Making Room for Dynamics in Evidence-Based Practice: The Role of Psychodynamic Theory in Client-Centered Approaches

Abstract

The move toward evidence-based practice has fortified, and continues to strengthen, the social work profession through accountability, greater support for social interventions, and linking research and practice. This article considers potential limitations in exclusively promoting evidence-based practice in social work programs and advocates for an integrative approach when teaching clinical practice to master of social work students. Such an approach includes using psychodynamic principles in an effort to teach social work students the importance of self-awareness, dialoguing about diversity issues, and the use of theory in case formulations. Implications for social work education are discussed.

Keywords:

• evidence-based practice
• psychodynamic principles
• clinical practice
• social work education