The authors begin with an overview how theories are used in social work practice. The book then covers twelve evidence-based theories that are most commonly used by social workers with an undergraduate degree only: ecological & systems theory, stengths perspective, task-centered appraoch, conflict theory, humanistic & client centered, cognitive and behavioral theories, empowerment theory, constructivism, narrative theory, solution focused brief therapy, crisis theory, and critical and feminist theory.
CHAPTER ONE: The Role of Theories in Social Work PracticeIntroduction
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