Real World Clinical Social Work: Find Your Voice and Find Your Way

by Danna R. Bodenheimer

Social work graduate school is only the beginning of your preparation for professional life in the real world as a clinical social worker. Dr. Danna Bodenheimer serves as a mentor or a supportive supervisor as she shares practice wisdom on topics such as thinking clinically, developing a theoretical orientation, considering practice settings, and coping with money issues. She addresses the importance of supervision and how to use it wisely. A frank discussion on the important and rarely-talked-about issue of loving one’s client is followed by a practical look at next steps—post-graduate options and finding your life’s work in clinical social work. Altogether, Real World Clinical Social Work will serve to empower you as you find your own voice, your own way, and your own professional identity.

Contents

Acknowledgments 7
Foreword by Lina Hartocollis 9
Preface—What Do We Have Here? 13

PART 1—THINKING CLINICALLY

Chapter 1—Introduction: The Story of Rita 23
Chapter 2—The Lens of Clinical Social Work 27

PART 2—GETTING YOUR THEORETICAL GROOVE ON

Chapter 3—Thinking About Theory 45
Chapter 4—Object Relations 49
Chapter 5—Ego Psychology 57
Chapter 6—Self Psychology 67
Chapter 7—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 71
Chapter 8—Burning Questions and Case Conceptualization 79

PART 3—PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter 9—The Settings 103
Chapter 10—Money, Money, Money 117

PART 4—PRACTICE MATTERS

Chapter 11—Making Use of Supervision 135
Chapter 12—If I Had Known Then: Adventures From the First Years 151
Chapter 13—What If I Love My Clients? 173

PART 5—THINKING AHEAD

Chapter 14—What’s Next? Post-Graduate Options 197
Chapter 15—Your Life’s Work: What Is Enough? 209

References 217
Index 219
About the Author 223

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Michelle Pantoja-hooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I enjoyed the insight and wished I had read this when I was in grad school and just starting my career as a Social Worker. I still found her chapters on “Practical Considerations” and Practice Matters” very useful even now. Should be required reading for social workers, MFTs, and counselors.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how she includes theory and psychodynamics

[Jakitz08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a MSW student, halfway into the program. This books answered so many “how” and “when” questions. Danna connects the great divide between professor and student. For me, I have a hard time coming up with the questions to ask my guidance counselor. She lays out all these questions a student might have as well as numerous examples of how other social workers managed their times lines after graduation. If you are looking for explanations to different fields in social work and the levels of supervision given, this is a great source. This book is well laid out and easy to read with great examples. I have long work hours and school hours daily. This book was straightforward to take in with a tired brain.

[Nikki Nejad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and reassuring book for new social workers.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7/5 ⭐️

[Chantal Quezada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book a few days ago and I can’t stop reading it. This is a chapter book and the insight and detail is exactly what I was looking for! I know I’ll finish it soon, but 5/5

[Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very practical information and advice for those considering or just entering the field.