Handbook of Social Work with Groups

“If there is a definitive textbook on social group work methods and theory written for students, practitioners, or clinical faculty, then this second edition of the Handbook of Social Work with Groups fits that definition extremely well….[It] highlights the most current leading practitioners and scholars who survey the breadth of current knowledge relative to current approaches to working with groups in many different settings and for a variety of purposes….This text is not only cutting-edge; it is practical, well written, and extremely well organized….As a practicing social group worker, this enhanced second edition of the handbook will be a valuable asset to further my practice and will surely help anyone who wishes to incorporate its lessons, cogent state-of-the-art thinking, and evidenced based research to advance their own social group work skills.”

—Social Work with Groups


“A comprehensive compilation of knowledge about social work with groups written by many of the field’s leading authors. The editors are noted social work authors and educators and they have produced a wonderful resource....Students will welcome the rich scholarship and the convenience and affordability of this text....Will undoubtedly be included in the libraries of many students, educators, and practitioners for generations to come.”

—Journal of Teaching in Social Work (on the first edition)


“This encompassing collection reminds us how vital the healing of group work can be and how powerful it is in creating change in individuals and in communities. Editors...present a broad view of this domain in social work, offering a range of practice models....A rich resource for students as well as scholars.”

—Social Work Forum (on the first edition)


“Garvin, Gutiérrez, and Galinsky bring deep roots that span multiple dimensions of group work theory, practice, teaching, and research, making them a terrific team for developing—and now revising—this handbook. Their expertise is complemented by contributors who are true luminaries. The second edition's scope is impressive, and well suited for micro- to macro-oriented group work courses. It would also enrich the reading lists of courses on professional foundations, practice, research and evaluation, interprofessional contexts, and core social work commitments to engagement and social justice. Chapters emphasize the effectiveness of group work alongside attention to diversity, adding instructional value.”

—Paula S. Nurius, PhD, MSW, Grace Beals Ferguson Scholar, Professor, and Associate Dean for Transdisciplinary Scholarship, University of Washington School of Social Work


“This handbook takes a broad view of social work with groups, from concepts of group dynamics to interdisciplinary applications. In these uncertain times, the second edition's attention to ethical dilemmas, the marginalization and oppression of nonprivileged group members (familial to global), transformational leadership, and empowerment is especially relevant. As practitioners, we should embrace the concepts in this book as if our lives, and our clients' lives, depended on it.”

—Mary Joanne Kraus, PhD, LCSW, private practice, San Antonio, Texas


“This book is so thorough, solidly conceptualized, and cohesive that it will become the group worker’s 'go-to' resource—whether student or practitioner. The volume represents current thinking, research, and group work practice with clients across the lifespan and in many practice areas. Significant new content in the second edition includes chapters on group work with immigrants and refugees and other timely topics. I particularly appreciate the coverage of research-informed group work, which deepens and broadens the discourse on evidence-based practice, and community organization, which has disappeared from the curriculum of many social work schools. Group work practice is evolving to meet the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities in a volatile world. This volume provides a wellspring of data and practical information to help students and practitioners evolve as well.”

—Dana Grossman Leeman, PhD, MSW, Associate Dean for Online Education, Simmons College School of Social Work


“The second edition of this handbook enhances the scholarship on social work with groups in several significant ways. New and revised chapters respond thoughtfully and inclusively to the field's increased emphasis on the role of research evidence, the impact of technology, and the need to expand and clarify the theoretical base of group work practice. The book also takes an expansive view of the importance of collaboration and of cultural competence in both research and practice. This is an outstanding volume that should become part of all social workers' personal libraries.”

—Michael Reisch, PhD, MSW, Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice, University of Maryland School of Social Work


“The second edition of this essential text surpasses its excellent predecessor in its breadth and depth. The editors and contributing authors guide readers into contemporary models of group theory, research, and practice across social welfare fields of service. The chapters highlighting new examples of the application of strength-based group work principles are particularly noteworthy. All who access the book will find valuable and pertinent information for our profession for years to come.”

—Edith A. Lewis, MSW, PhD, Associate Professor Emerita of Social Work and Women’s Studies, University of Michigan