A technique in which individuals suggest ideas to solve a problem. Ideally the suggestions are not criticized by others who are present for the session.
brainstorming
Takes place when information or data given to you by a client is revealed to a third party without the client’s permission. State laws and ethical codes often address a breach and it is sometimes the ethical thing to do such as in the case of a child who reveals suicidal ideations.
breach of confidentiality or data
An electronic testing device which reveals blood alcohol levels, primarily used by police officers who have stopped a driver who may be intoxicated.
breathalyzer
Viennese neurologist. Taught Freud the value of catharsis or the so-called talking cure via the famous Annie O. case. Published Studies on Hysteria with Freud.
Breuer, Josef (1841-1925)
Generally implies that the treatment is goal directed and revolves around a given issue or set of symptoms. Treatment of this sort is usually 15 sessions or less. This form of treatment became popular with managed care companies as a cost-saving measure.
brief counseling therapy (BT)
A short-term treatment as the name implies is focused on solutions for present problems rather than analyzing the past.
brief solution focused therapy (BSFT)
A model of helping that focuses much more on the solution than the problem and exceptions to the rule. Examining what was helpful during the exception where the client did not feel whatever way is troubling them.
brief strategic counseling/therapy
Usually cited as A.A. Brill in the literature. Known for being the first analyst to translate Freud’s writings into English as well as the first analyst to set up a practice in the US. Helped infuse psychoanalytic principles such as sublimation into career counseling. Did not support the lay analyst movement as he felt analysts needed to be physicians.
Brill, Abraham Arden (1874-1948)
Outdated term for a family with an absent parent. The term single parent family is preferred.
broken home
A human services practitioner’s role that is accomplished by helping clients find and/or take advantage of services. In this role, the worker merely hooks the client up with the appropriate service rather than providing the service.
broker
Considered a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1954, ruling that “separate but equal” educational facilities were unequal and unfair. The separate but equal doctrine implied that African Americans were inferior.
Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka, Kansas
Refers to the act of grinding one’s teeth, usually while sleeping. Psychodynamic practitioners often assume this symptom is caused by hostility. Helpers who do not use psychodynamic procedures often use relaxation techniques in addition to traditional intervention strategies when treating this.
bruxism
Abbreviation for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree or Bachelor of Social Work from an undergraduate program that is accredited via the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Some job openings will only accept - or are only funded - for the CSWE degree. Degrees from noncredited programs will not count toward licensure requirements. Moreover, MSW schools limit advanced standing to students who have the accredited BSW degree.
BSSW/BSW
User to describe flaws in research.
bubbles
A document that depicts the income and expenditures that an organization, agency, school, practice, individual, or household will encounter during a specified time period. It helps make money management and policy decisions. It can refer to a specific program or the entire operation.
budget
Describes a client with numerous problems as opposed to a single presenting complaint.
buffeted clients
Describes an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by forced, self-induced purging and/or excessive exercise to prohibit weight gain. Guilt is often evident after a bulimic episode. Persons with this condition sometimes suffer from anorexia nervosa.
bulimia nervosa
Perpetrating aggressive, physical behavior or emotionally harmful or humiliating behavior toward another person. The perpetrator generally has more physical or social power. It can also be conducted by groups of people or online.
bullying
Although commonly used to describe governments, this describes any system of administration often characterized by official nature, hierarchical structure, rigid division of labor, inflexible procedures, and slow change.
bureaucracy
Slang for the act of reporting a drug dealer or user to the police.
burn
Excessive stress caused by one’s job resulting in less than optimal work performance. Can also result in physical and emotional difficulties. In extreme instances this causes the person to leave the job or work facility.
burnout
A social psychology phenomenon which asserts that persons rarely help a stranger in trouble. Moreover, it has been found that the larger the crowd, the greater the apathy. In other words, the larger the crowd, the smaller the chance becomes that bystanders will provide assistance for the person in need.
bystander apathy/bystander effect/bystander intervention
