Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work: An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment

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.

Mo Yee Lee is Professor at College of Social Work, Ohio State University. She has a dual focus in her clinical practice and scholarly work that includes clinical practice and research using a solution-focused/strengths perspective and cross-cultural clinical practice with individuals and families.

Siu-man Ng is Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration & Associate Director, Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong. Dr. Ng's research focus is the application of traditional Chinese medicine and philosophies in mental health practice. His key research areas are operationalizing Chinese medicine 'stagnation syndrome' concept as a psychological construct, illness coping strategies among irritable bowel syndrome patients, and the relations between work burnout and spirituality.

Pamela Leung is Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration. Dr. Leung is an experienced social worker and supervisor in health and clinical social work. Her areas of interest are integrative body-mind-spirit approach, psychosocial oncology, healthcare social work and meaning-focused intervention. She is also a trainer of the Body-mind-spirit approach, locally and internationally.

Cecila L.W. Chan is Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration; & Director, Centre on Behavioral Health, Associate Director, HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong. Professor Chan publishes widely in health, practice research, empowerment, women, cancer, bereavement and palliative care. She used a strength-oriented approach in her work of empowerment of traumatized individuals. Her focus is on growth and transformation through pain.