Shorts Media - home of Social Work Shorts and Self Care Shorts

Language and Power in Social Work, a fresh perspective from the Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein

Social work can be seen as an endeavour of attempting to grasp at another person’s reality. We assess people and families striving to be as faithful as possible. In this article I...

Thoughts on ‘Radical Perspectives On Mental Health’

I had the luxury of a spare Saturday yesterday (12th February 2022) that coincided with an online festival of presentations and discussion on all manner of things from philosophy to science, all the...

Motivational Interviewing – be like Columbo

Remember the television show Columbo starring Peter Falk? The fictional Columbo was a detective who solved murder mysteries – hugely popular in the 1970’s. Having recently used this analogy with a group...

Podcast Show Notes: Stephen talks to George Bull about risk in light of the murder of Arthur

Social Work Shorts (Episode 25): Insights #8 In the latest episode of the Social Work Podcast Insights series Stephen and George talk about risk in light of the murder of Arthur and...

Student zone: Take note(s)… a skilful art!

What is at the root of academic success. As a lecturer in Social Work at Sunderland University I get to talk to, listen to, and observe students going about their business. I...

Social Work and Poverty Echoes through Time, Stewart, Sterling and Situated Choice

1895 London, Mary Stewart walks into work in her new role as hospital almoner (churchy term for some one that gives out charity/alms to poor). With this the profession of social work was...

The transition problem – student to practitioner

In their book ‘The Lost Art of Running’ Shane Benzie and Tim Major talk about research that was undertaken with athletes that sought to explore their running gait and style. The research was...

Getting to grips with theory: Transactional analysis

I honestly don’t know why but I’m a huge fan of ideas and theories that emerged in the late 50’s and 60’s. It was certainly a time when ideas about the importance...

Invisible: Two Presidents, Catwoman and Social Work Reviews

Last month the government announced a wide scoping investigation into childrens’ social work and the care system with Frontline boss Josh MacAlister appointed as the head honcho. Josh is a rising star...

Solution Focused Gorillas

In 2006 Cadburys poisoned 37 people with Salmonella and the treasured British company was brought to it knees. Fined millions, reputation in the trash, hostile take over talk, how could it ever...