Social work is a challenging and rewarding field that requires practitioners to have a wide range of skills and knowledge. Reading books on social work can help practitioners improve their practice and stay up-to-date on current trends and research in the field. Here are 12 social work books that every practitioner should read:

1. “The Social Work Skills Workbook” by Barry Cournoyer – This book provides practical exercises and activities to help social workers develop their skills in areas such as communication, assessment, and problem-solving.

2. “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook” by Bruce Perry – This book explores the effects of trauma on children and offers valuable insights for practitioners working with traumatized individuals.

3. “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk – This groundbreaking book explains how trauma affects the brain and body, and offers strategies for treating trauma survivors.

4. “The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice” by Dennis Saleebey – This book explores the strengths-based approach to social work, which focuses on clients’ assets and abilities rather than their deficits.

5. “The Social Work Interview” by Alfred Kadushin – This classic book provides guidance on conducting effective interviews with clients, including strategies for building rapport and conducting assessments.

6. “The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships” by Michael P. Nichols – This book offers valuable insights on the importance of listening in social work practice, and provides practical tips for improving listening skills.

7. “Social Work Practice: A Generalist Approach” by Louise C. Johnson and Stephen J. Yanca – This comprehensive book covers the foundational skills and knowledge needed for social work practice, including assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

8. “Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others” by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky – This book explores the concept of “trauma stewardship” and offers strategies for preventing burnout and maintaining well-being in the face of challenging work.

9. “The Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life” by Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan – This book offers valuable insights on creating positive change in social work organizations and communities.

10. “Ethical Decisions for Social Work Practice” by Ralph Dolgoff, Frank M. Loewenberg, and Donna Harrington – This book provides guidance on navigating ethical dilemmas in social work practice, and offers a framework for making sound ethical decisions.

11. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown – This book explores the importance of vulnerability in social work practice, and offers strategies for cultivating courage and resilience.

12. “The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict” by The Arbinger Institute – This book offers valuable insights on transforming conflict and building peace in social work practice, and provides practical tools for resolving interpersonal disputes.

Reading these 12 social work books can help practitioners improve their skills, stay current on research and trends in the field, and enhance their ability to make a positive impact on the lives of their clients. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out in the field, these books are essential reading for anyone working in social work.