Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work

Integrative therapy focuses on the mind-body-spirit relationship, recognizes spirituality as a fundamental domain of human existence, acknowledges and utilizes the mind's power as well as the body's, and reaches beyond self-actualization or symptom reduction to broaden a perception of self that connects individuals to a larger sense of themselves and to their communities.When it was published in 2009, Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work was the first book to strongly connect Western therapeutic techniques with Eastern philosophy and practices, while also providing a comprehensive and pragmatic agenda for social work, and mental health professionals. This breakthrough text, written by a cast of highly regarded researchers from both Asia and America, presented a holistic, therapeutic approach that ties Eastern philosophy and practical techniques toWestern forms of therapy in order to help bring about positive, transformative changes in individuals and families. This second features a major reorganization of Part III: Applications and Treatment Effectiveness, renamed to "Evidence-informed Translational Practice and Evidence." Based on systematic reviewsof Integrative body-mind-spirit practices, Part III provides a "resource guide" of different types of integrative practices used in diverse health and mental health conditions. A new companion website includes streaming video clips showing demonstrations of the BMS techniques described in the book and worksheets and client resources/handouts.Here, the authors provide a pragmatic, step-by-step description of assessment and treatment techniques that employ an integrative, holistic perspective. They begin by establishing the conceptual framework of integrative body-mind-spirit social work, then expertly describe, step-by-step, assessment and treatment techniques that utilize integrative and holistic perspectives. Numerous case studies demonstrate the approach in action, such as one with breast cancer patients who participated inbody-mind-spirit and social support groups and another in which trauma survivors used meditation to get onto a path of healing. These examples provide solid empirical evidence that integrative body-mind-spirit social work is indeed a practical therapeutic approach in bringing about tangible changes inclients. The authors also discuss ethical issues and give tips for learning integrative body-mind-spirit social work. Professionals in social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing, as well as graduate students in courses on integral, alternative, or complementary clinical practice will find this a much-needed resource that complements the growing interest in alternatives to traditional Western psychotherapy.

Integrative BodyMindSpirit Social Work is a thoughtful and mindful book rich in clinical description, philosophical context, and empirical support, written by a team of experienced clinicians and investigators. The integrative way it is writtenempathic, knowledgeable, combining heart and headis a model for the treatments recommended. It is both helpful and wise.

Mo Yee Lee, PhD, RSW, Professor and PhD Program Director, College of Social Work, The Ohio State UniversityCelia H. Y. Chan, PhD, CT, RSW, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong KongCecilia L. W. Chan, PhD, RSW, JP, Si Yuan Chair Professor in Health and Social Work, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong KongSiu-man Ng, PhD, Associate Professor and Deputy Head, Department of Social Work; Social Administration and Associate Director, Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong KongPamela P. Y. Leung, PhD, RSW, CEO, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation; Honorary Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong