Social Work with Groups / Edition 3

by Helen Northen, Roselle Kurland

Overview

When should someone not be admitted to a group? How can a reluctant child be persuaded to participate in a group? What is the best way to deal with issues of low self-esteem? Part of the enduring appeal of this classic work is its vivid depiction of actual group work and the challenges that arise.

Opening with an instructive survey of the roots and development of group social work—from the first YMCA to the establishment of the NASW—Northen and Kurland contribute to the integration of theory and research that forms the basis of group social work practice. Using an ecosystem approach, they set forth a generic framework for practice with diverse groups, establishing a common core of values, knowledge, purposes, and interventions that can be applied to different populations and situations. With clear step-by-step guidance, this book covers the major issues as well as the ethical challenges that working with groups entails.

This fully revised and updated edition includes seven new chapters that reflect the most recent developments in group practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231116329
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	08/23/2001
Series:	Social Work Series
Edition description:	third edition
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Helen Northen is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Southern California. Her many publications include Clinical Social Work. Roselle Kurland is a professor in the School of Social Work, Hunter College.

Table of Contents

1. Groups in Social Work Practice
2. The Knowledge Base for Practice
3. Relationships: The Heart of Practice
4. Intervention in Groups
5. Planning
6. Pregroup Contact: Selection and Preparation of Members
7. Purpose
8. The Problem-Solving Process
9. Conflict
10. Roles of Members
11. The Use of Activity
12. Stage I: Inclusion-Orientation
13. Stage II: Uncertainty-Exploration
14. Stage III: Mutuality and Goal Achievement
15. Stage IV: Separation-Termination
16. Evaluation

What People are Saying About This

Andrew Malekoff

Superb, a remarkable blend of the conceptual and practical. Abundant and lively illustrations add texture and depth to a tome well grounded in scholarship, theory, and practice wisdom.

— Andrew Malekoff, author of Group Work with Adolescents: Principle and Practice

Marcia B. Cohen

This book combines the best of two worlds, a contemporary update of a timeless classic. Its strong foundational wisdom is enriched by current theoretical and practice considerations. Examples drawn from a range of practice settings reflecting diverse client populations are particularly refreshing. Faculty, students, and practitioners are fortunate to have this new edition of a book that has been a mainstay of the group work literature for many years.

— Marcia B. Cohen, University of New England

Toby Berman-Rossi

Northen and Kurland have written an outstanding new edition of Northen's classic work. New content beautifully comes alive through actual group examples. Practitioners, students, and educators will find this book invaluable and a mainstay of wisdom on social work practice with groups.

— Toby Berman-Rossi, Barry University

Editorial Reviews

This book offers guidance for navigating the major challenges and ethical concerns related to working with groups. It presents a survey of the origins and development of group social work, backed by theory, research, and a description of social work practices. Using an ecosystem approach, Northen (social work, University of Southern California, emerita) and Kurland (social work, Hunter College) offer a framework for practice with divers groups, establishing common values, knowledge, goals, and interventions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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