This new, groundbreaking book by Jay S. Levy and Robin Johnson presents compelling narratives and innovative approaches for addressing the psychological traumas that can underlie homelessness. It is the first to explore in depth what the US and UK can learn from one another.
Various authors, from both sides of the Atlantic, included in the book focus on understanding and applying the precepts of Pretreatment and “Psychologically Informed Environments” as well as effective ways to promote productive dialogue on all levels-with clients, clinicians, advocates, policymakers, researchers, and others. Detailed case studies review and integrate “hands on” practice with Appreciative Inquiry, Open Dialogue, and Common Language Construction methods.
This book will be an important resource for clinicians, students of social work, service providers, researchers, and everyone who interacts with homeless people in a volunteer or professional capacity.
Praise for Cross-Cultural Dialogues on Homelessness
In ‘Cross-Cultural Dialogues on Homelessness’, Jay Levy and co-authors provide the conceptual tools, the hitherto ‘missing language’, needed by practitioners and policymakers working with excluded individuals. This should come with a warning: it will revolutionize how you work-irreversibly and, undoubtedly, for the better. – Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, MB, MRCP, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Medical Gerontology, Trinity College (Dublin)
As a long-time practitioner of street medicine, I recommend this book to anyone who seeks that sacred place on the streets where healing begins. – Jim Withers, MD, Founder and Medical Director and Operation Safety Net and the Street Medicine Institute (Pittsburgh)
‘Cross Cultural Dialogues on Homelessness’ is a timely and important collection of the latest thinking on how we should respond to the traumatic life experiences of so many homeless people. – Alex Bax, Chief Executive, (London) Pathway – transforming health services for homeless people
About the Authors
Jay S. Levy has spent more than 30 years working with individuals who experience homelessness. He is the Regional Manager for the Massachusetts statewide SAMHSA-PATH Homeless Outreach Team, and author of two highly acclaimed books which developed Pretreatment as an approach for helping people without homes and to promote inclusion. Learn more at www.JaySLevy.com.
Robin Johnson was a mental Health social worker for 25 years before moving into research, policy and writing. Co-author of two influential government guidance documents, Robin first proposed and developed the idea that the most creative services were developing Psychologically Informed Environments focused on meeting the psychological and emotional needs of people who are homeless.
For orders and inquiries, write to [email protected] or call +1 734 417 4266.
