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.
Part 1: A Framework for Practice 1. Psychoanalytic Theories for Social Work Practice 2. Psychoanalytic Research in the Era of Evidence-Based Practice 3. Racist States of Mind: An Attack on Thinking and Curiosity Part 2: Understanding and Working with Children and Young People 4. Observation in Social Work Practice 5. 'Thinking In and Out of the frame'; Applying Systemic Ideas to Social Work with Children 6. Individual Brief Psychotherapy with Sexually Abused Girls and Parallel Support Work with Parents and their Carers 7. Double Deprivation 8. Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Emotional Problems Facing Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities Part 3: Parents, Families and Professional Networks 9. The Court, the Couple and the Consultant: Is There Room for a Third Position? 10. Dangerous Cocktails: Drugs and Alcohol within the Family 11. Working with Borderline Personality Disorder 12. Working with Families Who See Help as the Problem 13. Re-Enactment as an Unwitting Professional Response to Family Dynamics Part 4: Professional Stresses and Supports 14. Who Care for the Carers: Work with Refugees 15. The Containing Function of Supervision in Working with Abuse
