Reshaping Theory in Contemporary Social Work : Toward a Critical Pluralism in Clinical Practice

William Borden's persuasive collection of original essays reaffirms the place of theory in social work practice, showing how different theoretical models, therapeutic languages, and modes of intervention strengthen eclectic and integrative approaches to psychosocial intervention. A distinguished group of scholars and practitioners examine emerging developments in cognitive theory, psychodynamic thought, resilience research and family therapy, psychobiography and narrative perspectives, and conceptions of place and environment in psychosocial intervention. They introduce integrative frameworks for intervention and examine a series of crucial issues in the field, including the role of theory in evidence-based practice, the development of practice wisdom, and the ways in which conceptions of love, acceptance, and social justice influence theorizing and practice. The contributors to this volume, each one carefully selected, reaffirm the framing perspectives and core values of the social work profession and identify fundamental challenges and tasks in developing theory and practice. Exploring contemporary yet no less essential concerns, they reflect the richness and creativity of theorizing in our time. Taking multiplicity seriously : pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives in clinical social work / William Borden Why cognitive therapy needs social work / Sharon Berlin The cognitivization of psychoanalysis : toward an integration of psychodynamic and cognitive theories / Jerome C. Wakefield and Judith C. Baer Social work, psychobiography, and the study of lives / James J. Clark Place matters : toward a rejuvenated theory of environment for direct social work practice / Susan P. Kemp A family resilience framework for clinical practice : integrating developmental theory and systemic perspectives / Froma Walsh Love and justice : a silenced language of integrated practice? / Janet L. Finn The role of theory in conducting evidence-based clinical practice / Stanley McCracken and Tina Rzepnicki Practice theory : ideas embedded in a wise person's professional process / Malcolm Payne. Taking multiplicity seriously : pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives in clinical social work / William Borden Why cognitive therapy needs social work / Sharon Berlin The cognitivization of psychoanalysis : toward an integration of psychodynamic and cognitive theories / Jerome C. Wakefield and Judith Baer Social work, psychobiography, and the study of lives / James J. Clark Place matters : toward a rejuvenated theory of environment for direct social work practice / Susan P. Kemp Integrating developmental theory and systemic perspectives : a family resilience framework for clinical practice / Froma Walsh Love and justice : a silenced language of integrated practice? / Janet Finn The role of theory in conducting evidence-based clinical practice / Stanley McCracken and Tina Rzepnicki Practice theory : ideas embedded in a wise persons professional process / Malcolm Payne.