Social workers' experiences of practice with psychoanalytic orientation

The aim of this study is to understand the work experiences of social workers working in different problem areas with their knowledge of psychoanalysis and to reveal the potential that psychoanalysis offers social workers in understanding people and themselves. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 social service professionals who had at least a bachelor's degree in social work and were involved with psychoanalytic theory at different levels. The data obtained from the interviews were coded using the MAXQDA programme in line with the thematic analysis method and analysed according to the phenomenological pattern. Three main themes emerged in response to the research questions: facing the need for continuous education, experiences with psychoanalytic theory and its application, and the effects of engaging with psychoanalytic theory. According to the results of the research, social workers' motivations for engaging with psychoanalysis are shaped by individual and professional needs; the desire to develop a different understanding of human beings is the most prominent motivation. After engaging with psychoanalytic theory, participants began to evaluate unconscious processes, transference/countertransference, and the concept of the framework from a psychoanalytic perspective. They incorporated thinking about these concepts into their interviews and practices at different levels. This process added a therapeutic dimension to the work, such as opening up space for spirituality, relationality, and accompaniment. The social workers who participated in the study found the content of their undergraduate education, which was based on a general approach, insufficient for conducting individual-centred practices. The content of the undergraduate education did not provide sufficient theoretical training for understanding the psychological reality of clients, and social service professionals sought support through different training programmes. Structured and professional supervision support was identified as a need by all participants. Psychoanalytic knowledge enables the development of an intervention framework that takes into account individuals' social and societal positioning and their psychological experiences in social work practices. Keywords: Social work, psychoanalysis, generalist social work education