Humanistic principles are at the heart of social work, yet they are often overlooked in the managerial drive for better control of risk, resources and procedures. In this wide-ranging new book, Malcolm Payne develops a framework for social work practice that bring the profession's humanistic values to the forefront. He identifies positive fulfilment in social relationships as a key aim of the profession and reaffirms the importance of developing a fair and equal society. Importantly the book: - Charts the ideas that inform humanistic social work and identifies the principles and aims that define its successful practice, including human rights, accountability and empowerment - Explores how creative, artistic and spiritual practices can be integrated with evidence-based and research-informed approaches to enrich professionals' work with service users - Draws on a wide range of case material to illustrate how tools and concepts work in practice - Uses charts and diagrams clearly and effectively to demonstrate and explain the relationship between sometimes complex sets of ideas This is a timely and informative book by one of social work's most respected commentators. It will appeal to students enrolled on qualifying and post-qualifying courses and offers positive reading for those working in practice.