Reshaping Theory in Contemporary Social Work: Toward a Critical Pluralism in Clinical Practice

by William Borden , Ph.D.

Overview

William Borden's persuasive collection of original essays reaffirms the place of theory in social work practice, showing how different theoretical models, therapeutic languages, and modes of intervention strengthen eclectic and integrative approaches to psychosocial intervention. A distinguished group of scholars and practitioners examine emerging developments in cognitive theory, psychodynamic thought, resilience research and family therapy, psychobiography and narrative perspectives, and conceptions of place and environment in psychosocial intervention. They introduce integrative frameworks for intervention and examine a series of crucial issues in the field, including the role of theory in evidence-based practice, the development of practice wisdom, and the ways in which conceptions of love, acceptance, and social justice influence theorizing and practice.

The contributors to this volume, each one carefully selected, reaffirm the framing perspectives and core values of the social work profession and identify fundamental challenges and tasks in developing theory and practice. Exploring contemporary yet no less essential concerns, they reflect the richness and creativity of theorizing in our time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231147019
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	11/05/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

William Borden is senior lecturer in the School of Social Service Administration and lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part One. Theory and Practice: Orienting Perspectives
1. Taking Multiplicity Seriously: Pluralism, Pragmatism, and Integrative Perspectives in Clinical Social Work, by William Borden
Part Two. Inner Experience and Outer Realities
2. Why Cognitive Therapy Needs Social Work, by Sharon Berlin
3. The Cognitivization of Psychoanalysis: Toward an Integration of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Theories, by Jerome C. Wakefield and Judith Baer
4. Social Work, by Psychobiography, by James J. Clark
5. Place Matters: Toward a Rejuvenated Theory of Environment for Direct Social Work Practice, by Susan P. Kemp
6. Integrating Developmental Theory and Systemic Perspectives: A Family Resilience Framework for Clinical Practice, by Froma Walsh
Part Three. Theory by Practice
7. Love and Justice: A Silenced Language of Integrated Practice?, by Janet Finn
8. The Role of Theory in Conducting Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, by Stanley McCracken and Tina Rzepnicki
9. Practice Theory: Ideas Embedded in a Wise Person's Professional Process, by Malcolm Payne
List of Contributors
Index

What People are Saying About This

Jeane W. Anastas

These essays contain some of the best current thinking in psychotherapy and practice-informed research, as well as emerging conceptual models like 'just practice.' Practitioners will find the contents affirming and renewing, and academics will welcome this book as a much-needed corrective to the atheoretical empiricism currently all too common in our field.

Mary Ellen Kondrat

This book is in a category by itself. Whereas other texts dealing with social work micro-practice synthesize and compare various theories, this volume pushes the boundaries of conventional theories and frameworks into new directions and dimensions. In the process, the contributors do nothing less than reinvigorate theory through critical eclecticism and fresh, original perspectives. What we have here is a collection of wonderfully readable essays that will make us think about theory more creatively-and, yes, more 'playfully.'

— Mary Ellen Kondrat, The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Editorial Reviews

Any scholar who is serious about understanding and advancing social work theory should read this book.

— Alan J. Levy

The Social Service Review

Any scholar who is serious about understanding and advancing social work theory should read this book.

The Social Service Review - Alan J. Levy