Working with People: Communication Skills for Reflective Practice 2nd Revised edition [Minkštas viršelis]

It explores place and challenges of communication interviewing and counselling skills within context of social work and human service practice. In so doing it encourages reader to reflect upon their own communication style and to develop good communication skills in order to work constructively with others about their needs and rights.

Working with People explores the place and challenges of communication, interviewing and counselling skills within the context of social work and human service practice. In so doing it encourages the reader to reflect upon their own communication style and to develop good communication skills in order to work constructively with others about their needs and rights.

Now in its second edition the text is updated to include recent developments in social work practice. New to the edition is the chapter on mindfulness, which reflects direct work with clients as well as recognition of a growing need to focus on self-care. Other topics of relevance to current social work practice and covered in the text include ethical decision-making as part of everyday practice, exploration of confidentiality, particularly in relation to situations when it may need to be breached, more emphasis on culturally safe practice, links with the application of skills in group work and family practice.

Working with People successfully Integrates practice theories with case scenarios so that readers can see the development of skills and interventions, as well as the diversity of approaches available for social workers and human service workers to use in their everyday practice.


Working with People focuses on the impact that communication has on others. Its overview of well-known 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 thse skills.

The book takes a multidimensional approach to understanding the complexities of an individual's 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.