The Hearts Narrative is an original contribution by an original thinker. This book has been eagerly awaited in New Zealand, where Johnella Bird has a substantial reputation as an innovative therapist and teacher. Johnella has succeeded in doing what many other practitioners have attempted to do. She has provided a way of thinking about therapy and people orientated work which allows for its complexity, fluidity and dignity. She offers insights and tools which do not impose upon people (clients) a predetermined one-size-fits-all model. Instead, she continually opens up the discussion and shows us new ways to explore peoples (clients) lived experience.
This book will help us:
Think more clearly and deeply about a style of talking that facilitates both therapeutic and social change within an environment of connection;
Engage with contradictions and complexities in ways that support us
rather than overwhelm us;
Ask questions that orientate us as explorers of people's lives;
Reflect and expand our practice through creative teaching exercises.
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
This unique textbook explores practice-based research (PBR), which actively engages students and practitioners to embrace research as a meaningful support for their practice. Whilst evidence-based practice gives practitioners access to information about best practices, it does not enable them to generate knowledge and new research-based interventions relevant to their own practice circumstances as PBR does. This book discusses the evolution of PBR as a distinct social work research approach; describes its principles and methods and presents a range of exemplars illustrating the application of PBR methods in different practice... More info
A solution-oriented, collaborative approach to couples therapy. All couples go through challenging times. Some survive and thrive, others don't. How can we understand and apply this distinction to couples work? This book answers that question and offers important insights into effective couples therapy. The authors cover needed theoretical ground quickly and elegantly, drawing together techniques from solution-focused, narrative and other constructionist therapies. They develop an innovative concept called the 'good story/bad story continuum'. This book will serve as a pragmatic handbook for both experienced and beginning human service workers. More info
