Doing Relationship-Based Social Work

Book excerpt: Relationships and communication are the foundation of good social work practice. This book offers a new model, drawn from research and practical experience, which describes how to carry out effective relationship-based social work. Doing Relationship-Based Social Work provides a refreshing and realistic approach to social work practice. The model itself is built around four stages: engagement, negotiation, enabling change and valuing endings. Underpinned by motivational interviewing techniques, strengths focused practice, emotional intelligence and empowerment, the approach is supported by case examples and explanations of the importance of relationships at each stage. Informative and practical, this book will be an invaluable text for undergraduate and postgraduate social work students as well as all social work and allied professionals committed to enabling positive change.