ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a social work toolkit consisting of an overview of 20 practical methods. It describes pragmatism and dialectical existentialism as a philosophical perspective which supports the social worker's practical, flexible approach and engagement. The chapter also provides a summary of outcome research for psychotherapy and social work: what do they know about the effectiveness of the various social work methods? It also describes dialectical existentialism as a philosophy which provides theoretical support to engaged and critical social workers who assist clients and their networks in their 'struggle for life'–their existential struggle. Social workers often describe themselves as pragmatic people who are engaged with the tragedies that happen to other human beings. Dialectical existentialism is a philosophy with regard to human existence, one which is not only critical as to the extent to which the social context is in control, but also of the extent to which individuals are in control.
