Negotiating the Therapeutic Alliance

"Few social workers enter the profession anticipating that they may become targets of violence from the very individuals they want to help. However, evidence suggests that physical and verbal violence by clients toward social workers is increasing across settings. Presenting practical strategies for violence assessment and prevention that are grounded in solid empirical research, this book helps practitioners and agencies provide state-of-the-art treatment to aggressive clients while reducing violence risks. Effective methods are described together with specific recommendations for working in potentially dangerous situations. Illustrative case examples and skills development exercises enhance the volume's utility as a training tool and professional resource." "Written in an accessible and user-friendly style, this authoritative resource belongs on the desks of social work practitioners, supervisors, educators, and students; agency administrators and policy-makers; and other mental health, human service, and medical professionals who work with potentially violent or aggressive clients. As a text, it meets a vital need in advanced undergraduate - and graduate-level courses and professional development seminars."--Jacket.