Social Work Theory and Methods: The Essentials

by Neil Thompson (Editor), Paul Stepney (Editor)

Overview

This gateway text lays the foundations for a thorough knowledge of the theory and methods that social workers need. Pulling together the work of a team of experts, this book uses the innovative “theorizing practice” approach, rather than the traditional “applying theory to practice” approach, thereby providing a much more satisfactory basis for understanding the relationship between theory and practice and making it easier for practitioners to employ theory in practice.

Part I sets the scene by examining the relationship between theory and practice, how research can be used to inform practice and the important role of policy and organizational factors. Part II provides 14 chapters, each exploring a different theoretical approach. All in all, this book provides the ideal introduction to using social work theory and methods in practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138629769
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/28/2017
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Neil Thompson, PhD, DLitt, is an independent writer and educator specializing in online learning. His books include the bestselling Anti-Discriminatory Practice, Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice, and People Skills (all published by Palgrave). He is a sought-after consultant and conference speaker. His website and blog are at www. neilthompson.info.

Paul Stepney, PhD, is Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the University of Tampere, Finland and visiting professor at two other Finnish universities. Prior to this he has taught at four UK universities and worked as a hospital social worker. Paul’s research interests are in critical practice and prevention, and he is co-author of two books on social work.

Table of Contents

Part One

Chapter 1: Theory and Methods in a Practice Context: Theorizing Practice

Neil Thompson

Chapter 2: Theory and Methods in an Intellectual Context: Using Research

Paul Stepney and Neil Thompson

Chapter 3: Theory and Methods in a Policy and Organizational Context: International Perspectives

Paul Stepney

Part Two

Chapter 4: Psychodynamic Theory

Malcolm Payne

Chapter 5: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Paul Stepney and Paul Davis

Chapter 6: Task-Centered Practice

Ronald Rooney

Chapter 7: Crisis Intervention

Neil Thompson

Chapter 8: Narrative Approaches

Louise Harms

Chapter 9: Existentialism

Neil Thompson

Chapter 10: Solution-focused Practice

Suki Desai

Chapter 11: Mediation

Wing Hong Chui

Chapter 12: Social Pedagogy

Juha Hämäläinen

Chapter 13: Family Therapy

Robert Taibbi

Chapter 14: Group Work

Mark Doel

Chapter 15: Ecological Theories

Aila-Leena Matthies and Kati Närhi

Chapter 16: Activism and Advocacy

Donna Baines, Emma Tseris and Fran Waugh

Chapter 17: Community Social Work

Paul Stepney