"Van Hook's manuscript is well researched, scholarly, and has great examples of the practical application of her ideas."

—Fred R. McKenzie, Aurora University

"This book's rich content draws upon a body of recognized and widely appreciated scholarship while supplying case material that can be used in class activities and course assignments. . . . The author does a great job of using contemporary examples and case material that will survive into the future."

—Rene Pogue, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

"This is a solid, well-organized text that will push students to look at the interrelationship of models and the concept of complementarity between theory, method, and the client.  Students are (understandably) eager to know the 'right' method or theory of practice and Van Hook's work nicely invites students to think more inclusively about how multiple bases of knowledge can inform practice. . . . Van Hook's ability to inform the reader about the resiliency-based approach through storytelling sets it above dry, theory-driven descriptive texts."

—Shelley Cohen-Konrad, University of New England

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH FAMILIES
A Resiliency-Based Approach

Mary Patricia Van Hook, University of Central Florida

The concept of resiliency-based practice is an important idea in social work, but the practical uses and applications of resiliency are often unclear. In this book, Mary Van Hook connects resiliency with family practice, specifically explaining how to apply the theory of resiliency in general to a variety of treatment models. The result is a strengths-based, resiliency-based practice model that guides the process of assessment, engagement, and intervention in social work with families.

Features

• Carefully and consistently creates a link between the risk and resiliency assessment process and the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy, thereby providing the student or practitioner with a base from which to properly analyze and select a treatment approach for a specific family at a particular period in the life of the family
• Includes a clear, practice-focused discussion of contemporary treatment models and research literature regarding the effectiveness of this strengths-based, resiliency-based approach to practice with families
• Includes thorough descriptions detailing the step-by-step process of developing the therapeutic alliance and assessing families
• Provides practice examples throughout and links these examples to a strengths-based, resiliency-based practice model
• Is grounded in empirical literature regarding treatment models as well as the factors that influence resiliency in families in general, in specific cultural groups, and in problem situations
• Includes balanced, appropriately detailed discussions of theoretical models of treatment, leaving students neither overwhelmed nor underinformed

Contents

Preface
About the Author

Part I	Introduction to Resiliency-Based Practice
Chapter 1	The Nature and Sources of Resiliency
	What Is Resiliency?
	Types of Resiliency
	Risk, Vulnerability, and Protective Factors
		Life Events and Resiliency
	Historical Background
	Individual Resiliency
		Interpersonal Relationships Personality Characteristics
	Family Resiliency
		Principles of Family Resiliency Key Factors of Family Resiliency
	Implications for Family Assessment and Interventions
	Family Crisis and Resiliency Models
		Adjustment Phase Family Adaptation Phase Family Appraisal Process
	Summary
Chapter 2	Cultural Issues and Family Resiliency
	Culture, Race, and Ethnicity
		Relational Perspective
	Risk and Protective Factors
		African American Families Native American Families Latino Families Native Hawaiian Families Asian Families Rural Families Military Families Gay and Lesbian Families
	Summary
Chapter 3	Setting the Stage for Work with Families: Development of the Therapeutic Alliance
	Engagement Process
		Greeting Engagement with Members
	Structure of the Counseling Process
		Identification of Goals Selection of Participants Seeking for Strengths
	Barriers in the Engagement Process
		Ambivalence about Change Contribution of the Counselor Previous Negative Experiences Other Organizations or Community Members
	Stages in the Change Process
		Precontemplation Contemplation Action Maintenance
	Summary
Chapter 4	Assessment of Families   Resiliency-Based Approach to Assessment Assessment Process
		Assessment Tools
	Interview
	Coping Process
		The Current Stressor
	Family Appraisals of the Situation Identifying Appropriate Resources
		Coping Efforts Belief Systems Organizational Patterns Community Context
	Levels of Family Functioning Assessment and Treatment Planning
		Basic Needs: Case Study Structure and Rewards System: Case Study Communication Patterns: Case Study Interpersonal Relationship Issues: Case Study Meaning  Systems: Case Study
	Summary
PART II	Approaches to Social Work Practice with Families
Chapter 5	Social Learning/Cognitive Family Counseling
	Theoretical Background
		Social Learning Paradigms Cognitive Therapy Paradigm
	Social Learning/Cognitive Theory Major Tenets Goals of Treatment Role of the Family Counselor
		Assessment
	Treatment Process Application
		Parent-Child Relationship Communication Skills Problem Solving
	Evaluation
	Summary
Chapter 6	Structural Family Therapy Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goals of Treatment Role of the Therapist
		Assessment Process
	Treatment Process
		Treatment Strategies Treatment Principles
	Cultural Adaptations Evaluation Summary
Chapter 7	Solution-Focused Family Therapy Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goals of Treatment Role of the Therapist Treatment Process
		Application Applications for Specific Problems
	Evaluation Summary
Chapter 8	Narrative Family Therapy Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goal of Treatment Role of the Therapist Treatment Process Evaluation Summary
Chapter 9	Psychoeducational Family Counseling Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goals of Treatment Role of the Counselor Treatment Process
		Cultural Issues
	Chronic Illness Mental Health Issues             Evaluation Summary
Chapter 10	Multisystems Family Therapy Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goals of Treatment Role of the  Counselor Treatment Process
		Multisystems Levels
	Family Preservation Models Family-Focused Case Management Evaluation Summary
Chapter 11	Object Relations Family Therapy Theoretical Background Major Tenets Goal of Treatment Role of the Therapist
		Assessment
	Treatment Process
		Brief Object Relations Therapy Application
	Evaluation Summary
Chapter 12	Spirituality Nature of Spirituality Goals Role of the Counselor Assessment Treatment Process
		Application Specific Life Issues
	Summary
PART III	Resiliency-Based Practice Framework
Chapter 13	Families Coping With Difficult Life Events Illness
		Children with Chronic Illness HIV/AIDS Diabetes Mental Illness Dementia Assessment and Treatment
	Sex Abuse
		Assessment and Treatment
	Divorce
		Assessment and Treatment
	Trauma
		Refugee Trauma Assessment and Treatment Natural Disasters Trauma Assessment and Treatment
	Childhood Issues
		Delinquency and Conduct Disorders of Youth Maltreatment of Children Assessment and Treatment
	Summary
Chapter 14	Conclusion
Appendix	Family Preservation Models
References Index

Mary Patricia Van Hook (PhD, Rutgers University; MS, Columbia University) is professor emerita of social work at the University of Central Florida and a research associate with the Center for Community Partnerships of the University of Central Florida.  She was formerly director of the University of Central Floridal School of Social Work and taught research and practice social work courses at the University of Central Florida, the University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University, and Northwestern College.  She was also a clinical social worker and administrator for mental health and family agencies in New York, Maryland, and Iowa.  She has written extensively in the areas of families, rural mental health, spirituality, and women's issues both domestically and internationally. In 2000 and 2008 respectively, she received the Howery Award for outstanding contributions to rural mental health and the Distinguished Service to Social Work Award by the North American Association of Christians.  

2008, Paper, 320 Pages, ISBN 978-1-933478-16-6, Price $55.95