Discovering Theory in Clinical Practice

Book excerpt: This theory-focused casebook provides the reader with an overview of multiple counseling theories and utilizes specific cases representing a variety of clients to demonstrate the integration of theory in clinical counseling and social work practice. Through the use of dynamic cases, the reader is shown how theory informs day-to-day practice. Each theoretical case study includes a section on cultural considerations and discussion questions: Object Relations Theory: The Case of Elyse Self Psychology Theory: The Case of Evan Person-Centered Therapy: The Case of Tommy Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: The Case of Jim Relational Cultural Theory: The Case of Monica Systems Theory: The Case of Esperanza Experiential Therapy: The Case of Sam Discovering Theory in Clinical Practice: A Casebook for Clinical Counseling and Social Work Practice is an essential text for instructors to teach the development of a theoretical foundation that easily integrates into core topics of relevance for graduate students in social work, counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and human behavior who intend to work with a diverse set of client populations. The book also will be a great asset to early-career practitioners and clinical supervision participants who are continuing to build a professional working template of skills in both theory and practice as they conceptualize patient problems and develop treatment plans.