Definitions
Some common words and phrases that we use and what they mean.
Behavior
Behavior is anything an organism does. This usually mostly includes the things that we can see, but also technically includes our thoughts as well.
Person-Centered
This approach puts the person at the center of services. The focus is on treating people with dignity and recognizing their inherent worth.
Evidence-Based
An evidence-based approach aims to provide the most effective care and support possible. The best available evidence, clinical practice, and alignment with client values are used.
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is the application of behavioral science into the real world. The ultimate goal is to improve the person’s life through enhancing or improving socially significant behaviors.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness has become sort of a buzzword and is often paired with ‘meditation’, however mindfulness can be used separately from meditation. It is simply paying close attention to what is being experienced in the present (inside body and mind as well as externally). It invites us to be awake and aware and accepting of ourselves.
Social Work Practice
The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Social Workers follow key principles of service, social justice, dignity and worth of a person, importance of human relationships, compassion, integrity, and competence.
ACT
ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is an action-oriented approach that stems from behavioral theory. The focus is to accept the situation and move to committed action. It has been shown to be very effective for a wide variety of issues. techniques included in ACT can be easily used on their own and adapted to any situation.
CBT
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a practical approach to changing thoughts or cognitions around situations. The idea is that adjusting thoughts can change emotions and behaviors. This therapeutic structure is considered the gold standard for many issues and the techniques can be used and adapted to many situations.
Empower
The goal of empowerment is to ensure the person has a sense of power over their own well-being.