Integrative Body Mind Spirit Social Work: An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment, 2nd edition

Abstract

Social work profession has a long history of embracing an integrative practice framework of person-in-environment that “recognizes the complexity of interactions between human beings and their environment, and the capacity of people both to be affected by and to alter the multiple influences upon them, including bio-psychosocial factors” (International Federation of Social Workers, http://ifsw.org/policies/definition-of-social-work/). Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work builds upon existing social work practice models and integrates a holistic orientation based on Eastern philosophies and therapeutic techniques to create effective, positive, and transformative changes in individuals and families. Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work believes in the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit, and advocates a multi-dimensional intervention model that is highly practical, flexible, and applicable to diverse client populations. Such a practice framework focuses on body-mind-spirit connections in treatment, recognizes spirituality as a fundamental domain of human existence, acknowledges and utilizes the power of the mind and the body that goes beyond a limited view of the mind as rational thinking or the body as observable behaviors, and views the “self” not as self-actualization or symptom reduction, but as based on a broader perception of the self that connects individuals to the community. The organization of the book aims to help readers understand, learn, and use Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit Social Work in their practice. To achieve that end, the book is broadly divided into four sections. Part I consists of Chapters 1, 2 and 3. The discussion systematically introduces the philosophical foundation of Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit Social Work, which forms the conceptual framework of the model. These chapters describe the assumptions and beliefs of the model as well as a practice framework that elucidates on Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit Social Work’s views on problem causation, problem maintenance, and change mechanisms. Part II includes Chapters 4 to 9. This section provides a pragmatic, step-by-step description of assessment and treatment techniques that use an integrative and holistic perspective. We systematically describe assessment, treatment planning, treatment techniques pertaining to mind, body, and spirit while maintaining a focus on the body–mind–spirit connection in treatment. Part III, Chapters 10 to 23, describes measurement issues and application of I-BMS practice with thirteen health and mental health conditions. Each chapter provides a description of the selected I-BMS practice, evidence of the practice for the client populations, and resources to develop further expertise of the practice. Part VI, consisting of Chapters 24 and 25, is a discussion regarding ethical issues and tips for learning Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit Social Work.