My decision to enter the field of social work was influenced by a number of relationships and experiences. First, I was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. She taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and compassion. Second, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local homeless shelter during high school. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges faced by people who are marginalized and underserved. I was inspired by the social workers at the shelter who worked tirelessly to provide support and resources to their clients.

Finally, I was influenced by my own personal experiences with mental health and addiction. When I was in college, I struggled with depression and anxiety. I was fortunate to have access to mental health services, and I am grateful for the social workers who helped me through that difficult time. These experiences taught me the importance of mental health and addiction services, and they inspired me to become a social worker so that I could help others who are struggling.

Question 2: What are your career objectives, and explain how you envision using your graduate level Social Work education? (Include details about your philosophy of Social Work practice, the population you would like to work with, and the type of intervention you would like to provide).

My career objective is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work in a private practice setting. I am interested in working with adults who are struggling with mental health and addiction issues. I believe in a holistic approach to social work practice, which means that I would consider all aspects of a client’s life, including their social environment, physical health, and emotional well-being. I would use a variety of interventions, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention, to help my clients achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

My philosophy of social work practice is based on the principles of social justice, empowerment, and self-determination. I believe that all people have the right to live in a dignified and respectful manner. I also believe that people have the capacity to overcome challenges and achieve their goals with the right support. I would strive to create a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and I would work with them to develop coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills.

Question 3: Describe a major social problem and your interest in addressing the problem. (Be specific in discussing your perspective on the impact of this problem on citizens and your anticipated role as a change agent on the individual, group, and community/organizational levels of change).

One major social problem that I am interested in addressing is mental health stigma. Mental health stigma is the negative attitude or prejudice towards people with mental health conditions. It can lead to discrimination and social isolation. Mental health stigma can also prevent people from seeking the help they need.

Mental health stigma has a significant impact on citizens. It can lead to lower quality of life, poorer employment outcomes, and increased risk of suicide. Stigma can also prevent people from seeking help for their mental health problems, which can lead to more serious problems down the road.

I believe that I can play a role as a change agent in addressing mental health stigma on the individual, group, and community/organizational levels. On the individual level, I would work to educate my clients about mental health and challenge their negative beliefs about people with mental health conditions. I would also help them to develop coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to manage their mental health conditions.

On the group level, I would facilitate support groups for people with mental health conditions and their families. Support groups can provide a safe and supportive space for people to share their experiences and learn from each other. I would also work to advocate for mental health awareness and education at the community level.

On the community/organizational level, I would work to develop and implement programs and policies that promote mental health and reduce stigma. For example, I might work to develop mental health literacy programs for schools, workplaces, and community organizations. I might also work to advocate for changes to insurance laws to make mental health treatment more accessible.

Question 4: Briefly describe an ethical dilemma that you have experienced and how you dealt with the dilemma. (Relate to the Social Work Code of Ethics).

One ethical dilemma that I experienced was when I was working as a social work intern at a mental health clinic. One of my clients was a young woman who was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. She told me that she was planning to kill herself that night.

I knew that I had a duty to protect my client from harm. However, I also knew that I needed to respect her right to self-determination. I decided to talk to my supervisor about the situation