This is the third edition of this popular straightforward guide for social work students. Written by two experienced practice educators, the book is designed to address the anxieties that many social work students have about social work theory and the way it relates to practice. The guide provides a straightforward explanation of the major theories used in social work practice. Prompts for reflection about how each theory relates to practice are provided at the end of each chapter. This edition is fully linked to the revised international definition of social work, HCPC standards and the Professional Capabilities Framework. This new edition retains the content of previous editions bringing it up to date. A new section is included on theories around contexts and organisations. A new chapter on wellbeing theories is also included in this edition - responding to the implementation of the wellbeing principle. This is an outstanding resource in a series of books for social work students, practitioners and educators. Laid out in an easy to use format, it summarises complex theories simply and concisely. The authors have worked closely with students in order to offer invaluable ideas and tips to link these theories to practice which, in the demanding context of social work placements, provides an up to date and invaluable tool. If there is one book I recommend to students going out on placement, it's this one. Essential reading. Jon Old, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Chichester.