Book Review: Social work, cats and rocket science – stories of making a difference in social work with adults by Elaine James, Rob Mitchell and Hannah Morgan with Mark Harvey and Ian Burgess

Abstract

user feels angry and betrayed by a social worker sharing confidential information. Chapter 12 presents a fascinating exploration of the advantages and risks of using humour with service users. This includes a potentially controversial – and thus thoughtprovoking – consideration of ‘gallows’ humour expressed within the confines of a professional team. While some of this makes for uncomfortable reading, it is good to see this topic out in the open and it could prompt a lively discussion for student and staff groups. Like the other chapters, this one ends with a set of principles to guide decisions about the appropriate use of humour. Technology-assisted interventions are debated in Chapter 13. The author takes account of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on social work interactions, whilst acknowledging that research evidence on the effectiveness of technology-assisted practices is only just beginning to unfold. This chapter would provide a useful springboard for readers to reflect on their own experience in developing this method of practice, including the importance of ethical considerations. Written in the United States of America, the relational aspects of the vignettes are mostly easy to apply across a broader range of settings and statutory contexts. A particular strength is the author’s extensive and consistent drawing on classic and current research evidence from North America, Australia, Northern Europe and the United Kingdom. With the growing interest in indigenous approaches (Shek, 2017), however, I would have liked to see some acknowledgment that the described interventions and research studies reflect a Western model of social work. That said, students, practitioners and social work educators will find in the book a wealth of thought-provoking material to extend and deepen learning. The book certainly meets its aim of exploring the nuances of the professional relationship and its influence on the effectiveness of social work interventions. It is likely that readers will find it a useful source of reference and inspiration to be returned to again and again.