Social Work shaped around you

Therapeutic Social Work

Therapeutic Social Work is a form of Social Work that uses therapeutic approaches and interventions to support people experiencing challenges that affect their emotional wellbeing, relationships, functioning or participation in everyday life. Social Workers can provide therapeutic support across a range of circumstances, including adjustment to disability or significant life changes, psychosocial challenges, emotional and behavioural difficulties, relationship difficulties, coping with stress, and developing skills that support everyday functioning and participation.

At Felune, therapeutic Social Work is tailored to the individual and may draw on different evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, techniques and frameworks depending on the person's circumstances, goals and support needs. These may include approaches that support emotional regulation, coping, problem-solving, self-awareness, communication, relationships, decision-making and behavioural change. Therapeutic support may be provided through structured conversations, psychoeducation, reflection, skills development, practical exercises and other appropriate therapeutic interventions. The specific approach will depend on what is relevant and appropriate for the individual rather than following a fixed therapeutic programme.

Therapeutic Social Work can be relevant for people who are experiencing difficulties in their everyday lives and want support to better understand what they are experiencing, develop new skills or strategies, or work towards improved wellbeing, functioning, relationships or participation. Where appropriate, therapeutic Social Work may also involve collaboration with family members, carers, allied health professionals or other services, with the person's involvement and consent. Therapeutic Social Work is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. The specific therapeutic approach, goals and focus of support are determined collaboratively and remain within the scope of Social Work practice and the practitioner's professional competence.

What this may look like

Depending on your circumstances and goals, therapeutic Social Work may involve:

• Psychoeducation and developing greater understanding of thoughts, emotions, behaviours or circumstances

• Developing coping and emotional regulation strategies

• Problem-solving and exploring alternative ways of responding to challenges

• Supporting decision-making and self-advocacy

• Developing communication and interpersonal skills

• Exploring patterns that may be affecting relationships or everyday functioning

• Supporting adjustment to disability, life transitions or significant changes

• Building confidence and practical skills

• Developing strategies to support participation and independence

• Connecting therapeutic work with practical situations in everyday life

Where appropriate, professional documentation or reporting may form part of Social Work support, including documenting progress, outcomes, barriers and relevant professional observations or recommendations. Felune does not currently provide Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs).

For NDIS participants, therapeutic Social Work may be funded where the support meets the applicable NDIS requirements and is appropriate to the participant's disability-related needs, goals and funding arrangements. The NDIS currently recognises Social Work as a type of therapy support. NDIS – What are therapy supports?

Advocacy & Service Navigation

Navigating services, systems and difficult situations can be challenging, particularly when you are unsure of your rights, options or how to communicate what you need. Social Work advocacy can support you to understand your options, identify what is important to you and communicate your needs and preferences when engaging with services, professionals or other systems.

Support may include preparing for appointments or meetings, helping you organise your thoughts and questions, exploring your options, supporting you to communicate your concerns, or advocating alongside you when you feel your voice is not being heard. Service navigation may involve helping you identify relevant services, understand pathways, find appropriate information or work out what steps may be needed to access support.

The aim is not to speak or make decisions on your behalf, but to strengthen your ability to understand, communicate and advocate for what matters to you. Your voice, choices and autonomy remain central to the process. Where appropriate, Felune may work alongside you when communicating with other services or professionals, including helping you prepare for or participate in meetings and important conversations.

Advocacy and service navigation are not intended to replace Support Coordination or case management. The type and level of support provided will depend on your circumstances, goals and what is appropriate within the scope of Social Work practice.

Family & Carer Support

The people around us can play an important role in wellbeing, support and everyday life. Family members and carers may also experience their own challenges when supporting someone through disability, mental health difficulties, life changes or complex circumstances. Where appropriate, Felune can work alongside family members and carers as part of a person's broader support network. This may involve helping to better understand the person's needs and circumstances, explore different perspectives, strengthen communication and identify practical ways forward. Support may include developing a better understanding of disability or support-related needs, preparing for or working through changes, strengthening communication, navigating services, identifying additional resources and exploring strategies that may support the individual and their wider support network.

The focus remains on the person receiving Social Work support. Family members and carers may be involved where this is appropriate, beneficial and consistent with the person's wishes and informed consent. Their involvement will be discussed with the person and guided by appropriate professional, privacy and confidentiality requirements. Where appropriate, Felune may also work alongside other professionals and services involved in the person's support to encourage communication and more coordinated approaches.

Family and carer support is not family therapy or counselling. It is provided within the scope of Social Work practice and tailored to the needs and circumstances of the individual and their support network.

What this may look like

Depending on the circumstances, Family & Carer Support may involve:

• Helping family members or carers better understand a person's support needs and circumstances

• Supporting communication between the individual and their family or carers

• Exploring different perspectives and identifying practical ways forward

• Supporting families and carers through changes or transitions

• Preparing for conversations, appointments or meetings

• Identifying appropriate services, resources and additional supports

• Exploring practical strategies that may strengthen the support around an individual

• Working, where appropriate, alongside other professionals or services involved in the person's support