SWKM 6660 - Experiential Practice

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): A block of 30 foundation credits, SWKM 5475 and SWKM 6400 or completion of all foundation coursework.

Description: This course examines various forms of experiential practice including adventure/wilderness, animal-assisted, expressive (art, drama, dance/movement, music, poetry/narrative/story, photography/video, sewing/crafts), gardening/horticultural, sports, mind/body and related forms. Consideration is given to how social workers engage in these forms of practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations as part of a change process. Special consideration will be given to the therapeutic use of these interventions in mental health, substance abuse, and trauma work with a wide range of populations including adolescents, child welfare clients, veterans, and survivors of violence. The course will provide a philosophical and theoretical framework to consider all experiential forms of practice appropriate to a practitioner’s context and scope of practice. The course will also examine the cultural relevance of specific forms of experiential practice.