Integrative Body Mind Spirit Social Work

An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment

Mo Yee Lee author Cecilia Chan author Siu-man Ng author Pamela Leung author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:2nd Apr '09

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Integrative Body Mind Spirit Social Work cover

In recent years, interest in non-Western curative techniques among Americans has grown by leaps and bounds. Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work is the first book to strongly connect Western therapeutic techniques with Eastern philosophy and practices, while also providing a comprehensive and pragmatic agenda for social work, and mental health professionals. This breakthrough text, written by a cast of highly regarded researchers from both Asia and America, presents a holistic, therapeutic approach that ties Eastern philosophy and practical techniques to Western forms of therapy in order to help bring about positive, transformative changes in individuals and families. Integrative therapy focuses on the mind-body-spirit relationship, recognizes spirituality as a fundamental domain of human existence, acknowledges and utilizes the mind's power as well as the body's, and reaches beyond self-actualization or symptom reduction to broaden a perception of self that connects individuals to a larger sense of themselves and to their communities. Here, the authors provide a pragmatic, step-by-step description of assessment and treatment techniques that employ an integrative, holistic perspective. They begin by establishing the conceptual framework of integrative body-mind-spirit social work, then expertly describe, step-by-step, assessment and treatment techniques that utilize integrative and holistic perspectives. Several case studies demonstrate the approach in action, such as one with breast cancer patients who participated in body-mind-spirit and social support groups and another in which trauma survivors used meditation to get onto a path of healing. These examples provide solid empirical evidence that integrative body-mind-spirit social work is indeed a practical therapeutic approach in bringing about tangible changes in clients. The authors also discuss ethical issues and give tips for learning integrative body-mind-spirit social work. Professionals in social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing, as well as graduate students in courses on integral, alternative, or complementary clinical practice will find this a much-needed resource that complements the growing interest in alternatives to traditional Western psychotherapy.

"The authors are to be commended for achieving a truly profound synthesis of Eastern and Western social theory that serves as a practical clinical resource for social workers and psychologists engaged in the day to day work of healing. This book will stand as an authoritative reference in the field for decades to come."--James Lake M.D., Chair, American Psychiatric Association Caucus on Complementary and Alternative Mental Health Care, and author, Textbook of Integrative Mental Health Care "The Eastern concept of balance and harmony, yin and yang, is epitomized in this excellent book. East meets West here in a creative and productive way. Eastern practices are melded with Western supportive and psychotherapeutic principles in a manner that is clear and empirically based. What is new here is the marriage of two very old traditions in a novel and harmonious union. This book will advance the field of clinical social work, and enhance psychosocial support for the medically ill, both Eastern and Western." -- David Spiegel, Jack, Lulu and Sam Willson Professor in the School of Medicine, Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine "Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work: An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment offers a novel and important conceptual framework for social work research and practice. The text broadens the scope of social work to encompass integrative philosophy and technique, an exciting paradigm shift that has begun to transform other health care fields such as medicine and psychology. This book presents a powerful, innovative approach that has the potential to revitalize and enliven the social work profession in the 21st century."--Matthew O. Howard, Frank A. Daniels, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Human Services Policy Information, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

ISBN: 9780195301021

Dimensions: 157mm x 236mm x 36mm

Weight: 703g

416 pages