Advanced Clinical Social Work

by Goldstein, Eda

• ISBN13: 9780231143196
• ISBN10: 0231143192
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-08-01
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

Summary

Advanced Clinical Social Worktraces the development of relational ideas in psychodynamic practice from their origin in object relations and self psychology to their evolution in current relational theory, intersubjectivity, and attachment theory. The text also shows how social work practice has been infused with relational thinking from the beginning of the profession. Relational treatment includes an emphasis on openness and collaboration between client and therapist, mutual impact, the client's subjectivity, and the therapist's empathy, genuineness, and use of self in the therapeutic interaction. It focuses on the relationship and dialogue between client and therapist as crucial to the change process and shows the ways in which the therapeutic relationship is used to help clients and therapists bridge their differences, examine their similarities, overcome impasses, and manage enactments. The authors show how relational principles and techniques can be applied to multiple problems in social work practice, including life crises and transitions, physical and sexual abuse, mental disorders, drug addiction, and the loss of a loved one.The relational emphasis on the subjective experience of both client and therapist is beautifully illustrated throughout the book, drawn from the authors' clinical work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including gay and lesbian clients, immigrants, and clients of color. The authors also discuss the integration of relational constructs in short-term treatment and with families and groups. The book opens with a historical perspective on the role of relational thinking in social work and the evolution of relational theory in psychoanalysis. It presents an overview of the key concepts that comprise relational theory and its application throughout the treatment process, with diverse clients, and in different practice modalities. They conclude with a discussion of the challenges in learning and teaching new theoretical and practice paradigms, particularly in creating a more mutual exchange in the classroom and in supervision.

Author Biography

Eda G. Goldstein is professor emerita and director of the Post-Master's Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice at the New York University Silver School of Social Work. Her books include Ego Psychology and Social Work Practice and Object Relations Theory and Self Psychology in Social Work Practice. Dennis Miehls is an associate professor and chair of Human Behavior in the Environment Sequence at Smith College School for Social Work and coauthor of Transforming the Legacy: Couple Therapy with Survivors of Childhood Trauma. Shoshana Ringel is associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and coauthor of Attachment and Dynamic Practice.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Introduction	p. xi
The Relational Core of Social Work Practice	p. 1
Theoretical and Clinical Contributions: Phase 1	p. 18
Theoretical and Clinical Contributions: Phase 2	p. 37
Developmental Concepts	p. 54
Assessment in Relational Treatment	p. 79
Components of Relational Treatment	p. 106
Transference and Countertransference: Disruptions and Enactments	p. 131
Multicultural Issues	p. 148
Relational Principles in Brief Treatment	p. 164
Couple, Family, and Group Treatment	p. 180
The Teaching and Learning Process: In the Classroom and Supervision	p. 193
Epilogue	p. 205
References	p. 209
Index	p. 227
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