Exploring micro-skills as the underpinnings of effective social work practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the underpinnings of direct social work practice, applying theoretical concepts to demonstrate how to increase practice effectiveness. Given the challenges and stresses of the profession, social workers require training that equips them with skills for every field of practice, every situation and all levels of stress. The heart of direct practice is seen as a psychophysiological integration of skills (concrete tools that practitioners use to create change in users’ lives), which provide direct practice’s skeleton or frame, and micro-skills (specific actions taken to enact a skill), which provide its flesh. The psychophysiological base of direct practice is fleshed out using concepts of embodiment and mindfulness. A practice example illustrates the application of the concepts. Benefits associated with exploring micro-skills and embodied therapeutic practice are discussed, as well as the concomitant implications of how to expose new clinicians and students to these concepts.