Journal of Social Work Practice

Aims & Scope

This journal promotes the use of psychodynamic and systemic perspectives to explore and explain social work practice and relationship-based practice.

It publishes papers based on empirical research, theory and practice experience from the UK and around the world, all of which are anonymously reviewed by two peer reviewers.

The journal aims to support and enliven practitioners and academics alike through deep and thoughtful exploration of matters relevant to contemporary practice.

As the title suggests, social work is a prime focus.

However, papers discussing allied fields of interpersonal help and the organisational and policy contexts that influence practice are also welcome, as are articles offering critical analysis of psychodynamic and systemic theory in the light of other explanatory frameworks.

Contributions from practitioners are especially welcome, either in the form of full-length articles or as shorter pieces in the Voices from Practice section.

The journal embraces social work values and seeks to represent diverse and intercultural perspectives.

The journal aims to provide a forum in which: • practice, institutional and policy matters are examined through psychodynamic and systemic lenses; • the lived experience of practitioners, educators and researchers in contemporary helping professions in the UK and in other cultures and countries is reflected and made visible; • psychodynamic and systemic perspectives are linked to and evaluated in the light of other theoretical orientations.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	1.4
2024	1.20

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	11170

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	203

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.520

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q1

h-index

Year	Value
2024	38

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Medicine and Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• We need to (find a way to) talk about … Eco-anxiety

  Citation: 220

  Authors: Caroline

• Effective relationship-based practice: A theoretical exploration

  Citation: 160

  Authors: Pamela

• Relationship-based thinking and practice in social work

  Citation: 108

  Authors: David

• Feminist and empowerment theory and social work practice

  Citation: 101

  Authors: Sandra G., Tina M.

• ‘Queen of the world’: experiences of ‘at-risk’ young people participating in equine-assisted learning/therapy

  Citation: 79

  Authors: Hannah Louise

• Age- and Child-Friendly Cities and the Promise of Intergenerational Space

  Citation: 74

  Authors: Simon, Ashley

• The concept of the ‘lifeworld orientation’ for social work and social care

  Citation: 72

  Authors: Klaus, Hans

• Humanising Managerialism: Reclaiming Emotional Reasoning, Intuition, the Relationship, and Knowledge and Skills in Social Work

  Citation: 71

  Authors: Pamela

• IMPLEMENTATION OF PARENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF NORWAY

  Citation: 67

  Authors: Terje, Marion S., Elisabeth, Gerald R., Bernadette M.

• Emotions, social work practice and supervision: an uneasy alliance?

  Citation: 67

  Authors: Richard

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