An International Approach to Social Work: Connecting Across Cultures to Inform Practice examines the full range of challenges that social workers around the world are called to address, including forced migration, environmental justice, human trafficking, and more. This text bridges the gap between community-based social work and global systems, encouraging students and practitioners to broaden their perspectives, while providing them with the competencies they need to confront globally interconnected challenges. The book features chapters written by experts from varied backgrounds and professional contexts. Section One focuses on the international and intercultural context of social work education. The chapters cover field placements, the role of culture in social work practice, and the importance of multicultural competencies for social workers. Section Two presents applications of multicultural competencies from global perspectives. These chapters explore topics ranging from community well-being to gender education and youth leadership to the development of refugee populations. Section Three presents additional considerations for life and work abroad for social workers. An International Approach to Social Work is an ideal resource for students and new professionals in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, and other related professions.

Since its first issue in 1988, much interesting and inspiring material has been published in Groupwork. Most of this still says much of use to today's groupworkers, and there is a steady stream of requests for reprints. We are therefore making back volumes of Groupwork available in volume form. Authors in this volume include leading academic figures in the field as well as practitioners working in the field. Any groupworker will find this material of enduring interest.

Both a manual on the various methods for working with dreams and an easily understandable description about dreamwork methods and PTSD nightmares for general readers, this book will benefit psychotherapists, counselors, academics, and students. Working with Dreams and PTSD Nightmares: 14 Approaches for Psychotherapists and Counselors is an essential tool for anyone seeking to learn how to work with dreams. It covers all major methods in use today, offering outlines of the processes with descriptive examples that make the material come alive for the reader. The clinical examples enable counselors and psychotherapists to be able to see the effectiveness of dreamwork processes, and the text clearly explains techniques so readers can use them in clinical and counseling sessions. PTSD nightmares are given special attention to serve counselors and therapists who assist PTSD patients in settings such as private practice, mental health centers, community centers, and hospitals. This book is a comprehensive textbook appropriate for courses on psychology and dreams. Readers who are interested in dreamwork methods but have not previously worked in the field will find the information accessible, concise, and clear. Summarizes dreamwork theories and describes techniques that counselors and psychotherapists can use whether their clients presents one dream, a recurring dream, or a nightmare Presents clear and concise explanations from top professionals on how their methods can be applied to uncover the deeper meaning of dreams, accompanied by illustrative examples for the reader Explains how various practical dreamwork methods are informed by clinical theories

" ... Take advantage of this resource to effectively enhance your ability to exercise faith within life's decisions."
-Anthony L. Johnson PhD, author of To Be Determined Director, Growing Through Life Experiences, Inc., Colleyville, Texas

In Life under Construction, seasoned minister Kenneth Raymond utilizes biblical wisdom to help individuals with high-impact decision-making.

With more than twenty years of experience in faith-based leadership, Kenneth Raymond encourages believers to follow the will of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit to improve decision-making. While portraying the decision-making process utilized to achieve the visions

God provided to role models Adam, Abraham, Joseph, and other biblical figures, Kenneth Raymond teaches Christians how to:
Close the door on negativity by eliminating errors in judgment caused by external influences. Understand how God continues to teach individuals how to employ their gifts and His strategies to reach their destinies. Seize the opportunity to develop new skills for long-term success. Learn how to maximize the power of God's word and the Holy Spirit to overcome obstacles in life. God's desire is that each of us lives our days in prosperity and our years in pleasure. Life under Construction aids the Body of Christ in moving forward in the plans of God by providing real answers to real problems.

What is at the root of the problem of humanity? Is it pride or lack of self-esteem? Do we love ourselves too much or too little? The debate about the human condition has often been framed this way in both theological and psychological circles. Convictions about preaching, teaching, marriage and child rearing, as well as politics, social welfare, business management and the helping professions, more often than not, fall on one side or the other of this divide. With theological and psychological insight Terry D. Cooper provides trenchant analysis of this centuries-long debate and leads us beyond the usual impasse. Humanistic psychology has often regarded traditional Christianity as its archrival in assessing the human condition. Cooper demonstrates how the Christian doctrine of a sinful and fallen humanity sheds light on the human condition which exhibits both pride and self-denigration. Bringing theological insights ranging from Augustine and John Calvin to Reinhold Niebuhr together with the psychological theories of Freud, Jung, Carl Rogers, Gerald May and Karen Horney, Cooper guides readers through the maze of competing claims to a resolution which affirms Christian conviction while critically engaging modern psychological theory. A model of the proper integration of Christian theology and the discipline of psychology, Sin, Pride & Self-Acceptance will be of special help to students and practitioners of psychology, pastoral counseling and clinical psychology.

Trainee therapists need to show practical competence through the production of client reports and case studies. Reporting in Counselling and Psychotherapy is a unique hands-on guide to this element of practical work. Using clinical examples to guide the reader, and a detailed analysis of case study and process report writing, it will show how to present clear, concise and properly presented reports. The book will be an invaluable tool, not only for those embarking on a practical training in psychotherapy, counselling and psychology, but also for trainers in these areas and for clinicians writing clinical reports or case presentations.

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This book examines a variety of psychological intervention strategies used in counseling and therapy to bring about change. It is a handbook of strategies which reviews major forms of interventions, reviews research evidence of effectiveness, and challenges existing theoretical boundaries. In contrast to existing handbooks, Ballou offers interventions identified by their goal of change, rather than by a particular theoretical orientation or the kind of difficulty the client is undergoing. Each chapter describes a strategy, presents clear instruction for its use, and considers appropriate and inappropriate uses for the strategy. Each chapter also addresses the research evidence underlying claims of effectiveness. Edited by an academic and practitioner of counseling psychology, the book seeks to address the needs of both professionals in the field and students and scholars in the academic community.

A series of essays considering the use of social groupwork with offenders in carceral and community settings

No one wants to be sued. A lawsuit is an assault on one 's self-image, reputation, and livelihood. It is physically, mentally, and financially draining. The purpose of this book is (1) to provide genetic counselors with varying levels of experience and expertise with heightened awareness of the sources and processes of the law as it can affect their practice; (2) to offer them strategies for minimizing the potential for their being named in a lawsuit; and (3) to provide guidance for the management of current and emerging situations. This is the first book specifically addressing genetic counseling, as opposed to general healthcare risk management.

All cultures use story as a way to make sense of life experiences. Yet for many, particularly in the western world, only a single story line is seen as the "real truth." Using narrative therapy as a caregiving approach can help individuals uncover multilayered narratives that are far more complex and liberating. Coyle contends that not only are these more complex narratives more helpful in giving our lives meaning, they also critique the cultural discourses in which they arose. Drawing on both theological approaches and real life experiences, Coyle creates a contextual pastoral theology that helps caregivers find the power of God in people's stories.

"One problem with evangelistic sermons is that they look and sound like evangelistic sermons." So says Craig Loscalzo, respected preacher and teacher of preachers. He believes in the gospel and its unique power, but knows that today's pastors no longer proclaim the gospel in a more or less "Christian" culture. Our pluralistic setting means that the evangelistic sermons of yesterday--which assumed a common premise and deep respect for Christian authorities--can no longer work so smoothly. So here you will find invaluable guidance in shaping evangelistic sermons that are fresh and appealing to today's unbeliever. Evangelistic Preaching that Connects includes a rationale for evangelistic preaching, sample sermons and practical direction, making it ideal for working pastors and seminary students alike.

In recent years researchers in human personality have come to a rarely achieved near unanimous conclusion: human personality is structured around a very few major traits, probably five in number. These factors, sometimes called the Big Five and represented by the acronym OCEAN, are Openness to experience Conscientiousness Extroversion Agreeableness Neuroticism How does this Five-Factor Model fit with a Christian understanding of human nature? How does it compare or contrast with the way Jesus lived, taught and counseled? James Beck looks at prominent themes in the teaching and ministry of Jesus and how they relate to the five personality factors. Here is a study of the Christian implications of the new model--a study that will offer fresh insights for students, pastors and therapists alike.

"Prayer in Counseling ... The Practitioner's Handbook" is a bold apologetic for seeing greater use of prayer with the practice of counseling and psychotherapy in faith-based community, pastoral, and mainstream counseling settings. Using the evidence-based results of the best research studies and client surveys on the efficacy of prayer, the choice to integrate prayer with therapy is philosophically and empirically analyzed from every vantage. Practical examples, key filtering questions, and "tried and true" guidelines help the reader find a balance between the two extremes of avoidance/neglect of prayer as well as excessive/unwise usage. Gathering the best wisdom from the existing literature, the author builds a strong case to view prayer and counseling as unique but complementary avenues for dynamic change in a person's life. In light of potential counseling dilemmas and the need for healthy accountability "Prayer in Counseling" provides a roadmap to navigate the challenging ethical considerations of when and how to integrate prayer into therapy. Scriptural hindrances to effective prayer are identified and then contrasted against biblical principles and practical direction to make prayer a powerful, healing, and successful spiritual intervention in the counseling arena.

This edited collection addresses how therapy can engage with issues of race, culture, religion and spirituality. It is a response to the need for practitioners to further their understanding and skills base in developing ways of appropriately responding to the interconnectivity of these evolving issues.

Recognizing that real-world school counselor practice rarely fits into traditional models or timetables, Solution-Focused Counseling: An Evidence-Based Approach for School Counselors provides readers with evidence-based and effective interventions that work within the realities of time-limited constraints. The text posits that school counselor need to employ models of service that are non-pathologizing in perspective, collaborative, and flexible in approach and which engage students' strengths and previous successes in coping. It offers readers greater insight into the unique perspective and approach that is solution-focused counseling to help future school counselors translate the theory into practice. Each chapter includes a description of theoretical constructs supported by research, case illustrations, analyses of counselor actions and decision-making processes, and guided practice exercises to bring the material to life. Individual chapters address finding hope in the inevitability of change, scaling, creative adaptations for younger students, solution-focused small group and classroom application, and more. A highly practical textbook with emphasis on application in the school counseling setting, Solution-Focused Counseling is an ideal resource for graduate-level programs and courses in school counseling, as well as practitioners within the discipline.

Working with Grief and Traumatic Loss: Theory, Practice, Personal Reflection, and Self-Care provides clinicians with a wide range of personal loss and grief examples from seasoned therapists while also considering grief through the lens of diverse cultural, religious, and theoretical perspectives. This unique text shares practicing clinicians' personal journeys of loss in myriad forms, including spousal, child and parental death, suicide, genocide, mass disasters, loss of physical health, miscarriage and beyond, in order to strengthen the frameworks through which grief is viewed, help readers more deeply understand its global context, and emphasize the relevance of personal experience when engaging in practice. Opening chapters review historical and modern theories of grief and loss, bereavement, and mourning rituals, as well as current evidence-based interventions and promising new practice methods. Later chapters transition from theoretical constructs and current research to intimate, personal stories of loss from licensed therapists, such as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and social workers who experienced loss while in practice. Readers are introduced to a wide range of perspectives on grief, loss, and death with emphasized viewpoints from worldwide religions such as Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, and countries such as Taiwan, Kenya, and Guatemala. Readers learn about the importance of integrating self-care into practice and discover strategies for continued self-reflection practices to maintain personal and professional health while simultaneously supporting clients through their grief journey. The book features classroom exercises and an annotated bibliography to facilitate additional learning opportunities. Working with Grief and Traumatic Loss is an ideal resource for social work, psychology, counseling, marriage and family, and grief and loss courses, as well as clinicians interested in deepening their practice.

The Solution Focused Approach with Children and Young People: Current Thinking and Practice brings together leading figures and innovative practitioners from different professions, contexts and countries to provide a unique overview of Solution Focused work with children and young people. Presenting a range of applications in individual, group and community work, it puts the spotlight on diverse fields, exploring how the Solution Focused approach can work in real-world contexts. This book showcases a powerful, engaging approach which helps children and young people find the resources and strengths to manage difficulties and make the most of their lives. It contains interesting case studies, narrative descriptions of original practice, programmes of work developed using Solution Focused principles, and thought-provoking discussions of key elements of practice. With chapters presenting perspectives from coaching, therapy, consultancy and education, and applications including learning assessments, child protection, bereavement, edge of care, and youth offending, the book provides an overview of the current state of practice and provides pointers to potential new developments. The Solution Focused Approach with Children and Young People will help both experienced practitioners and those new to the approach to develop and update their knowledge and skills, as well as introducing them to creative and cutting-edge tools to inspire fresh ideas and thinking. It will be essential reading for Solution Focused practitioners and students, as well as coaches, social workers, school counsellors and mental health professionals working with children and young people.

Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy offers mental health professionals of all disciplines and orientations the most comprehensive and rigorous introduction to the art of integrating contemplative psychology, ethics, and practices, including mindfulness, compassion, and embodiment techniques. It brings together clinicians, scholars, and thought leaders of unprecedented caliber, featuring some of the most eminent pioneers in the rapidly growing field of contemplative psychotherapy. The new edition offers an expanded array of effective contemplative interventions, contemplative psychotherapies, and contemplative approaches to clinical practice. New chapters discuss how contemplative work can effect positive psychosocial change at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels to address racial, gender, and other forms of systemic oppression. The new edition also explores the cross-cultural nuances in the integration of Buddhist psychology and healing practices by Western researchers and clinicians and includes the voices of leading Tibetan doctors. Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy offers a profound and synoptic overview of one of psychotherapy's most intriguing and promising fields.