Theories for Direct Social Work Practice

Walsh's concise, comprehensive text covers eleven major clinical practice theories that social workers commonly use in their assessment, planning, and intervention tasks with individuals, families, and groups. The book offers you a broad view of the field of practice, while still providing a close-up view of each theory discussed.

Aimed at students in MSW programs, this volume covers eleven major theories and models that social workers commonly use in their assessment, planning, and intervention tasks with clients. Presented roughly in the order in which they were developed, these include ego psychology, object relations theory, cognitive theory, interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing. Each theory is assessed both for its therapeutic effectiveness and how well it addresses issues of spirituality and social justice. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Joseph Walsh received his MSW and his PhD from Ohio State University. He is Associate Professor of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches courses in generalist practice, clinical practice, research, and mental and emotional disorders. He has been a direct services practitioner in the field of mental health since 1974, first in a psychiatric hospital and later in community mental health center settings. Joe has provided services to older adult and general outpatient populations, but he specializes in services to people with serious mental illness and their families. He is the author of two other Brooks/Cole texts, CLINICAL CASE MANAGEMENT WITH PERSONS HAVING MENTAL ILLNESS and THEORIES FOR DIRECT SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE.