This book discusses the task-centered model, the only approach developed within social work that is developed by and totally based on research.

A revision of the classic text on using the task-centered approach in brief treatment by one of Epstein's foremost students. With an expanded focus and a new co-author, this popular text for social work and counseling courses provides comprehensive coverage of all of the basic techniques of brief treatment in its most up-to-date forms, providing new perspectives on the task-centered approach and it's brief, focused, planned approach can help a variety of clients. Details of ten leading brief treatment models are provided as a basis for comparison of accepted approaches such as psychodynamic, eclectic, problem-solving, and cognitive-behavioral, with procedures for the eclectic Task-Centered Model being given in detail. New co-author, Lester B. Brown, was in the first group of fieldwork students trained by Epstein to use the Task-Centered Model. For three decades he has used this model in practice, taught BSW and MSW students, trained human service practitioners to use the model in a variety of settings, written and consulted about brief treatment, and has dedicated research and development time to ways to make treatment culturally sensitive, particularly to oppressed groups.Now that brief treatment is mandated by all HMO's and insurance plans, this updated and expanded text is invaluable for both students and practitioners in a wide array of professions and settings.

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF BRIEF TREATMENT.
1. Problems.
2. Intervention Frameworks.
3. Features of Brief Treatment.
4. The Task-Centered Model.
II. GUIDELINES FOR BRIEF TREATMENT.
5. Starting Up.
6. First Step: Problem Identification.
7. Second Step: Contracting.
8. Third Step: Implementation.
9. Fourth Step: Termination.
10. Interviewing Techniques for Brief Treatment.
11. Balance and Flexibility in Practice.
12. A Test of Task-Centered with Surgical Patients.
13. A Test of Task-Centered with HIV/AIDS Hospice Patients.
14. A Test of Task-Centered with Homeless Individuals and Families.
Index.