Abstract

Reflective Practice in Mental Health is the authoritative, definitive guide to psycho-social theory and practice in mental health.

Featuring contributions from eminent experts, the book uses case studies to illustrate and address the complexities and dilemmas faced by practitioners involved in mental health care, and enables the reader to reflect on their understanding. Case studies from a variety of theoretical perspectives are included, covering psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic family therapy, attachment therapy and therapeutic group-work. They also cover practice across a range of settings, including inpatient, community and children and family services.

This book will be a crucial and invaluable text for social work practitioners and social work students aiming to ensure the very best practice in mental health social work, and aims to be the seminal text for mental health psychosocial practice.

That said, this book is suitable for a much wider audience - anyone working in the support professions who wants to widen their understanding of what makes practice effective...I would recommend this book to all social workers and especially those who want to develop their career through acquiring an advanced post initial training qualification.
Behavioural Health Central, Peta Barber, area principal psychologist at Highland Council
Reflective Practice in Mental Health provides a key foundation for socially oriented practice. It integrates what is still relevant from earlier traditions (including neglected areas such as psychoanalytic perspectives), and links this to leading edge research and analysis. What is particularly refreshing is its willingness to engage with the depth and complexity of mental health difficulties - signposting a way forward that is grounded in theory and research, and taking us beyond the reactive, procedural and over-medicalised approaches that can dominate current practice.
Jerry Tew, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Birmingham, UK
An excellent book and a must for the professional who wants to further develop their knowledge and practice of psychosocial practice. It is timely as social work needs to raise its game and to establish its professional identity. Using a variety of case studies showing how a range of methods of intervention can work this makes compelling reading for those who are engaged in working with people who have mental health problems. This book will appeal to a range of mental health professional and is especially relevant for practitioners who are looking to develop advanced psychosocial practice.
Professor Malcolm Golightley, Head of the School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, UK