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Emotions are central to our humanity and yet, when it comes to social work, the experiences of joy are often forgotten or overlooked, while ‘difficult’ emotions like shame, anger, disgust, fear, and sadness are often dismissed as unprofessional.
This groundbreaking book challenges the taboo around emotion in social work. The first of its kind, it uses international research and hundreds of practitioner interviews to explore emotions in social work, and to demonstrate how embracing all emotions can enhance practice, prevent emotional burnout, and strengthen motivation.
Accessibly written and with a strong practical element, this book is an invaluable tool for turning complex and emotionally charged situations into rich opportunities for learning, enhancing resilience, and developing personal and professional growth.
“An innovative book that combines empirical research and theoretical reflection, repositioning emotions at the heart of social work and offering useful tools for reflective practice, emotional awareness and professional development.” Annamaria Campanini, Retired Professor in Social Work and Former President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work
“Authored by an acclaimed researcher, this book effectively bridges grounded international empirical research and case studies in an eloquent and accessible manner, addressing a timely topic relevant across diverse contexts.” Lambert K. Engelbrecht, Stellenbosch University
Introduction
1. Emotions and social work
2. How to reflect on and learn from emotionally rich experiences
3. Shame: one of the greatest obstacles to reflective practice
4. Anger: energy to overcome obstacles to effective help
5. Disgust: one of the least considered emotions in social work
6. Fear and risk in the helping professions
7. Sadness: the darkest and most difficult of emotions also in social work?
8. Joy: a source of learning and wellbeing for social workers.
9. Emotions in social work education and supervision
10. Listen, learn, and enhance social work practice and well-being through mindful attention to emotions