An Introduction To Using Theory In Social Work Practice

An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice equips the reader to use fourteen key social work theories to guide each phase of the planned change process, from engagement through to evaluation. Suitable for a generalist approach, this book illustrates the value of applying theory to practice in a variety of social work roles, across diverse fields and facing assorted challenges. The first section provides a practical foundation for beginning to use theory in your social work practice. Section two looks at how you can translate and integrate fourteen theories commonly found in social work across each phase of the planned change process. The theories discussed are: behavioural, interpretive anthropology, psychodynamic, evolutionary biology, cognitive, symbolic interactionism, strengths, social constructionism exchange economics, role, ecological, critical, feminist, and systems theory. The final section addresses some key issues for real life social work practice, including common barriers to using theory in practice, the potential for multi-professional communication and theory-sharing, and developing an integrative theoretical model for your own personal practice. Linking to core competencies identified by the Council of Social Work Education, this text supports social work students and practitioners in developing vital skills, including critical thinking, applying theory and the effective use of the planned change process.

A student-friendly introduction to social work theories and methods, drawing on current social work research.

"Does social work need another theory book? The answer has to be a resounding 'yes'. This is a broad-based, authoritative and above all, accessible introduction to some key theories in social work. Each chapter follows a logical structure, beginning with the theory explained and moving onto basic assumptions, using theory in practice, strengths and limitations and wider considerations. The book will be useful for social work students and educators alike." Professor Viviene E. Cree, School of Social & Political Science, The University of Edinburgh, UK This practical book provides a basic introduction to the most commonly used theories and methods in social work practice. The book explores the concept of a theory and a method, the difference between the two and the ways in which they are connected. Teater also discusses the social worker-client relationship and offers a handy overview of anti-oppressive practice. Assuming little to no prior knowledge, each chapter explores a single theory or method in depth and uses a variety of interactive tools to encourage you to explore your own thoughts and beliefs. Step-by-step illustrations show how to apply the theory/method to a social work case example and exercises, questions, diagrams, tables and figures all encourage further learning. An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods is a practical guide for social work students to use both in the classroom and as a reference guide while on placement. Equally, this book is a useful reference for social work practitioners. Contributor David Kondrat

Health services practice or working with clients facing health issues requires diverse approaches and wide-ranging knowledge. In this ground-breaking book Melissa Petrakis draws on the experience and expertise of leading researchers and practitioners to provide a guide to the disparate settings in which social workers are engaged and the conceptual frameworks and skills needed for effective practice. The book begins by examining the nature of health social work and considers its core values and principles. This section also provides an overview of the social determinants of health. Part 2 explores key areas of practice including working with children, mothers and families, hospital-based social work, domestic and family violence, mental health, dual diagnosis, forensic social work, Indigenous approaches to health, oncology and aged care. Part 3 looks at politicised issues in the field including working with people living with disability, refugee health and concludes by considering how a focus on well-being informed by Maori approaches could provide new insights into better practice. Underpinning the book throughout is a clear guide to assessment procedures, case management, strengths-based practices and developing effective partnerships and collaboration. Social Work Practice in Health is destined to become a key reference tool for social work students and practitioners, providing practical, evidence-based and insightful approaches.

Presenting a different approach to the realities of everyday social work practice, this text includes exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress.

An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice equips the reader to use fourteen key social work theories to guide each phase of the planned change process, from engagement through to evaluation. Suitable for a generalist approach, this book illustrates the value of applying theory to practice in a variety of social work roles, across diverse fields and facing assorted challenges. The first section provides a practical foundation for beginning to use theory in your social work practice. Section two looks at how you can translate and integrate fourteen theories commonly found in social work across each phase of the planned change process. The theories discussed are: behavioural, interpretive anthropology, psychodynamic, evolutionary biology, cognitive, symbolic interactionism, strengths, social constructionism exchange economics, role, ecological, critical, feminist, and systems theory. The final section addresses some key issues for real life social work practice, including common barriers to using theory in practice, the potential for multi-professional communication and theory-sharing, and developing an integrative theoretical model for your own personal practice. Linking to core competencies identified by the Council of Social Work Education, this text supports social work students and practitioners in developing vital skills, including critical thinking, applying theory and the effective use of the planned change process.

Written in an accessible style, this title introduces theory as an explanatory framework that is drawn upon by the social worker to inform their decision-making process, by helping to 'make sense' of what is going on.

This reference handbook for students and beginning practitioners guides them through the main processes and ideas used in the practice of social work. Starting from intake and assessment, it moves on to intervention and covers the main theories that inform intervention and ends with evaluation and reflection. The approach offers a series of guidelines as reminders of actions that practitioners typically have to undertake and the issues that they need to bear in mind.