

Kte'pi, B. (2020). Resilience (psychology).Links to an external site.Links to an external site.Links to an external site. In Salem Press encyclopedia. Salem Press.

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com/

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K. & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019).Understanding human behavior and the social environment(11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Colleague two

"Resilience is the ability to healthily cope with the negative feelings that arise from negative experiences, while still being able to function in one's daily life (Kte'pi, 2023)." Applying this concept to Talia's experience of sexual assault, I would implement her known strengths to create healthy coping mechanisms. It is already know at this time that attends the gym and has written short stories for the university. As her social worker, I would encourage her to go to the gym more often to release her frustrations or any negative emotions regarding this traumatic event. Talia has also been journaling up to this point so I would continue to encourage those behaviors of writing or even getting into more creative writing such as creating poems.

Following up with identifying her strengths, I would advocate to involve Talia's family in family therapy. According to Howard University Center on the Developing Child, one common factor to positive outcomes in the face of adversity are creating a support adult-child relationship (n.d). Although Talia appears to have a pretty knitted relationship with parents, I would encourage them to attend family therapy to better learn how to support Talia during this time since she also believes that they contribute to her emotional stress.

Applying the concept of resiliency throughout social work practice would continuously look like evaluating and identifying the client's strengths. As stated, resilience is about finding healthy coping mechanisms in the midst of negative experiences. I would seek to identify things that clients like to do, have done for fun in the past, or may be interested in as a means to create positive coping mechanisms. Upon identifying strengths, I would analyze their current support system, whether that be family, friends, or community. Analyzing the support system would help to better understand if it is healthy or not in function and dynamics. If necessary, support groups can be a great start to creating those positive relationships.

References

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child. (n.d.). Key concepts: Resilience.https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilienceLinks to an external site.

Kte'pi, B. (2020). Resilience (psychology). In Salem Press encyclopedia. Salem Press.