Promoting Family Change: The Optimism Factor

Life can be a struggle for some families, and support from skilled family workers can make a real difference. Promoting Family Change is a guide to working with vulnerable and marginalized families outside formal therapy settings. It introduces several approaches to family work that have proven to be very successful: solution-focused, narrative, cognitive, and community-building. These approaches assume that the starting point for change is the strengths and capacities of family members. The book is illustrated with detailed case studies drawn from actual practice, and it includes examples of innovative programs. It also looks at ways in which workers can incorporate these approaches into their practice to become more effective in their interventions with vulnerable families. Promoting Family Change is a good introduction to family practice for students and a valuable reference for welfare and community workers who wish to review and improve their practice skills.