Counselling Skills for Social Workers

Counselling skills are essential for social work practice, involving listening and providing compassionate empathy without judgment. This book provides a theoretical understanding of the core skills required to provide effective counseling interventions, including talking and responding, listening and observing, and thinking. It also discusses the skills required to deliver interventions consistent with motivational interviewing, solution-focused work, and group work, with illustrative case examples and exercises for reflection and skill development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Counselling skills are undeniably powerful, as they involve the art of truly listening and offering compassionate empathy without judgment. This fundamental aspect of social work practice is crucial in establishing trust and rapport with service users.

This comprehensive book offers a theoretical foundation for developing the essential skills required to provide effective counselling interventions. It delves into three core skills: talking and responding, listening and observing, and thinking. Through over 11 chapters, these skills are explored in depth, covering their meanings, acquisition, application, potential misuse, and integration into a coherent and evidence-informed counselling approach.

Moreover, the book examines the skills necessary to deliver interventions that align with three distinct approaches: Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Work, and Group work. Numerous illustrative case examples and exercises provide valuable opportunities for reflection, self-awareness, and skill development. This makes the book an essential resource for social work students, professionals seeking to enhance their counselling skills, and individuals working in the helping professions.

Throughout the text, terms such as social worker, therapist, and counsellor are used to contextualize counselling skills within the realm of social work. By understanding these roles, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities involved in providing counselling services to individuals in need.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable asset for anyone seeking to develop or refine their counselling skills. Its comprehensive coverage of core skills, theoretical foundations, and practical applications makes it an essential resource for social work students, professionals, and anyone passionate about helping others.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138504202