Books published by Open University Press

'I don't like cleaning and hoovering and washing up. I do them because I have to, and I feel that James wants me to be in the house, to be there because his children are there, and the family's there. He likes me there being the mother-hen.' This is how Morag tells her story to her therapist. Just how will the six therapists approach her?

The most important asset of any university or college is its staff, yet the majority of line managers in higher education institutions are not appointed on the basis of their experience of, or expertise in, managing people. This book is a practical guide to people management for these managers.

Since the resurgence of political violence in the 1960s, Northern Ireland has become the focus of intense analysis. This volume brings together essays that examine specific aspects of Northern Irish society and history.

Teachers and other educationalists are increasingly expected to carry out evaluations of new initiatives. This book provides a guide to evaluations, the primary focus of which is on practice.

Comprises a series of commentaries on the UK government's reforms in the internal health care market. This work examines the contribution of economics to the debate on the reforms, while seeking to make the analysis accessible to a general audience. It is a useful read for students and researchers of health policy and health economics.

Presents a practical and reflective discussion of the education of 4 to 8 year olds based on a sympathetic recognition of the complexities of being an early years teacher. This title begins by reviewing the historical and ideological traditions of British infant and primary schools.

Changes in assessment are at the heart of government policy for change in the UK. The GCSE, the National Curriculum and National Vocational Qualifications seek to make the progress of individuals more measurable. This book takes an overall view of the technical claims made for improvements in assessment, alongside the policy agenda.

'I've got a problem with men. I don't know whether it's a problem with other things as well. I am afraid of what men represent. I feel they have more power' - Peta's search for a therapist begins with this statement.

Examines the way that the state is imagined in terms traditionally associated with human subjectivity: body, mind, personality and home. Around these themes, this book attempts to weave a set of arguments concerning the three icons of the political imagination - the political collective, the sovereign agency and the enemy figure.

Brings fresh perspectives to the question of how social policy constructs gendered social relations. With the restructuring of welfare firmly back on the political agenda, in the context of a reassertion that traditional families are the backbone of society, this book raises important issues for students, academics and practitioners.

Ageing has traditionally been seen as ubiquitous decline - all 'doom and gloom'. This title challenges this view and shows how our own attitudes and values may serve to perpetuate it. It examines the potential that ageing and later life have to be a rewarding experience - something to look forward to - rather than something to be denied.

Examines the social changes that have affected capitalist societies, and their ramifications for health. This book reviews the major paradigms of medical sociology and considers theories of the 'postmodern turn'. It draws on critical realism and critical theory to show the shift from organized to disorganized capitalism for health care reform.

Recognizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding of the policies of different societies within the field of disability, human rights and education. This book represents an attempt to critically engage with issues arising from the historical and contemporary domination of portrayals of 'the western' as advanced, democratic and exemplary.

The creative industries are a growing economic as well as cultural force. This book investigates their organizational dynamics and shows how companies structure their work processes to incorporate creative employees' needs for autonomy while at the same time controlling and coordinating their output.

When are children old enough to understand medical information? When are they mature enough to make wise decisions in their best interests? This book explores these questions through a qualitative research.

Coaching and Mentoring at Work is aimed not only at coaches and mentors but also at the other half of the partnership, clients.

Textbook to support new lecturers studying PGCertHE to understand the theory and practice of teaching and learning.

For all coaches in training and starting their coaching business.

Kish Bhatti-Sinclair is Reader in Social Policy and Social Work and Head of Social Work Programmes at the University of Chichester, UK. Kish is known for her work on social work, race and racism, including researching border controls and IT in the countries of the EU, globalisation in relation to social work values, troubled families, black and minority ethnic children in care, and inter-professional working in a culturally appropriate way. Chris Smethurst is Head of the Department of Childhood, Social Work and Social Care at the University of Chichester, UK. Prior to a career in Higher Education, Chris worked in a range of social work and social care settings: in community work, youth work, residential child care, day services and in learning disability and community mental health teams. This experience informed a particular interest in the impact of social attitudes on social policy and on the day-to-day work of practitioners and organisations. Social Work is increasingly delivered in complex situations. Key to professional practice is developing a sensitive understanding of the issues of diversity and oppression.The book will introduce you to social differences in relation to class, race, disability, gender and sexual orientation. It will offer guidance, tools and methods to promote attitudes and behaviours which enable us to live well together whilst respecting cultural, religious and ethnic differences. It also explains the essential skills expected in the professional standards such as the PCF.Instead of providing a reductive 'how-to' guide to diversity issues, this book invites practitioners to develop a considered and analytical approach to diversity issues that are often complex, multi-faceted and contested - and to reflect on the issues involved. The book features:. Explanations of key terms such as anti-oppressive or anti-discriminatory practice. An understanding of class assumptions and prejudice . A look at attitudes to Roma people and religious fundamentalism and the challenges these pose to social work practice. Coverage of minority groups such as the deafblind. Discussion of issues of race in social work and avoiding stereotypes. Summaries of core knowledge and skills for the social worker in each chapter. Case studies featuring contemporary issues to provide lessons for social workThis is an essential book for all those interested in providing excellence in practice, whether students, newly qualified social workers or established professionals in social care. ***This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice. They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development.

This book will help you use classic psychological tools confidently and expertly.

John McLeod’s bestseller provides a comprehensive, research-informed overview of the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. This new edition has been expanded to cover emerging aspects of contemporary practice, such as debates around neuroscience and integration; third-wave cognitive–behavioural therapies such as ACT, mindfulness and FAP; the experience of being a client; motivational interviewing; interpersonal psychotherapy; social dimensions of therapy; leaving therapy; gender and sexuality; spirituality; and key counselling and therapeutic skills and techniques. This sixth edition has been fully updated and revised throughout and is separated into a four-part structure for easy navigation. Each chapter also enhances learning with the following resources:• Case studies• Landmark and contemporary research studies• Topics for reflection and discussion• Suggested further readingAn Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy has been the book of choice for students and tutors on introductory courses for over 25 years.“Professor John McLeod’s Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy is a classic text. In providing a comprehensive perspective on the field, it goes well beyond being a mere ‘introduction’. Not only does it deliver an encyclopaedic amount of information, but it also presents this information in an incredibly captivating manner. There is simply no other book on the topic to match it. This new edition, truly faithful to its predecessors, maps new innovations in the context of previous generations’ viewpoints. This is ‘the’ book on counselling and psychotherapy.”Ladislav Timulak, PhD, Course Director, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Trinity College Dublin“John McLeod has a talent for bringing readers into intimate contact with the experience of another person''s experience. Through his evocative descriptions, accessible language, and plentiful examples you will find yourself looking through the eyes of both clients and therapists and developing a depth of understanding about important processes in psychotherapy. His position at the vanguard of psychotherapy research allows him to bring to life the practice of psychotherapy while posing research questions and stimulating curiosity about findings. His valuing of varied approaches to psychotherapy invites the reader to connect with diverse perspectives and consider their own beliefs.”Heidi M. Levitt, PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA 

This case book is aimed at pre-registration nurses studying children's nursing and includes 23 case studies with Q&A.

This series explores the key issues, models and skills for trainers and supervisors in the main areas of helping professions.

This book covers all the key aspects of health care management.

An essential handbook combining subject knowledge with practical teaching ideas to ensure your teaching of history is both imaginative and creative

Inspirational stories of pAractice showing how children can achieve progress in keeping with the principles of Learning without Limits.

MBA Admissions Strategy is a guide to the four aspects of a successful, competitive business school application.

This accessible guide will help nurses and midwives to understand and be prepared for their revalidation.