An Introduction to Human Services [Paperback]

Marianne R. Woodside (Author), Tricia McClam (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0534642276 | ISBN-13: 978-0534642273 | Edition: 5

Woodside and McClam's text provides a solid introduction to the profession of human services through a comprehensive study of the field. This best-selling, student-friendly text presents a historical context of the field, a practical overview of the profession, and the skills needed to succeed as a human service worker, in a format that enables students to see principles in action through case studies. Readers explore concepts central to human services, such as serving the whole person, using an interdisciplinary approach, interacting with helper and client, training generalists, and empowering clients.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book just keeps getting better with each edition. It is clear and concise. Complex ideas are presented clearly, but not oversimplified. There are plenty of concrete examples to illustrate major points and integrate related concepts. The cases are the highlight of the book. They are rich and varied, they cover a wide variety of human needs and human service roles, and they illustrate many of the important concepts. I also appreciate the many learning tools for students, including the frequent charts and tables summarizing key ideas and the "things to remember" at the end of every chapter."

"I’ve used this text in the past and I find this revision makes the text even stronger."

About the Author

Tricia McClam and Marianne Woodside have 60 years of combined experience preparing helping professionals at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.Their writing is grounded in their own experiences as human service professionals, their years as instructors in interviewing and counseling courses, and the lessons they have learned from their students. As authors of a number of successful texts published by Brooks/Cole, they have experience and expertise in writing texts that are accessible, engaging, and practical. As educators and practitioners, they are aware of student needs, current issues and challenges in service delivery, and the importance of skills development necessary for the education and training of professional helpers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 5 edition (January 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534642276
• ISBN-13: 978-0534642273
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #527,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Human Services, July 3, 2010

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E. Marines "Motvational Tips" (Houston) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Human Services (Paperback)

I'm almost done with the class that required this book to read and do assignments it has lots of great infomation that is very current.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Could have been better, July 26, 2011

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embee1027 - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Introduction to Human Services (Paperback)

I have purchased used books for the last couple of years on Amazon. Some for school and some for my own pleasure. I was disappointed in this purchase because 1) it was not in good condition as stated, and 2)the description did not say that the book should include a DVD that was not present or I would have purchased from another vendor.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Well written, but sub-par in interesting subject matter., September 15, 2010

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Jeff Richardson (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Human Services (Paperback)

This text is well written and it's obvious that the authors are familiar with the subject matter. But only if you are interested in going into some form of "human services" as a career choice, you're likely to not find anything really interesting in this book. If anything, it's likely to evoke a sense of depression since the focus is on low paying careers with a high burn out rate. For psychology majors, there are countless other books that are far superior. I only used this book for a required course since it's certainly nothing I'd willingly spend my hard earned money on. Instructors with a choice in textbooks can surely find a textbook that's more "uplifting" and scientific to use in the classroom.