Stories become powerful narratives that influence human well-being and identity. In the same way as these life narratives create meaning for us, story-telling theories in social work focus on the stories we live by, as individuals, families and communities. By listening to our own internalised stories and others stories, we can begin to understand both their meaning and the influence they have on the ways that people live their lives. Story-telling theories are critically interested in this, and in the ways that stories can be reauthored to enable more positive and rewarding life outcomes. Story-telling as a therapeutic process has been most fully articulated in narrative therapy. Throughout this chapter, we explore how narrative work enables people to cope more effectively with adversity and difficulty. Stories can also transform communities and societies, and we will look at how giving voice to these stories can transform marginalised, silenced and oppressed people and communities. But before we explore narrative ways of working, we will first look at a broader influence that has supported narratives of strength and resilience: the strengths perspective in social work practice.

In this chapter, we look at behavioural approaches, and the more recent cognitive behaviour approaches, that provide a lens of change on how people think, feel and behave. In the second half of this chapter, we look at mindfulness approaches, and how they build on some of the core tenets of cognitive behavioural approaches as well as spiritual and cultural approaches. The chapter concludes by examining critically the strengths and limitations of these approaches.

We have used the metaphor of onion-peeling to describe the characteristics of insight-focused theories because they seek to peel back layers of experience to reach understanding. Like an onion, human experience reflects a layering: layer upon layer, it builds up around us and influences our lives, sometimes in complex and repetitive ways. Awareness and insight lead to change and optimal functioning. The onion-peeling metaphor is relevant to several key theoretical approaches. In this chapter, we explore two that have been particularly influential in the development of social work thinking: psychodynamic and person-centred approaches. As with the ecosystem collection of theories, both psychodynamic and person-centred approaches have extensive histories and traditions. In this chapter, we draw together core ideas from the psychodynamic and person-centred theories that we think best capture the essence of the onion-peeling tradition.

Social Work: From Theory to Practice provides a critical introduction to core and emerging theories of social work and teaches students in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand how to apply these theories in their practice to facilitate change.

The fourth edition introduces a cultural lens through which to interrogate theory. A new chapter on Aboriginal perspectives explores a range of theories, from emancipatory frameworks and approaches to deep listening and provides insights for students on how to decolonise their practice and responsibly provide socially just outcomes for communities. New discussions on navigating the service system, feminist and anti-oppressive approaches, sustainability and the impact of COVID-19 on social workers and the communities they serve are included throughout the book.

Each chapter includes reflections from social workers, to demonstrate how theory informs practice in the field, and case examples with accompanying questions, which give students an insight into the changing social work landscape. New end-of-chapter questions help students engage critically with the content.

Written by experienced and respected academics, Social Work: From Theory to Practice is essential reading for modern social work students commencing a career in this discipline.