The Emotions of Social Workers: How Reflecting on Feelings Can Enhance Practice

by Alessandro Sicora

Overview

Emotions are central to our humanity and yet, when it comes to social work, ‘difficult’ emotions like shame, anger, disgust, fear and sadness are often dismissed as unprofessional.

This groundbreaking book challenges the taboo around emotion in social work. The first of its kind, it uses international research and hundreds of practitioner interviews to explore emotions in social work, and to demonstrate how embracing all emotions can enhance practice, prevent emotional burnout and strengthen motivation.

Accessibly written and with a strong practical element, this book is an invaluable tool for turning complex and emotionally charged situations into rich opportunities for learning, enhancing resilience and developing personal and professional growth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447372752
Publisher:	Policy Press
Publication date:	01/15/2026
Series:	Research in Social Work
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176

About the Author

Alessandro Sicora is Professor of Social Work at the University of Trento.
Alessandro Sicora is Lecturer of Social Work (Methods and techniques) at the University of Calabria and the University Ca'Foscari in Venice and undertakes research on reflective practice and comparative social policy.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Emotions and social work

2. How to reflect on and learn from emotionally rich experiences

3. Shame: one of the greatest obstacles to reflective practice

4. Anger: energy to overcome obstacles to effective help

5. Disgust: one of the least considered emotions in social work

6. Fear and risk in the helping professions

7. Sadness: the darkest and most difficult of emotions also in social work?

8. Joy: source of learning and wellbeing for social workers.

9. Emotions in Social Work Education and Supervision

10. Listen, Learn, and Enhance Social Work Practice and Well-Being Through Mindful Attention to Emotions

References

Editorial Reviews

An innovative book that combines empirical research and theoretical reflection, repositioning emotions at the heart of social work and offering useful tools for reflective practice, emotional awareness and professional development.” Annamaria Campanini, Retired Professor in Social Work and Former President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work

“Authored by an acclaimed researcher, this book effectively bridges grounded international empirical research and case studies in an eloquent and accessible manner, addressing a timely topic relevant across diverse contexts.” Lambert K. Engelbrecht, Stellenbosch University

“Meticulously researched and thoughtfully written, this book is an essential read for all social work professionals and students. It sets out, in powerful and persuasive arguments, why emotions are at the core of effective social work practice. Providing readers with knowledge of definitions and theories, techniques for recognising and capitalising on emotions in professional ways, and relatable case study chapters on specific emotions, it is the ‘go-to’ resource for all qualified and qualifying social workers on emotions in professional practice.” Karen Winter, Chair of the European Social Work Research Association

From the Publisher