Theories for Direct Social Work Practice

by Joseph Walsh

Walsh's text incorporates concise, comprehensive coverage of eleven major clinical practice theories commonly used in assessment, planning, and intervention tasks with individuals, families, and groups. The book's scope encompasses a broad view of the field of practice, yet still allows students to look closely at each theory discussed.

Genres: Social Work, School, Psychology, Textbooks, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

LCMHC

Reviews

[Althea]

This was an exceptionally solid book on social work practice which includes the theories themselves, the history that developed them to how they look now (vs. 1970's, etc.), and case studies.

This is simply one of the best organized works I have read for any course. Each chapter is devoted to a theory for practice (TFP) and then each chapter is divided into similar sections so that when you need to reference or compare theories, it is easy enough to know where to locate the information you are looking for. Very readable although naturally dense due to the subject matter, it is truly the best introduction to practice I have read and been forced to read.

[latinabooklover]

Good book. Covers all the topics well. Has handy bullet point overview at the end of each chapter. I liked it.

[Lisa King]

A realistic read. Not merely academic.

[Alcqueline]

This is an excellent book to read for direct social work practice with clients. It provides information on various theories used in the field of social work. It discusses theories, interventions, and problem areas, along with critiques of them. I recommend it for those interested in a more in-depth look at direct social work practice for individual or group therapeutic sessions.

[carina Whitney]

Good text

I enjoyed this textbook it was easy to read and had a lot of information needed in social work services

[Aimee Kinning]

A quintessential classic for all new social workers. Walsh explains theory and practice in an easy to understand and applicable way.

[Emily Moats]

Really enjoyed the material and the format in which it was presented.

[Chelsea]

Used this for an MSW practice class. The book does a good job of covering main social work theories, their history, assumptions, interventions, and social justice applications. Found this book helpful for understanding and developing my own practice perspective. My only criticism is that Feminist Theory was not included.

[Alex Chiang]

I've never been as enamored with a textbook's organizational structure as I have been when reading this book. Every chapter is laid out so that each theory's history, philosophy, and application flow logically out of one another. I highly recommend this book to any novice social worker looking to begin developing their practice theory.

[Trisha]

Very helpful, easy-to-read, and applicable to doing therapy. I will keep this book handy and reference it many times, I am sure.

[Leif Burton]

very readable.

[Denise Cavalcante]

Good explanations of social work theories.
Not supposed to be fun!