Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice

ESTABLISH AN EVIDENCE–BASED AWARENESS OF HOW THE MOST USEFUL THEORIES INFORM PRACTICE

Responding with sensitivity to clients′ individual situations requires an understanding of why we do the things we do in the helping professions. To this end, Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice is a new kind of social work text. Instead of encouraging the rote memorization of processes and routines, this book encourages critical thinking: focusing on how the most common theoretical approaches can lead to better outcomes.

Accomplished social work educators Carol L. Langer and Cynthia Lietz, emphasize an evidence–based practice paradigm that is fully aligned with the Council on Social Work Education′s 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Students will appreciate the real world accounts and illuminating case studies that bring essential theoretical orientations to life.

Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice features:

Detailed examples from individual, family, group, and institutional social work practice Engaging first–person narratives written by accomplished social work practitioners Critical thinking and application questions to activate new knowledge Balanced accounts of the strengths and weaknesses of 12 major social work theories Thorough discussions of evidence–based practice throughout all chapters

This book trains aspiring social workers to make best use of their knowledge in helping clients reach their destinations.

CHAPTER ONE: The Role of Theories in Social Work Practice

Introduction

What is Theory?

The Relevance of Studying Theory for Aspiring Social Workers

Case Example

Evidence–Based Practice

Further Debates

Theoretical Integration

Common Elements

Implementation of Theory: The Role of Microskills

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER TWO: Ecological and Systems Theories

Introduction

A Historical Discussion of Ecological and Systems Theories

Ecological and Systems Theories: Theoretical Principles

Ecological and Systems Theories: Key Concepts

Application of Ecological and Systems Theories within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Ecological and Systems Theories

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER THREE: The Strengths Perspective

Introduction

A Social Work History Lesson

Limitations of the Medical Model

Moving Toward a Strengths Perspective

The Strengths Perspective: Key Concepts

The Strengths Perspective: Principles

Application of the Strengths Perspective within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Limitations of the Strengths Perspective

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER FOUR: The Task–Centered Model

Introduction

Historical Development

Theoretical Assumptions

The Task–Centered Model and the Helping Process

Applicability of Task–Centered Work

Compatibility with Social Work Values and Ethics, Systems and Strengths Perspectives

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER FIVE: Conflict Theory

Introduction

Historical Development of Conflict Theory

Dialectical Materialism

Macro Case Example

Mezzo Case Example

Application of Conflict Theory to Social Work Practice

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Conflict Theory

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER SIX: Humanism and Client–Centered Theory

Introduction

A Historical Discussion of Client–Centered Theory

Client–Centered Theory: Theoretical Principles

Client–Centered Theory: Key Concepts

Stories from the Field

Application of Client–Centered Theory within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Humanism

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER SEVEN: Cognitive and Behavioral Theories

Introduction

A Historical Discussion of Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory

Cognitive and Behavioral Theories: Key Concepts

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Stories from the Field

Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Student Application of Skills

Benefits and Limitations of the Cognitive and Behavioral Theories

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER EIGHT: Empowerment Theory

Introduction

Basic Assumptions of the Empowerment Perspective

Development of Empowerment in Social Work

Historical Example

Contemporary Examples of the Need for Empowerment

Social Work with Groups and Empowerment

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Empowerment Theory

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER NINE: Narrative Theory

Introduction

A Historical Discussion of Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory: Theoretical Assumptions

Narrative Theory: Key Concepts

Application of Narrative Theory within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Narrative Theory

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER TEN: Solution–Focused Brief Therapy

Introduction

Theoretical Assumptions of SFBT

Historical Development

Use of the SFBT in the Helping Process

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of the Solution–Focused Model

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Crisis Theory

Introduction

A Brief History of Crisis Theory

Levels of Crisis

Stages of Experiencing and Resolving a Crisis

Case Example

Critical Necessities of Each Stage

The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Management Protocol

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of Crisis Theory

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER TWELVE: Feminist and Critical Theories
By Andrea N. Cimino, MSW, PhD

Introduction

Historical Foundation and Overview of Critical Theory

Basic Principles of Critical Theory

Foundation and Historical Overview of Feminist Theory

Basic Principles of Feminist Theory

Similarities and Differences

Key Concepts

Principles of Feminist/Critical Theory within Social Work Practice

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Criticisms of Feminist and Critical Theory Approaches

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Transtheoretical Model

Introduction

Historical Foundation and Overview

The Stages of Change

Key Concepts

Basic Principles

Motivational Interviewing

Application

Case Example

Stories from the Field

Student Application of Skills

Strengths and Limitations of TTM and Motivational Interviewing

Conclusion

Resources for Students

References

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Theory and Practice: Pulling it all Together

CAROL L. LANGER, PHD, MSW, is Department Chair and Professor of Social Work at Colorado State University Pueblo. In addition to teaching the undergraduate course Human Behavior and the Social Environment, she researches experiential learning and its role in erasing stereotypes and myths about diverse populations.

CYNTHIA A. LIETZ, PHD, LCSW, is associate professor and coordinator of the Tucson program at Arizona State University. She teaches social work practice courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs, along with conducting research into the strengths that families employ in dealing with high risk situations like trauma and loss.