Direct Social Work Practice ─ Theory and Skills

Hepworth (social work, U. of Utah and Arizona State U.) et al. provide undergraduate and graduate social work students with the knowledge and critical thinking to make decisions throughout the helping process. They first introduce the social work profession and direct practice and provide an overview of the helping process. They then address each phase of the process, discussing relationship-building skills; strategies for providing direction and focus in interviews; avoiding common communication errors; problem and strengths-exploration; and theories and techniques for individual, family, and group assessment. The text addresses accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education and refers to its core competencies and practice behaviors. This edition integrates new online videos on cross-cultural practice, engagement with adolescents, sessions from the middle phase, and motivational interviewing, and includes a new supplemental practice workbook. It addresses contemporary topics such as case management; hoarding; Facebook and other online communication; ethics; the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.; evidence-based practices; unique populations such as minors, older adults, and immigrants and refugees; client aggression; the integration of motivational interviewing; and empathy and managing barriers to change. It deemphasizes the discussion of cultural group characteristics and conveys cultural competence through the approach of cultural humility. It has new tables, examples, and lists of practice competencies, as well as other changes. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)