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.

Acknowledgments Introduction Part One. Theory and Practice: Orienting Perspectives 1. Taking Multiplicity Seriously: Pluralism, Pragmatism, and Integrative Perspectives in Clinical Social Work, by William BordenPart Two. Inner Experience and Outer Realities 2. Why Cognitive Therapy Needs Social Work, by Sharon Berlin3. The Cognitivization of Psychoanalysis: Toward an Integration of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Theories, by Jerome C. Wakefield and Judith Baer4. Social Work, by Psychobiography, by James J. Clark5. Place Matters: Toward a Rejuvenated Theory of Environment for Direct Social Work Practice, by Susan P. Kemp6. Integrating Developmental Theory and Systemic Perspectives: A Family Resilience Framework for Clinical Practice, by Froma WalshPart Three. Theory by Practice 7. Love and Justice: A Silenced Language of Integrated Practice?, by Janet Finn8. The Role of Theory in Conducting Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, by Stanley McCracken and Tina Rzepnicki9. Practice Theory: Ideas Embedded in a Wise Person's Professional Process, by Malcolm Payne List of ContributorsIndex