Direct practice foundation courses in social work prepare students for every step of the problem-solving process, yet too often emphasize the what and the why of practice at the expense of the how. This practical, easy-to-use, and hands-on guide bridges this gap by illustrating the helping skills that practitioners can actually use to influence people's lives in positive ways. Integrating two major helping models--motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy--it equips students with the techniques and skills necessary for activating client strengths throughout the problem-solving process. Helping Skills for Social Work Direct Practice presents a wealth of sample dialogue, exercises, tips, and do's and don'ts, all designed to encourage learning by doing. This workbook helps make the links between theory and practice with these unique features:

Jacqueline Corcoran, PhD, is Professor of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.

• PART I: INTRODUCTION


• Introduction and Overview


• PART II: ENGAGEMENT


• 1. Meeting Clients


• 2. Engagement Techniques with Emily Brown and Bryan Norman


• PART III: ASSESSMENT


• A. Exploring the Problem


• 3. Open-Ended Questions


• 4. Reflecting Statements


• 5. Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Problem and Change


• 6. Exploring the Solution


• PART IV: GOAL SETTING AND INTERVENTION


• 7. Goal Setting


• B. Intervention


• 8. Problem Solving


• 9. Advice Giving with Melisa Atkeson


• 10. Implementing the Plan and Handling Lack of Compliance


• PART V: EVALUATION AND TERMINATION


• 11. Evaluation and Termination


• PART VI: ETHICS


• 12. Operationalizing Ethics with William Hayden and Melisa Atkeson


• References


• Index