Exploring Therapists’ Use of Creativity in Direct Practice in Social Work

This study employs constructivist grounded theory to explore the experiences of direct practice social workers who use creativity, their perceptions of creativity, their individual characteristics, the role of the external social environment, the factors impeding and facilitating their use of creativity, and the benefits of creativity. To fill the research gaps above, this study applies an interdisciplinary approach by using four relevant theoretical perspectives: practice wisdom, the componential theory of creativity, systems theory, and four Ps theory. Twenty-one registered social workers who were employed in direct clinical practice in Ontario, Canada participated in semi-structured interviews. This study clarifies the definition of creativity relevant to the field of social work direct practice. Creativity is defined as synergetic interconnection of usefulness, novelty, and ubiquity, which may be accompanied by the state of creative flow. Similar to a magic cauldron that must be constantly stirred to preserve a high temperature, ubiquity refers to a constant presence of creative intention, an enduring commitment to discover useful and novel solutions. It represents the tension, consistent effort, or necessity that therapists experience to address their clients’ issues. Clients provide context for creative therapeutic flow when therapists and their clients are engaged in the process of discovery and healing. The findings reveal that creativity contributes to the essence and identity of the social work profession. Specifically, Pro-C (professional creativity) influences therapists’ professional identity. This study extends the list of Pro-C characteristics by identifying four important elements that must be present in Pro-C: 1) intentionality, 2) the use of the self and intuition, 3) mastery, and 4) practice wisdom. The use of creativity may be considered a scientific art that may be taught through best creativity practices. This study also presents a new theoretical framework of creativity in social work direct practice. This framework explicates the notion of creativity, best creativity practices, factors fostering and impeding the use of creativity, and creativity benefits for clients and therapists. It is concluded that creativity is a domain-specific concept, and it requires the active engagement of both a therapist and a client during a therapeutic process.Ph.D