This book reconceives brief therapy in light of post-modern and pragmatic thinking. The result is personal consultation with a focus on conversation and inquiries that gently guide the pursuit of desire. This approach embraces a diversity of longings, goals, and ways of being in the world. The key question, underlying both the authors' research and their consultative conversations, is How can we create a space for dialogue and wonder, where purpose, preferences, and possibilities can emerge? Each inquiry is illustrated by case excerpts that show where this approach diverges from strategic and solution-focused questioning. The situations are difficult - crack addiction, marital separation, suicidal despair, etc. and yet the consultant's stance of being curios with the client leads to signs of hope and pathways towards a better future.
Relationship-based practice is founded on the idea that human relationships are of paramount importance and should be at the heart of all good social work practice. This book provides a thorough guide to relationship-based practice in social work, communicating the theory using illustrative case studies and offering a model for practice. Case examples cover the different service user groups including children, families, older people, refugees, people with disabilities and people with mental health difficulties. The book explores the ranges of emotions that practitioners may encounter, and covers working in both short-term... More info
The Magic of Metaphor presents a collection of stories designed to engage, inspire and transform the listener and the reader. Some of the stories motivate, some are spiritual, and some provide strategies for excellence. All promote positive feelings, encouraging confidence, direction and vision. The stories contained in The Magic of Metaphor focus on values, responsibility, and leadership in all its forms. They have been specially selected to promote change in people's ideas, attitudes, beliefs, visions and behaviours. These stories act as reframes, challenging and disturbing our existing frames of reference, recharting... More info
Creating Techniques and Practical Tools for Guiding Change and Enhancing Growth. The title is an affirming guide equipping family therapists to effectively incorporate positive psychology within their work with others. In a collaborative process with families Positive Psychology can help families build upon their strengths, overcome difficulties they may be experiencing and help lead them into positive directions. Positive Psychology and Family Therapy can equip therapists and family workers to cultivate a practice that encourages: empathy kindness responsibility involvement social justice teamwork Exercises and case examples are provided and as well a solid description... More info
