SOME THOUGHTS ON THE RELEVANCE OF THE WORK OF D. W. WINNICOTT FOR PRESENT DAY SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH ADULTS

Abstract

The work of D. W. Winnicott is of topical relevance and value to current social work students who are learning to work with adult service users. Winnicott's theories and ideas on essential matters like reliability and proper listening are raised, together with issues of ambivalence, and some implications for inter‐professional practice. Winnicott is clear, accessible and meaningful in practice terms, which is what social work students crave.

Keywords:

• Winnicott
• reliability
• ambivalence
• inter‐professional practice
• social work students