Discovering Theory in Clinical Practice : A Casebook for Clinical Counseling and Social Work Practice

This theory-focused casebook provides the reader with an overview of multiple counseling theories and utilizes specific cases representing a variety of clients to demonstrate the integration of theory in clinical counseling and social work practice. Through the use of dynamic cases, the reader is shown how theory informs day-to-day practice.  Each theoretical case study includes a section on cultural considerations and discussion questions:

• Object Relations Theory: The Case of Elyse
• Self Psychology Theory: The Case of Evan
• Person-Centered Therapy: The Case of Tommy
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: The Case of Jim
• Relational Cultural Theory: The Case of Monica
• Systems Theory: The Case of Esperanza
• Experiential Therapy: The Case of Sam

Discovering Theory in Clinical Practice: A Casebook for Clinical Counseling and Social Work Practice is an essential text for instructors to teach the development of a theoretical foundation that easily integrates into core topics of relevance for graduate students in social work, counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and human behavior who intend to work with a diverse set of client populations. The book also will be a great asset to early-career practitioners and clinical supervision participants who are continuing to build a professional working template of skills in both theory and practice as they conceptualize patient problems and develop treatment plans.

Rhonda Peterson Dealey, DSW, LSCSW, is an assistant professor of social work and the Master of Social Work Program Director at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She has been a licensed clinical social work practitioner for more than 25 years, working with individuals and families across the lifespan in the arenas of child welfare, health care, and school social work. Her research interests include children’s mental health and well-being and particularly the role of play, and some of her favorite people call her Nanna. She is eternally grateful for the lessons her clients and students teach her every day.  Dr. Dealey earned a BA in social work and psychology from Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, a Master of Social Work degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctor of Social Work degree from Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois.

Michelle R. Evans, DSW, LCSW, CADC, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Evaluator with experience in micro, mezzo, and macro level social work. She has worked primarily with the Latino population throughout her career as a bilingual and bicultural social worker. She is currently the Hospital Administrator for Elgin Mental Health Center in Elgin, Illinois. She is in private practice at Nickerson & Associates, PC as a bilingual therapist where she treats adults and adolescents with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and sex addictions. She also teaches on these topics at Aurora University and University of Chicago in Illinois. Throughout her career, she has worked to increase equity, justice, and cultural awareness to these institutions. Dr. Evans earned a Doctor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois.