Communication and Interviewing Skills for Practice in Social Work, Counselling and the Health Professions

This book supports and develops the communication and interviewing skills of professional practitioners and student practitioners in social work, counselling, and the health professions.

Combining work on personal and social constructs, the search for meaning, and ecological theory, this book both provides an integrated discussion of practice and presents a balanced approach when discussing psychological, biological, and social influences on individual well-being. Furthermore, it emphasises the influence of social contexts on behaviour and well-being, as well as valuing and encouraging the application of practitioners’ prior experience and learning (APEL) to new knowledge and understanding. Containing a range of practice examples to stimulate learning, this book promotes a collaboration between the professions, and welcomes the contributions of people who use services, patients, and clients.

Communication and Interviewing Skills for Practice in Social Work, Counselling and the Health Professions will be of interest to all undergraduate and postgraduate social work students, as well as new and experienced professional health care practitioners.

Patricia Higham is a registered social worker and counsellor, and served as a non-executive director and lay member of NHS organisations in Nottinghamshire. She completed a BA degree at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, a postgraduate social work qualification at the University of Sheffield, a PhD at Cranfield University, and a part time counselling qualification over a three-year period. She is Professor of Social Work (emeritus) at Nottingham Trent University. She worked part time for the Quality Assurance Agency, Skills for Care, DeMontfort University, and for the Health and Care Professions Council. Her experience includes statutory social work in Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and mental health outreach in a rural area of Pennsylvania, USA. She is a life member of the British Association of Social Workers and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, USA. She is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She volunteers as a counsellor two days a week for charities that support women who experience domestic violence.