Counselling Skills in Social Work Practice

·In what ways is counselling relevant to contemporary social work?
·How do counselling skills integrate with social work roles and responsibilities?

This book examines these skills and their applicability, drawing from social work and counselling theories and methods using clear, practical examples. Skills are discussed with reference to social work knowledge and values illustrating how, when used competently, contextually and sensitively they can appropriately underpin good social work practice. Questions and activities for self development are linked to the practices discussed.

This new edition of Counselling Skills in Social Work Practice has been thoroughly revised to reflect the National Occupational Standards for social work which identify the importance of communication skills and a developmental understanding of people in their social contexts. The chapters are linked to the six key roles for social work practice.

This book builds on the strengths of the first edition, as well as addressing the challenges of practice in relevant legislative and policy contexts. The book includes:

·Evidence of how the competencies which underpin counselling practice are directly transferable to effective social work practice
·Practical advice on communication skills
·Examples of how to build effective working relationships; a whole chapter is now devoted to the specific skills required for working within inter-agency and multi-disciplinary teams

This book is key reading on the subject of ethical and effective social work for those teaching, studying or practising in the field.