Content and delivery
An emotionally informed approach gives enhanced attention to practitioner histories, emotional challenges and self-care. The module runs over a block of five weeks, with assessment taking place a few weeks after the end of teaching. Sessions take place one day a week over five to six weeks usually throughout April/May, and there is also a mandatory homework day within this period. Attendance of all sessions is required.
Over the five taught days, practitioners will be introduced to key concepts, including: emotion and vulnerability in social work, use of self in practice, adult emotional functioning, self-care and emotional wellbeing, psycho-social perspectives within a helping relationship, strengths-based feedback and enabling supervision.
Elements of the module are purposefully immersive, designed to elicit feelings and thoughts that connect learners with some of the emotions and feelings that may be emoted by social work practice (or practice within a related field). This also includes considering and being open to vulnerability – one’s own and that of others. Part of the teaching will also involve participants recording and sharing simulated practice.
Assessment
There are two assessments tasks for this module.
- Learners will produce a 2,500 word essay, focused on how emotionally informed practice can be used to enhance and support the practice of others. This part is awarded a percentage grade.
- They will also deliver a presentation. This is a practical skills assessment, based on a recording and reflective critique of the learner’s own practice based on a recording of their practice with a supervisee. This part is assessed as pass/fail.
Both assessment tasks must be passed to complete the module and attain academic credit.