This classic, best-selling text for beginning social work students introduces the basic components of working with people--observation, assessment, communication, and intervention. Now in its Eighth edition, Working with People presents an engaging discussion of the theoretical foundation of social work practice, promotes the development of practice skills, integrates the topics of advocacy throughout, and encourages social work students to be more reflective in their work. Advocacy for clients, especially minority groups, is emphasized. Included in this new edition are diversity rich case examples which put theory into practice, discussions about changes in societal attitudes, philosophies, and politics toward those in need, and material on feminist psychology and brief therapies. Additionally, tables with highlights of major personality theories make it easy for a reader to see the distinctions between different theoretical approaches.