In this exceptional new sixth edition, the author has retained the practical framework for offering immediate problem-solving assistance to persons in crisis. Therefore, the goal of this updated and expanded edition is to provide knowledge and methods applicable to particular crisis circumstances. Specific topics include: core concepts that are fundamental to all intervention efforts, crisis theory and the philosophy of crisis intervention, basic communication and problem-solving skills, suicide prevention, assistance for terminally ill persons, bereavement counseling, intervention with crime victims, rape counseling, negotiating with armed perpetrators, group strategies, family and marital interventions, disaster relief, case management, physical facilities, modes of contact, community relations, selection, training, and burnout prevention procedures. The handbook also details a review of the research on crisis intervention and how individual intervenors can build upon that knowledge. Numerous case examples presented in the handbook (with fictitious names) are based on actual occurrences the author has encountered. The techniques in this book are applicable to crisis centers, hotlines, Internet-based services, victim-assistance programs, college counseling centers, hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, children and youth programs, and other human service settings. The Study Questions at the end of each chapter are designed to serve as useful applications of crisis intervention theories and principles. Intended for caregivers whose work involves crisis intervention efforts, this is an informative resource for counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, physicians, clergy, correctional officers, parole and probation officers, and lay volunteers.

If building relationships and encouraging productive change are enterprises you wish to learn, this book is for you. In this new edition, previously titled SUPPORTIVE INTERVIEWING IN HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, all of the material has been updated with regard to supporting research. The basic system that is presented is simple and straightforward, enabling the reader to keep in mind the fundamental concepts and allowing for the freedom to be flexible, spontaneous, creative, and natural. To increase the reader's understanding, the chapters have been arranged in the following order: Chapter 1 discusses several basic issues regarding the development and use of helping skills. Chapter 2 explores common modes of response. In Chapter 3, several ingredients are provided that foster positive relationships. Chapter 4 presents a step-by-step approach to problem solving. Chapter 5 examines responses that can detract from your efforts. In Chapter 6, a straightforward approach is presented to establishing goals, objectives, and plans. Chapter 7 describes channels of nonverbal information and commonly encountered nonverbal messages. Chapter 8 highlights endeavors that take center stage before, during, and after scheduled appointments. And Chapter 9 considers the needs of several groups: children, older persons, clients having low socioeconomic status, psychotic individuals, and persons experiencing long-standing issues. It will be appropriate for use by human service workers such as social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors and others. Performance in any of these arenas, and a host of others, can be enhanced by the communication skills taught in this book.

"This updated and expanded fourth edition continues the theme of the previous edition emphasizing the current supporting research towards the building of relationships, and encouraging productive change between human service workers and their clients. The text arranged the chapters in the following manner: Chapter 1 discusses several basic issues regarding the development and use of helping skills. Chapter 2 explores common modes of response. Chapter 3 encounters several ingredients that foster positive relationships. Chapter 4 presents a step-by-step approach to problem solving. Chapter 5 examines responses that can detract from efforts made. Chapter 6 presents a straightforward approach to establishing goals, objectives, and plans. Chapter 7 describes channels of nonverbal information and commonly encountered nonverbal messages. Chapter 8 highlights endeavors that take center stage before, during, and after scheduled appointments. Chapter 9 considers the needs of several groups such as children and older persons, clients having low socioeconomic status, individuals experiencing psychosis and longstanding issues, and other individuals. New and supporting research for the following topics are included: the helping alliance; client feedback; communication; self-efficacy and stress in helping skills students; responding to negative feelings; methods for implementing plans; person-centered decision making that is required by law (under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) for certain older and disabled individuals; gender; cultural heritage; and ethnicity. In addition, there are multiple-choice questions, as well as short-answer and fill-in-the-response items. Two complete client interviews are included, which will illustrate the value of the skills demonstrated with the person being interviewed. The text is further enhanced by an appendix offering numerous tools such as exercises and forms. This informative book is designed for human resource professionals, counselors, social workers, and other related helping professionals"--

The second edition of Skills and Techniques for Human Service Professionals: Counseling Environment, Helping Skills, Treatment Issues provides readers with valuable information about how the counseling environment impacts the helping relationship, ways of delivering critical helping skills, and the necessity of understanding important treatment issues when working with clients and consumers. Section I focuses on the counseling environment. Whereas Chapter 1 highlights eight important characteristics of the effective helper, Chapter 2 examines how the client experiences the agency when first entering it. This chapter focuses on such things as agency atmosphere, physical space, and nonverbal behaviors of the helper. In Section II, chapters move from the most basic foundational skills to more advanced skills and specialized training. Coverage includes honoring and respecting the client, being curious, delimiting power and developing an equal relationship, non-pathologizing, listening, reflections, paraphrasing, and basic empathy. Readers also learn about affirmation giving, encouragement, and support; offering alternatives; information and advice giving; modeling; self-disclosure; collaboration; advocacy; information gathering and solution-focused questions; advanced empathy; confrontation; assessing for suicidality and homicidality; crisis, disaster, and trauma helping; token economies; positive helping; and coaching. Section III focuses on important treatment issues in human services including case management, culturally competent counseling, guidelines for working with diverse populations, and ethical decision-making when working with all clients.

Helping children, disabled people, the unemployed, the elderly or homeless people can be inspiring work. However you can only help other people effectively if you understand your role clearly and know how to navigate the organisation in which you work. Professional Practice in Human Service Organisations examines what it means to be a professional in human service work, and how to develop excellence in professional practice. Making explicit what is often held as tacit knowledge in day to day practice, the authors explain the dynamics of human service organisations. They outline the challenges worker can face in caring for vulnerable people while at the same time fulfilling expectations of management and funding bodies. They explain the importance of understanding the complex networks of service delivery systems, including the role of information technology. They also examine how workers can maintain professional relations with clients, colleagues and other workers by developing skills in advocacy and in handling conflict, complaints and ethical dilemmas. Professional Practice in Human Service Organisations is essential reading for practitioners new to roles in social work, community work, youth work and related fields.

`This work provides some tools for sharpening thinking, writing and practice. It is a readable, accessible and highly relevant text, suitable for all social workers' - Professional Social Work `This book will become a key reference text for many social workers both while studying and as established professionals. A well -thumbed text on the bookshelf!' - Janice West, Glasgow Caledonian University Social workers are required to communicate in writing for a range of purposes, and to write effectively for a range of audiences, such as clients, team members, magistrates and policy makers. Writing Skills for Social Workers aims to raise the profile of writing skills in social work practice, and to enhance social workers' written communication skills. The book adopts a logical progression, and each chapter identifies and contextualises the practical skills needed at specific points in training and practice. Overall it will encourage the development of writing skills and techniques which will stand the reader in good stead throughout their professional career. Key features of the book include: " training in core professional writing tasks, particularly case-notes, report and proposal writing " guidance in advanced writing skills, such as writing literature reviews, journal articles, conference papers and funding applications. " a discussion of ethical issues and values, including client confidentiality, privacy and empowerment " advice on using these skills to contribute to the formal knowledge base of social work through the publication of research. By adopting a practical approach the authors have included a number of pedagogical features such as reflective exercises, writing tips for specific tasks, and guidelines for further reading. This engaging book satisfies statutory requirements for training and continuing professional development. It will therefore be an essential study guide for all students, practitioners and managers in social work settings.