Policy Press

How to Use Social Work Theory in Practice

An Essential Guide

By Malcolm Payne

Published

Jan 8, 2020

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447343776

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 8, 2020

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447343783

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 8, 2020

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447343783

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
How to Use Social Work Theory in Practice

Social work theory is full of ideas about how to practise. It guides you in what to do as well as how to approach and think about social work goals.

In this clear and systematic book covering both general practice concepts and theoretical insights, best-selling author Malcolm Payne shows you how to work with the main theories and practice techniques and pinpoint their strengths and limitations.

This book:

• Explores the social work process from first to last contact;

• Covers all the theories and methods you need to know as a practitioner;

• Examines practice techniques and the ideas that inform them;

• Includes helpful chapter-by-chapter infographics.

This practical guide condenses the practical features of social work theory but doesn’t oversimplify them. Students and practitioners can confidently put their knowledge into action and see how everyday practice implements theoretical ideas. It will be an invaluable resource to students and newly qualified practitioners in social work and in related fields of practice, making connections with both classic and contemporary movements in social work.

Malcolm Payne is Emeritus professor at Manchester Metropolitan University and Kingston University, London and director of psychosocial and spiritual care, St Christopher’s Hospice, London.

Introduction: practice from social work theory

First contact and engagement

Assessment

Communication, advice, information

Counselling

Resilience, risk, safeguarding

Humanistic person-centred practice

Mindfulness practice

Strengths and solution-focused practice

Narrative practice

Psychodynamic relationship-based practice

Attachment practice

Task-centred practice

Crisis practice

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practice

Motivational interviewing

Advocacy, human rights and welfare rights

Empowerment, anti-oppressive practice and power

Groupwork

Community work and macro practice

Systems practice

Critical and structural practice

Feminist practice

Ecological and green practice

Ending and critical reflection

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