This crisp text, by one of social work's most highly regarded commentators offers the perfect entry point into the complex world of social work theory. Written in a clear conversational style and organized into short, clearly labelled chapters, students and practitioners will find this an invaluable point of refreshment and reference.

Social Work Theory.- Origins.- Casework and Social Reform.- Cause and Function.- Psychoanalytic Theory.- Attachment Theory.- Behavioural Therapies.- Cognitive Therapies.- Cognitive-Behavioural Social Work.- Task-centred work.- Be Responsible, Think Positive.- Solution-focused Approaches.- The Strengths Perspective.- Systemic and Ecological Approaches.- Radical Social Work.- Critical Social Work.- Feminist Social Work.- Anti-oppressive Practices and Empowerment.- Relationship-based Social Work.- Person-centred Approaches.- Reflection and Reflexivity.- Wellbeing.- Brains for Social Workers.- Critical Best Practice.- The Best in Theory

Learning about social work theory is a bit like hot air ballooning – it's about looking at the world from above and going on a voyage of discovery to find out what guides social work practice.   In 25 clearly labelled chapters, this book explains and discusses social work theory in a crisp, clear and accessible way. Whether you're a student, a newly qualified social worker or a 'seasoned' professional you will find plenty in this book to inform, enlighten and refresh you. Written by David Howe, one of the top British writers in social work, his simple, easy-to-read style makes this text ideal for quick reference in lectures, on placement or in practice.   A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory manages to be both compact and comprehensive. You will return to this 'can't live without it' text time and time again.

"A comprehensive yet concise introduction to social work theory. A must for every social work student." - Martin Sheedy, Lecturer at Liverpool John Moore's University, UK "An excellent text that is "non-threatening" for new students, who can gain an overall picture of the range of theory available to them." - Kay Wall, Lecturer at North East Worcestershire College, UK "A wonderous handbook, excellent." - Nigel Horner, Lecturer at University of Lincoln, UK 'Howe clearly explains his aspiration for this book, stating that he hopes it will "excite" the reader, and excite it does. I would highly recommend that you chose this title for your collection, and refer to it often in your attempts to understand human beings and the situations they find themselves within.' - Community Care 'useful for all social work educators and researchers who have tended to adopt, sometimes uncritically, the latest 'truths' in theory and practice emerging from the English-speaking world, to read Howe's book and perhaps avoid the pitfalls of accepting single theories or models of practice that might not fit their contexts.' - European Journal of Social Work

Organised into short, clearly labelled chapters that give compact but invaluable coverage of a variety of social work theoriesReferences to key figures in the history of social work, helping to put theory into contextA bibliography, offering a wide range of further reading suggestions