This text prepares social work students for effective work in the field through proven learning experiences that are as close to real-life practice as they can get from a textbook. The book has long been praised for the rigor of its theory. It is regarded as the classic and best source for helping students learn direct social work practice skills. The book integrates the major theories and skills that direct social work practitioners need to understand and master. Consisting of four parts, the book begins by identifying the mission of social work, its values, and knowledge base. The authors then differentiate generalist from direct practice and explore roles of direct practitioners. Common elements amongst diverse theorists are then examined while key intervention strategies and various client population and practice settings are presented. Specifically, Part One provides the foundational/values and knowledge base material; Part Two is devoted to the beginning phase of the helping process; Part Three addresses the middle phase (goal attainment strategies); and Part Four clarifies the termination phase of direct practice.