Social Work
From Theory to Practice

Explores practice theories and demonstrates how these can be understood and enacted by practitioners.

Louise Harms (Author), Marie Connolly (Author)

9781108460842, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 May 2019

216 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.33 kg

Social workers draw on a variety of theoretical perspectives to inform their practice and understand the diverse settings in which they work. Social Work: From Theory to Practice explores practice theories through the discipline's unique interpretive lens and demonstrates how these can be understood and enacted by practitioners in human services settings. This third edition includes new material on trauma-informed practice and Indigenous practice, as well as enhanced content relating to child protection and family violence, and narrative approaches. New practitioner reflections and case studies illustrate how theory influences practice and facilitates change. Thought-provoking case study discussion questions prompt students to reflect on key concepts and develop strategies for practice. Highly readable and engaging, Social Work: From Theory to Practice builds a strong foundation for theoretically informed practice. This text enables practitioners to develop the skills required to confidently and critically evaluate their work as they respond in complex practice contexts.

1. Social work knowledge, theory and practice
2. Frameworks, models and practice
3. Systems theories: ecological and crisis intervention approaches
4. Onion-peeling theories: psychodynamic and person-centred approaches
5. Faulty-engine theories: behavioural, cognitive behavioural and mindfulness approaches
6. Story-telling theories: strengths-based, narrative and solution-focused approaches
7. Mountain-moving theories: feminist, Indigenous and anti-oppressive approaches (with contribution by Shawana Andrews)
8. Reflective practice and theory
Concluding thoughts.

Subject Areas: Social work [JKSN], Social welfare & social services [JKS], Social services & welfare, criminology [JK], Society & social sciences [J]