Psychoanalytic Theory For Social Work Practice

Written by practicing social workers and social work educators, this text analyzes modern psychoanalytic and psychosocial approaches to social work and relates them to current practices and values. Focusing on working with children and families, the text covers salient issues in social work practice including risk assessment, dealing with parents with drug and alcohol problems, supervision and management of emotional stress. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on the realities of frontline practice, and looking at what can realistically be achieved. It also addresses the research evidence for this approach. With psychoanalytic and psychosocial approaches becoming increasingly popular, this text will be a welcome addition for professionals, students and social work educators. Review: 'It is an extremely well written and thought-provoking book presenting psychoanalytic perspectives as a basis for social work with children and families in stressful circumstances ... A welcome and instructive book. It can be warmly recommended as excellent value for refreshing theoretical ideas or for CPD purposes! And it really should be required reading for all those with an analytic background who are also teaching in, or working with, individuals or families in health, education or social work settings.' - Gill Frayn 'This highly original and very welcome book is the first text written for over 20 years that seeks to introduce the theory and practice of psychoanalytic thinking to social workers... I hope that it will be widely used by social work educators and that it finds its way onto the reading list of trainee counsellors and psychotherapists.' - Ruth Jordan, Journal of Social Work Practice