Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work (Transforming Social Work Practice Series)

Good communication skills are essential to any form of social work practice, from theraputic interventions through to the more everyday activities. The honours degree in social work requires all students to learn communication skills with children, adults and those with communication difficulties, and to have those skills assessed. This fully-revised second edition shows student social workers how to communicate effectively and develop good interpersonal skills. The emphasis of the book is not on any particular 'right way' to communicate, but on the need to be aware, flexible and responsive so that communication is suited to the service user, the content and the purpose of the work. Areas covered include the importance of emotional communication and working with children, adults and those people who may be be distressed or aggressive. This book is an interactive and practical resource and is very practical in approach, with activities and case studies throughout. Key messages and further reading are highlighted in the text in order to aid and reinforce learning.