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Working with People

Communication Skills for Professional Practice

Louise Harms


Working with People focuses on the impact that communication has on others. Its overview of wellknown and frequently-utilised skills of interpersonal communication and interviewing draws upon research and practice literature in relation to 'microskills' to understand the critical decisions or choices which are made by using these skills. The book takes a multidimensional approach to understanding the complexities of personal experience, and applies theoretical knowledge of human beings and the social environment, of adversity and oppression, and of coping and adaptation, to practice knowledge and self-awareness. It encourages students to think critically and to reflect on practice. Contributed case scenarios by experienced practitioners ensure that examples are grounded firmly in everyday practice realities, and reinforce the emphasis on working creatively, critically and consciously with other people.

 

  • Each chapter provides theory, skills and case examples from practitioners illustrating the application of the concepts covered, and questions for critical discussion
  • Maintains a strong focus on the real world of daily practice within human service organisations, offering students insights into the and challenges of direct practice
  • Takes a multidimensional approach to dealing with individuals
  • Examines the theoretical underpinnings of 'microskills', as well as the direct use of these skills in practice
Part 1: Framing the Relationship
1. Working Towards Change
2. Understanding Communication and Change
3. Theorising Communication and Change
Part 2: Forming the Relationship
4. Preparing for Practice
5. Sustaining Your Self in Practice
6. Establishing a Good Working Relationship
Part 3: Focusing the Communication
7. Establishing the Story
8. Paraphrasing and Summarising
9. Forming an Assessment– Setting the Agenda
10. Assessing Risk Situations
Part 4: Focusing the Intervention
11. Task-centred and Crisis-intervention Skills
12. Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Skills
13. Narrative and Solution-focused Skills
14. Feminist and Critical Theory Skills
Part 5: Finishing the Work
15. Finishing the Work
Louise Harms - Senior Lecturer, BSW Program Coordinator, Trauma and Resilience Research Unit Coordinator, School of Social Work, University of Melbourne