Theoretical Support and Other Considerations in Using Simulated Clients to Educate Social Workers

Abstract

This article builds on literature from many helping disciplines supporting the use of simulated clients (sometimes referred to as standardized patients) in training professional students, explaining why the use of simulated clients is more effective in developing clinical skills as compared with student-to-student role-plays. Psychodynamic and Bowen intergenerational family theory, critical to the development of social work knowledge, is used to support the use of simulated clients to portray clients with challenging and complex lives. Risks and benefits of using simulated clients is discussed, along with recommendations to educational programs regarding ways to effectively use this experiential learning method.

Keywords:

• simulated clients
• training
• counseling skills
• psychodynamic theory
• Bowen family theory
• experiential learning