Essential Clinical Social Work Series - Böcker

The applicability of attachment theory and research to social work and social policy relating to infants and children is well-established. Yet, its usefulness for enhancing the understanding of adults and their needs, both individually and as a group, has been less featured in the attachment literature.Adult Attachment in Clinical Social Work Practice is a wide-ranging look at attachment theory and research, its application to adults, and its natural fit with the social work profession. This edited volume covers the applicability of adult attachment theory to the clinical social work profession’s various domains that include human behavior, practice, policy, research, and social work education. It addresses the broad spectrum of clinical social work, including practice in a variety of public and private settings and with a number of diverse populations, including racial-ethnic groups, gays and lesbians, trauma survivors, and child welfare parents. The book highlights the underemphasized contribution of the social work profession to the development of attachment theory and research.

The applicability of attachment theory and research to social work and social policy relating to infants and children is well-established.

Contemporary Clinical Practice: The Holding Environment Under Assault is devoted to the examination of contemporary social problems and their impact on the clinical process. State-of-the-art psychodynamic theories will be applied to the understanding of how war, terrorism, politics, government regulations, and other environmental problems influence interactions between clinicians and their patients.

Attachment-Based Social Work with Children and Adolescents is a wide-ranging look at attachment theory and research, its application to youth populations, and its natural fit with the social work profession.

Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work introduces the key ideas of evidence-based clinical social work practice and their thoughtful application. Practical issues (agency supports, access to research resources, help in appraising research) are addressed - and some practical solutions offered.

Social work and relational theory have long been clinical comrades, given their shared goals and ideals. This close fit continues to be productive as client populations and their needs grow more diverse.Clinical Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations sorts through vital matters of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and social status--and addresses groups and issues often seen in practice but rarely encountered in print--with a profound understanding of the healing power of relational-based treatment. Case examples illustrate all stages of social work process, offering practice guidelines for working with members of diverse groups while emphasizing the uniqueness of every therapeutic dyad. The coverage recognizes the multiple relationships that comprise individuals' lives as well as the individuality that co-exists within group identity. And the contributors carefully show readers how to check themselves for biases and us-versus-them thinking and how to develop confidence along with clinical skills. Included in this first-of-its-kind text:· Practice technique and research support for relational therapy.· Whiteness: Deconstruction of a practice paradox.· Racial and ethnic diversity, including African American, Latino, Asian American, and Asian Indian clients.· Religious diversity: evangelical Christians, Muslim, and Orthodox Jewish clients.· Diversity of sexual identity: LGBT clients.· Diversity of life-altering experiences: combat veterans, reentry from incarceration, homelessness.· Plus: background chapters providing a framework for applying relational theory to social work.Bridging the knowledge gaps between the diversity literature and the practical literature, Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations supplies clinical social work professionals, educators, and counselors with tools and concepts for effective, efficient practice.

Contemporary Clinical Practice: The Holding Environment Under Assault is devoted to the examination of contemporary social problems and their impact on the clinical process. State-of-the-art psychodynamic theories will be applied to the understanding of how war, terrorism, politics, government regulations, and other environmental problems influence interactions between clinicians and their patients.

Attachment-Based Social Work with Children and Adolescents is a wide-ranging look at attachment theory and research, its application to youth populations, and its natural fit with the social work profession. This book covers the applicability of attachment theory to the profession’s various domains that include human behavior, practice, policy, research, and social work education. In particular, it addresses the broad spectrum of clinical social work, including practice in a variety of public and private settings and with a number of diverse populations. The book highlights the contribution of the social work profession to the development of attachment theory and research.

Social work and relational theory have long been clinical comrades, given their shared goals and ideals. This close fit continues to be productive as client populations and their needs grow more diverse.Clinical Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations sorts through vital matters of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and social status--and addresses groups and issues often seen in practice but rarely encountered in print--with a profound understanding of the healing power of relational-based treatment. Case examples illustrate all stages of social work process, offering practice guidelines for working with members of diverse groups while emphasizing the uniqueness of every therapeutic dyad. The coverage recognizes the multiple relationships that comprise individuals' lives as well as the individuality that co-exists within group identity. And the contributors carefully show readers how to check themselves for biases and us-versus-them thinking and how to develop confidence along with clinical skills. Included in this first-of-its-kind text:· Practice technique and research support for relational therapy.· Whiteness: Deconstruction of a practice paradox.· Racial and ethnic diversity, including African American, Latino, Asian American, and Asian Indian clients.· Religious diversity: evangelical Christians, Muslim, and Orthodox Jewish clients.· Diversity of sexual identity: LGBT clients.· Diversity of life-altering experiences: combat veterans, reentry from incarceration, homelessness.· Plus: background chapters providing a framework for applying relational theory to social work.Bridging the knowledge gaps between the diversity literature and the practical literature, Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations supplies clinical social work professionals, educators, and counselors with tools and concepts for effective, efficient practice.

Integrative Social Work Practice

Social work and relational theory have long been clinical comrades, given their shared goals and ideals. This close fit continues to be productive as client populations and their needs grow more diverse.Clinical Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations sorts through vital matters of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and social status--and addresses groups and issues often seen in practice but rarely encountered in print--with a profound understanding of the healing power of relational-based treatment. Case examples illustrate all stages of social work process, offering practice guidelines for working with members of diverse groups while emphasizing the uniqueness of every therapeutic dyad. The coverage recognizes the multiple relationships that comprise individuals' lives as well as the individuality that co-exists within group identity. And the contributors carefully show readers how to check themselves for biases and us-versus-them thinking and how to develop confidence along with clinical skills. Included in this first-of-its-kind text:· Practice technique and research support for relational therapy.· Whiteness: Deconstruction of a practice paradox.· Racial and ethnic diversity, including African American, Latino, Asian American, and Asian Indian clients.· Religious diversity: evangelical Christians, Muslim, and Orthodox Jewish clients.· Diversity of sexual identity: LGBT clients.· Diversity of life-altering experiences: combat veterans, reentry from incarceration, homelessness.· Plus: background chapters providing a framework for applying relational theory to social work.Bridging the knowledge gaps between the diversity literature and the practical literature, Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations supplies clinical social work professionals, educators, and counselors with tools and concepts for effective, efficient practice.

Integrative Social Work Practice offers innovative ways of conceptualizing cases, communicating with clients and making better therapeutic use of client individuality. It demonstrates how to balance flexibility and boundaries and manage diverse theories.

The second edition of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work continues to bridge the gap between social work research and clinical practice, presenting EBP as both an effective approach to social work and a broader social movement.

The second edition of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work continues to bridge the gap between social work research and clinical practice, presenting EBP as both an effective approach to social work and a broader social movement.

This book is a clinician's guide to understanding, diagnosing, treating, and healing complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). C-PTSD, a diagnostic entity to be included in ICD-11 in 2022, denotes a severe form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is the result of prolonged and repeated interpersonal trauma. The author provides guidance on healing complex trauma through phase-oriented, multimodal, and skill-focused treatment approaches, with a core emphasis on symptom relief and functional improvement. Readers will gain familiarity with the integrative healing techniques and modalities that are currently being utilized as evidence-based treatments, including innovative multi-sensory treatments for trauma, in addition to learning more about posttraumatic growth and resilience. Each chapter of this guide navigates readers through the complicated field of treating and healing complex trauma, including how to work with clients also impacted by the shared collective trauma of COVID-19, and is illustrated by case examples. Topics explored include:Complex layered traumaDissociationTrauma and the bodyThe power of beliefAn overview of psychotherapy modalities for the treatment of complex traumaEgo state work and connecting with the inner childTurning wounds into wisdom: resilience and posttraumatic growthVicarious trauma and professional self-care for the trauma clinicianIt is important for clinicians to be aware of contemporary trends in treating C-PTSD. Healing Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is an essential text for mental health practitioners, clinical social workers, and other clinicians; academics; and graduate students, in addition to other professionals and students interested in C-PTSD. It is an attractive resource for an international clinical audience as we work togetherto heal, affirm, and unburden clients following this time of shared collective trauma.

This book is a clinician's guide to understanding, diagnosing, treating, and healing complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). C-PTSD, a diagnostic entity to be included in ICD-11 in 2022, denotes a severe form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is the result of prolonged and repeated interpersonal trauma. The author provides guidance on healing complex trauma through phase-oriented, multimodal, and skill-focused treatment approaches, with a core emphasis on symptom relief and functional improvement. Readers will gain familiarity with the integrative healing techniques and modalities that are currently being utilized as evidence-based treatments, including innovative multi-sensory treatments for trauma, in addition to learning more about posttraumatic growth and resilience. Each chapter of this guide navigates readers through the complicated field of treating and healing complex trauma, including how to work with clients also impacted by the shared collective trauma of COVID-19, and is illustrated by case examples. Topics explored include:Complex layered traumaDissociationTrauma and the bodyThe power of beliefAn overview of psychotherapy modalities for the treatment of complex traumaEgo state work and connecting with the inner childTurning wounds into wisdom: resilience and posttraumatic growthVicarious trauma and professional self-care for the trauma clinicianIt is important for clinicians to be aware of contemporary trends in treating C-PTSD. Healing Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is an essential text for mental health practitioners, clinical social workers, and other clinicians; academics; and graduate students, in addition to other professionals and students interested in C-PTSD. It is an attractive resource for an international clinical audience as we work togetherto heal, affirm, and unburden clients following this time of shared collective trauma.

This contributed volume reflects on the collective wisdom and ongoing efforts of the social work profession that has been in the forefront of the global pandemic of COVID-19. The contributors are seasoned social work academics, practitioners, administrators, and researchers. Working on the frontlines with patients and families, these social workers have garnered experiences and insights, and also have developed innovative ways to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the psychosocial well-being of their clients and themselves. The 36 reflections, experiences, and insights in this curated collection address the behavioral, mental health, socioeconomic, and other repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic that have impacted their client base, most of whom are vulnerable populations:Repurposed, Reassigned, Redeployed Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic Violence: How COVID-19 Shifts the FocusCOVID-19 and Moral Distress/Moral Anguish Therapeutic Support for Healthcare Workers in Acute Care: Our VoiceShared Trauma and Harm Reduction in the Time of COVID-19Wholeheartedness in the Treatment of Shared Trauma: Special Considerations During the COVID-19 PandemicThe Role of Ecosocial Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Natural WorldBlack Lives, Mass Incarceration, and the Perpetuity of Trauma in the Era of COVID-19: The Road to Abolition Social WorkTeaching Social Work Practice in the Shared Trauma of a Global Pandemic The COVID-19 Self-Care Survival Guide: A Framework for Clinicians to Categorize and Utilize Self-Care Strategies and PracticesShared Trauma, Shared Resilience During a Pandemic: Social Work in the Time of COVID-19 is an early and essential work on the impact of the pandemic on the social work field with useful practice wisdom for a broad audience. It can be assigned in masters-level social work practice and elective courses on trauma, as well as inform both neophyte and experienced practitioners. It also would appeal to the general public interested in the work of social workers during a pandemic.

This contributed volume reflects on the collective wisdom and ongoing efforts of the social work profession that has been in the forefront of the global pandemic of COVID-19. The contributors are seasoned social work academics, practitioners, administrators, and researchers. Working on the frontlines with patients and families, these social workers have garnered experiences and insights, and also have developed innovative ways to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the psychosocial well-being of their clients and themselves. The 36 reflections, experiences, and insights in this curated collection address the behavioral, mental health, socioeconomic, and other repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic that have impacted their client base, most of whom are vulnerable populations:Repurposed, Reassigned, Redeployed Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic Violence: How COVID-19 Shifts the FocusCOVID-19 and Moral Distress/Moral Anguish Therapeutic Support for Healthcare Workers in Acute Care: Our VoiceShared Trauma and Harm Reduction in the Time of COVID-19Wholeheartedness in the Treatment of Shared Trauma: Special Considerations During the COVID-19 PandemicThe Role of Ecosocial Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Natural WorldBlack Lives, Mass Incarceration, and the Perpetuity of Trauma in the Era of COVID-19: The Road to Abolition Social WorkTeaching Social Work Practice in the Shared Trauma of a Global Pandemic The COVID-19 Self-Care Survival Guide: A Framework for Clinicians to Categorize and Utilize Self-Care Strategies and PracticesShared Trauma, Shared Resilience During a Pandemic: Social Work in the Time of COVID-19 is an early and essential work on the impact of the pandemic on the social work field with useful practice wisdom for a broad audience. It can be assigned in masters-level social work practice and elective courses on trauma, as well as inform both neophyte and experienced practitioners. It also would appeal to the general public interested in the work of social workers during a pandemic.

The human-animal bond may be described as a dynamic, mutually beneficial relationship between people and the animals they care for. There are a multitude of mental and physical health benefits for people who care for animals, and animals in therapy have been shown to aid a wide range of people and illnesses. Although the benefits of animal companionship have long been suspected, little is known about the research, the process, or why it works. This book provides clinicians with a history of the human-animal bond and the rationale for incorporating animals into therapy today.In this book, the author includes a discussion of the myriad of ways that clinicians can directly help people care for their pets, such as crisis intervention services, policy issues, grief counseling for pet loss, and compassion fatigue in the veterinary profession. There also is a thorough discussion of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as a distinct and unique modality. The adaptive nature of AAT is not only due to the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, but also because of the flexible nature of the model; it can be used with clients of all demographics and with most mental illnesses. Research shows that the majority of mental health practitioners believe that AAT is a valid treatment modality, but AAT has not yet been manualized and clinicians are left confused about where to start. The Human-Animal Bond in Clinical Social Work Practice is a unique and essential resource that provides guidelines for developing AAT treatment plans and integrating AAT with existing therapeutic models. The book answers the questions that social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health counselors may have about the benefits of the human-animal bond and ways to tap into that special bond in direct practice.

This textbook provides theoretical and clinical knowledge needed by social workers and other practitioners involved in humanitarian emergency response. Social workers are well positioned to serve coordinating and leadership roles in this interdisciplinary field due to their holistic training. This book weaves together micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice into integrated social work practice. Its historical account of humanitarian emergencies, coverage of social work frameworks and principles, and review of existing best practices at the clinical, community, and policy levels ground the reader in a field of social work that requires consideration of historical frameworks alongside innovative responses to the complexity of humanitarian emergencies.The contributors incorporate best practices as well as address gaps in awareness, knowledge, and skills that they have observed and studied worldwide. Some of the topics explored include:Social Work with Displaced Children, Women, LGBTQI+, Asylum SeekersReturn and Reintegration of Displaced Populations and Reconstruction in Post-conflict SocietiesCulture, Trauma, and Loss: Integrative Social Work Practice with Refugees and Asylum SeekersClinical Social Work Practice with Forcibly Displaced Persons Grounded in Human Rights and Social Justice PrinciplesIntegrative Social Work Practice with Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Other Forcibly Displaced Persons is adoptable as a primary text for MSW and doctoral elective courses on global social work or international social work practice with persecuted and forcibly displaced people. This textbook is targeted to clinical social work or policy courses as well, and can be supplemental reading for required courses for migration and forced displacement majors. It is also useful for social workers or interdisciplinary practitioners working around the globe with displaced populations.

This textbook provides theoretical and clinical knowledge needed by social workers and other practitioners involved in humanitarian emergency response. Social workers are well positioned to serve coordinating and leadership roles in this interdisciplinary field due to their holistic training. This book weaves together micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice into integrated social work practice. Its historical account of humanitarian emergencies, coverage of social work frameworks and principles, and review of existing best practices at the clinical, community, and policy levels ground the reader in a field of social work that requires consideration of historical frameworks alongside innovative responses to the complexity of humanitarian emergencies.The contributors incorporate best practices as well as address gaps in awareness, knowledge, and skills that they have observed and studied worldwide. Some of the topics explored include:Social Work with Displaced Children, Women, LGBTQI+, Asylum SeekersReturn and Reintegration of Displaced Populations and Reconstruction in Post-conflict SocietiesCulture, Trauma, and Loss: Integrative Social Work Practice with Refugees and Asylum SeekersClinical Social Work Practice with Forcibly Displaced Persons Grounded in Human Rights and Social Justice PrinciplesIntegrative Social Work Practice with Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Other Forcibly Displaced Persons is adoptable as a primary text for MSW and doctoral elective courses on global social work or international social work practice with persecuted and forcibly displaced people. This textbook is targeted to clinical social work or policy courses as well, and can be supplemental reading for required courses for migration and forced displacement majors. It is also useful for social workers or interdisciplinary practitioners working around the globe with displaced populations.

This book is an essential clinician's guide to understanding, unpacking, treating, and healing individual, familial, and communal wounds associated with parental incarceration. Readers gain familiarity with integrative micro and macro healing techniques and modalities that are currently being utilized as anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and innovative practices. They also develop an understanding of and deeper unpacking of their own biases within the therapeutic relationship. The book offers an extensive overview of clinical practice models such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and relational and attachment-based therapy for treating trauma symptoms associated with children of incarcerated parents, their families, and their surrounding communities. The author provides guidance on healing complex trauma through phase-oriented, multimodal, and skill-focused treatment approaches, with emphasis on strengthening one's own narrative of power and pain while building community in supportive spaces. Among the topics covered:Why Criminal Justice Is Relevant to All Clinical PractitionersImpact of Secondary Incarceration: Collateral Consequences for Children and FamiliesPsychosocial Stressors for Children of Incarcerated Parents: Conspiracy of Silence and Ambiguous LossSupervision and the Therapeutic Alliance: Critical Consciousness and Anti-racist Clinical Training and UndoingClinical Partnership: Application of Dismantling Anti-Blackness Through Anti-oppressive Practice and Critical ConsciousnessAn Integrative Approach to Clinical Social Work Practice with Children of Incarcerated Parents enhances therapeutic relationships for social workers, teaches innovative clinical practices most effective for this population, and offers a comprehensive discussion and understanding of the complex traumas faced both historically and presently by children and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Although designed to inspire and train social workers, the guide has significantly wide-ranging application for mental health and medical providers and other clinicians interested in enhancing their work with children and families impacted by the criminal justice system in diverse clinical practice settings. Lay practitioners and policymakers within government and not-for-profit settings also will find the book of interest.

This book is an essential clinician's guide to understanding, unpacking, treating, and healing individual, familial, and communal wounds associated with parental incarceration. Readers gain familiarity with integrative micro and macro healing techniques and modalities that are currently being utilized as anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and innovative practices. They also develop an understanding of and deeper unpacking of their own biases within the therapeutic relationship. The book offers an extensive overview of clinical practice models such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and relational and attachment-based therapy for treating trauma symptoms associated with children of incarcerated parents, their families, and their surrounding communities. The author provides guidance on healing complex trauma through phase-oriented, multimodal, and skill-focused treatment approaches, with emphasis on strengthening one's own narrative of power and pain while building community in supportive spaces. Among the topics covered:Why Criminal Justice Is Relevant to All Clinical PractitionersImpact of Secondary Incarceration: Collateral Consequences for Children and FamiliesPsychosocial Stressors for Children of Incarcerated Parents: Conspiracy of Silence and Ambiguous LossSupervision and the Therapeutic Alliance: Critical Consciousness and Anti-racist Clinical Training and UndoingClinical Partnership: Application of Dismantling Anti-Blackness Through Anti-oppressive Practice and Critical ConsciousnessAn Integrative Approach to Clinical Social Work Practice with Children of Incarcerated Parents enhances therapeutic relationships for social workers, teaches innovative clinical practices most effective for this population, and offers a comprehensive discussion and understanding of the complex traumas faced both historically and presently by children and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Although designed to inspire and train social workers, the guide has significantly wide-ranging application for mental health and medical providers and other clinicians interested in enhancing their work with children and families impacted by the criminal justice system in diverse clinical practice settings. Lay practitioners and policymakers within government and not-for-profit settings also will find the book of interest.

This book examines the complexities of clinical social work practice in healthcare today. It identifies many of the psychological, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of physical illness in adults. The approach draws on theories from trauma, crisis intervention and supportive counseling, as well as empirical literature from other healthcare fields. Recognizing that social work roles in healthcare range from short-term or crisis-oriented interventions to ongoing, depth-oriented relationships, the authors develop clinical assessment and intervention useful for social workers in various healthcare settings. By utilizing a common frame of clinical analysis, social workers can deepen their critical thinking skills in examining the impacts of specific illnesses and injuries on coping and wellbeing. Each chapter includes an analysis of the psychosocial impacts of the given medical condition across the following spectrums: illness or injury (by onset, course, outcome, and degree of incapacitation) relationship between nature of illness, and emotional and psychosocial functioningcommon clinical issues, and impacts of historical and current trauma end-of-life and bereavementsocial justicethe authors’ reflections on practice The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare is an essential guide for MSW students and social work professionals in healthcare.

This book examines the complexities of clinical social work practice in healthcare today. It identifies many of the psychological, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of physical illness in adults. The approach draws on theories from trauma, crisis intervention and supportive counseling, as well as empirical literature from other healthcare fields. Recognizing that social work roles in healthcare range from short-term or crisis-oriented interventions to ongoing, depth-oriented relationships, the authors develop clinical assessment and intervention useful for social workers in various healthcare settings. By utilizing a common frame of clinical analysis, social workers can deepen their critical thinking skills in examining the impacts of specific illnesses and injuries on coping and wellbeing. Each chapter includes an analysis of the psychosocial impacts of the given medical condition across the following spectrums: illness or injury (by onset, course, outcome, and degree of incapacitation) relationship between nature of illness, and emotional and psychosocial functioningcommon clinical issues, and impacts of historical and current trauma end-of-life and bereavementsocial justicethe authors’ reflections on practice The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare is an essential guide for MSW students and social work professionals in healthcare.

This book offers a state-of-the-art overview of agency-based social work practice, consistent with the values and ethical principles of the profession. Applying an anti-oppressive, liberatory social justice lens to working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other at-risk populations, the book provides contemporary theoretical frameworks and practice approaches, rich clinical examples, and practice wisdom from expert agency-based social work clinicians working in the dominant fields of practice: child welfare, education, health, mental health, youth justice, carceral systems, substance use, intimate partner violence, racial and other traumas, palliative care, world of work, and older adults. This is the essential guide for beginning social workers and supervisors practicing in diverse organizational settings. The book provides both an overview of practice in the aforementioned areas, as well as an in-depth look at intersubjective practice with the specific population. Each clinical chapter provides: the history of social work in the practice setting;an overview of the current research in the area;the predominant evidence-based practice approach(es) being used;the role(s) of the social worker in the specific setting and grounded in anti-oppressive and ethical clinical practice;an extensive case example and discussion, inclusive of the clinician's reflections and countertransference reactions;practice and supervisory wisdom offered by the authors as to how to negotiate the organizational system to best benefit their clients;evolving nature and future direction of the practice area; andreflection questions for students, instructors, and beginning clinicians.Reframing Social Work with an Anti-Oppressive Lens is primarily intended for social work students as well as beginning social workers and their supervisors who could also benefit from its contents. Chapters can readily be assigned in placement settings such that the supervisor-supervisee dyad can reflect on the core aspects of social work practice within their agency context.

"This much-needed volume brings to the clinician or student some of the best critical-minded analysis by some of the most insightful thinkers about psychiatric diagnosis today. The thought-provoking questions these essays raise, and the multifaceted and provocative answers they provide, cultivate sensitivity to the nuances of diagnostic assessment that often makes the difference between clinical success and failure." - Jerome C. Wakefield, PhD, DSW, New York University Silver School of Social Work, New YorkThis transformative resource challenges social workers and mental health professionals to rethink their approaches to assessment and diagnosis from the ground up. Among the book’s unique features are its use of diverse lenses to examine a common case and its illustration of how multiple perspectives can be integrated for a richly textured portrait of the individual in context. Equally crucial is the book’s commitment to professional development, from exercises to improve case conceptualization to ­strategies for teaching and learning.Topics include:The DSM-5 definition of mental disorder: critique and alternatives.Making assessment decisions: macro, mezzo, and micro perspectives.Neuroscience, resilience, and the embodiment of “mental” disorder.Narrative, psychodynamic, and cultural conceptualizations of disorder. Person-centered and contextualized diagnosis in mental health.Meeting the challenge of teaching integrated assessment.Critical Thinking in Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis has much to offer professionals, researchers, and educators in the fields of social work and mental health. .

Person-centered and contextualized diagnosis in mental health. Meeting the challenge of teaching integrated assessment. Critical Thinking in Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis has much to offer professionals, researchers, and educators in the fields of social work and mental health.

This practice-focused resource integrates broad therapeutic knowledge with current neuroscience to present vast possibilities for mindfulness in clinical social work. Seasoned practitioners posit mindfulness practice and process as a significant bridge between taking care of self and taking care of others, demonstrating its implications for physical and mental health in personal and professional contexts. Case studies show timeless concepts (e.g., acceptance) and new mindfulness-based ideas (e.g., learned helpfulness) in use in individual treatment as well as couples counseling and group interventions. Also attesting to the utility of mindfulness across problems, settings, and practitioner orientations, diverse applications are organized along ten robust lenses, among them:• Beginning with the context: the mind-body conundrum.• Beginning with the body: the neurobiology of mindfulness.• Beginning with the training: training clinicians in essential methods for integrating mindfulness in clinical practice.• Beginning with the clients: mindfully reconciling opposites with survivors of trauma/complex traumatic stress disorders.• Beginning with the symptom: incorporating mindfulness in the treatment of substance misuse. • Beginning with the larger social system: mindfulness and restorative justice.Clinicians and research professionals particularly interested in psychotherapy treatment and mindfulness practice will find Cultivating Mindfulness in Clinical Social Work not only stimulating and intriguing, but also a fresh source of real-world wisdom.