Includes bibliographical references and index.

chapter 1. Professional social work and the professional social work identity -- chapter 2. Being a social work professional -- chapter 3. Practising reflexivity : nurturing human practice -- chapter 4. Understanding contemporary social work : we need to talk about relationships -- chapter 5. The emotionally competent professional -- chapter 6. The new radical social work professional? -- chapter 7. Ethical tensions in social work -- chapter 8. Professionalism and practice-focused research -- chapter 9. Understanding continuing professional development -- chapter 10. Understanding and using supervision in social work -- chapter 11. Working with the media -- chapter 12. Fifty years of professional regulation in social work education -- chapter 13. Professional social work in the future.

Description based on MARC record for print version.

If social work students are to flourish in their careers, and go beyond a basic sense of 'competence' in practice, it is essential to develop a sense of Professional Self. This book will help students develop critical understanding of their own social work practice, and the tools and skills required to become a professional social worker.