Introducing
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I am...
~ respectfully from the ancestral
territory of the Mi'kmaq and
Beothuk (St. John's, NL)
~ of european decent (mainly British
and Irish)
~ an ally
~ 28 years old
~ cis-gendered
~ heterosexual
~ empathic
~ compassionate
~ insightful
~ diligent
~ honest
~ a listener
~ a dog & cat mom
You can spend a lifetime trying to forget a few minutes of your childhood
- Sandra Bullock in Hope Floats
~ earliest memories include child sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
~ was constantly told children should be seen but not heard; snitches get stitches; social workers are only their to take you away and place you with parents worse than you already have.
~ mother IV drug user, father alcoholic
~ 1 half-sister
~ parents out nightly gambling
~ often witnessed domestic
violence, drug dealings, parents
getting arrested, etc.
"Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks"
- Isaac Watts
"Re-examine all you have been told.
Dismiss all that hurts your soul"
- Walt Whitman
~ I was in my teens before I found someone that I could trust enough to disclose the abuse to. This was the first person to believe in me.
~ at age 16, I moved out on my own.
~ through the process of unlearning and relearning - I am slowly discovering who I am and what I stand for.
~ believer in the power of lived experience and the growth that can happen for all who listen with intent.
~ passion and motivation for supporting growth (literally and figuratively)
~ policy nerd and a noise maker
~ committed to social justice
~ entrenched in the better good for all in society.
~ may be a little obsessed with dogs.
~ the journey throughout my teens was rough, I was not allowed to receive help for mental health/ trauma(s) until I was on my own (and then it took time for me to accept!!)
learning-unlearning-relearning
"Be brave enough to heal yourself even when it hurts"
- Bianca Sparacino
~ spent five years in an intense trauma therapy program and two years in an eating disorder treatment program.
~ at age 20, was making $80000/yr, with job security and benefits... but quit!
~ experimented with drugs, ODed with intention of suicide.
~ car accident that destroyed my back (required multiple surgeries and significant treatment).
~ graduated with an arts degree from MUN (intended on joining RCMP)
~ truly began unlearning journey!
I will...
I will...
~ continue to learn what the grade school textbooks did not teach about our Indigenous peoples who came before us.
~ make the commitment to always be an ally.
~ make the best attempt to practice socially just social work.
~ remain aware of the power and privilege my ancestry provides.
~ always consider the role of inter-generational trauma, the residential school system, the 60's scoop, the continued belittling experienced today of our Indigenous people.
~ forever be thankful for the education and awareness brought forth by this BSW program. Had it not been for this program, I feel I would still be in the dark about how grim our Canadian history truly is.
~ never discriminate or differentiate based on income type, amounts or lack their of.
~ never turn someone away from treatment because they cannot "afford" it.
~ be aware of my privilege being in the middle-class and the power that has granted me.
~ advocate for timely access to supports for all (whether it be mental health support, treatment, justice, etc).
I will...
~ be judgement free.
~ be culturally safe.
~ be aware of my safety, power and privilege being white.
~ be accepting that trust is not easy and understand that I will need to earn it.
~ be an ally.
~ challenge others when I hear racist slurs, stereotypes and judgemental commentary.
~ stand up, show up and make noise for equality.
I will...
I will...
** The statements made in the following story blocks can be and will be transferred interchangeably in practice. The "I will" statements are examples of my commitment within practice.
~ have an open door policy.
~ be a safe space/support for all.
~ always be the learner in the room.
~ be an ally.
~ be aware of my privilege and challenge myself whenever needed.
~ question if the systems I am working with are just (ie. working environment)
~ practice anti-oppressive practice
~ be inclusive of all
~ remain aware of how my sexuality is considered the "norm" and therefore provides me with safety, security and privilege.
~ advocate for equal rights for all individuals no matter of sexual preference or identity.
~ advocate for timely access for trans related medical procedures to occur within a reasonable time frame.
~ remain aware of how historically homosexuality was deemed a mental illness and treatment was horrific.
To Future Clients...
I promise to listen with intent, to ask the difficult questions and to never provide the "answers". You are the expert in your journey, I am just a stepping stone along the way. I will cry with you, laugh with you, learn with you and grow with you - but always challenge you. I will forever believe in you!
To Myself...
I promise to take proper self-care, to allow for personal growth and development. To challenge my beliefs, my morals and my
biases - to constantly be aware
and to reflect.
Historical Injustices
Current Injustices
I will connect the past with the present, explore the inter-generational connection of inequality, oppression and marginalization.
Residential schools, 60's Scoop, MMIWG, Housing and homelessness, Poverty... the list can go on for days!
~ Online final work term (and previously completed the PLA, therefore completing no work terms for BSW program)
~ Decreased interaction with service providers locally (networking).
~ Increased stress in the community, yet decrease in services available.
~ Entering into the field during a worldwide pandemic.
~ Moving the world to online platforms, despite living in a province that is not ready for online world (ie. internet is still not available in place,
etc).
The images above are quotes from NLs Health Minister during daily news briefings throughout Covid19.
First and foremost, practice is always changing.. always evolving. What works for one individual, may not/will not work for another. Our practice (and approach) will always be tailored to meet the needs/desires/goals of clients. After all - they are the true experts!
Systems Theory
"Systems theory describes human behavior in terms of complex systems. It is premised on the idea that an effective system is based on individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the system. According to this theory, families, couples, and organization members are directly involved in resolving a problem even if it is an individual issue".
Reference: Body, Amanda (n.d) Theories Used in Social Work Practice
I love how this theory aims to provide a more complete view of an individual, including various components that makes up a persons life.
Ecological Systems Theory
"Ecological systems theory emphasizes the importance of observing people in multiple environments, or systems, to fully understand their behavior."
Reference: Social Work Licence Map (2020) https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/theories-and-practice-models/
Besides the major theories outline to the right, I following also resonate well within my future practice:
~ Social Learning Theory
~ Conflict Theory
~ Humanistic Theory
It is magical to be given the opportunity to learn about clients in more natural environments that are outside of a clinical office setting (and an honor and privilege to be allowed). Being able to witness clients in multiple places/environments/situations - provides candid opportunity to discover strengths that you cannot determine sat in an office chair. This in return provides opportunity to determine strengths that can than be useful in varioss therapeutic approaches.
Psychodynamic Theory
"Informed by ego psychology and focuses on how inner energies interact with external forces to impact emotional development. That is, this theory assumes that emotions play a key role in human behavior and is thus concerned with how these internal needs, drives, and emotions motivate human behavior."
Reference: Body, Amanda (n.d) Theories Used in Social Work Practice
Examining behaviors through emotions, viewing emotional development and/or the lack there of as a reason for a behavior to appear. This theory fascinates me and is actually an area of study I want to pursue in the near future.
Presented are my choice practice models for use with clients.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
(c/o: CSA Group)
Technical Committee Member for the Mental Health and Well-being for Post-Secondary Students
NEADS
Mental Health Taskforce Founder and Chair
Graduate Experience Project Mental Health Analysis
Co-Chair of Exect. Committee
Choices for Youth
JumpStart Pre-employment Program and Momma Moments
DayBreak Parent and Child Centre
Supporting New Canadians parents develop life skills.
Reflective Practice:
Being reflective not just in my professional practice but my personal life is imperative. This will help with continuous growth, improvement and skill development.
Anti-Oppressive:
to me, it is important to not just practice AOP but to live an AO lifestyle.
Trauma Informed:
this one is huge for me, being a survivor myself. I know the important first hand of having a social worker who is trauma informed verses one who is not.
Prior to starting the BSW Program, I feel that I had the following practice skills:
Since starting the BSW program, I have developed the following skill set:
I feel that in this field there will always be skills that I will continue to learn and grow - especially from our clients!
Core Social Work Values and Principles
"Social work is founded on a long-standing commitment to respect the
inherent dignity and individual worth of all persons. When required by law
to override a client’s wishes, social workers take care to use the minimum
coercion required. Social workers recognize and respect the diversity of
Canadian society, taking into account the breadth of differences that exist
among individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers
uphold the human rights of individuals and groups as expressed in The
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)."
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
"Social workers believe in the obligation of people, individually and
collectively, to provide resources, services and opportunities for the
overall benefit of humanity and to afford them protection from harm.
Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distribution of
resources, and act to reduce barriers and expand choice for all persons,
with special regard for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged,
vulnerable, and/or have exceptional needs. Social workers oppose
prejudice and discrimination against any person or group of persons, on
any grounds, and specifically challenge views and actions that stereotype
particular persons or groups"
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
"The social work profession upholds service in the interests of others,
consistent with social justice, as a core professional objective. In
professional practice, social workers balance individual needs, and rights
and freedoms with collective interests in the service of humanity. When
acting in a professional capacity, social workers place professional service
before personal goals or advantage, and use their power and authority in
disciplined and responsible ways that serve society. The social work
profession contributes to knowledge and skills that assist in the
management of conflicts and the wide-ranging consequences of conflict."
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
"Social workers demonstrate respect for the profession’s purpose, values
and ethical principles relevant to their field of practice. Social workers
maintain a high level of professional conduct by acting honestly and
responsibly, and promoting the values of the profession. Social workers
strive for impartiality in their professional practice, and refrain from
imposing their personal values, views and preferences on clients. It is the
responsibility of social workers to establish the tenor of their professional
relationship with clients, and others to whom they have a professional
duty, and to maintain professional boundaries. As individuals, social
workers take care in their actions to not bring the reputation of the
profession into disrepute. An essential element of integrity in professional
practice is ethical accountability based on this Code of Ethics, the IFSW
International Declaration of Ethical Principles of Social Work, and other
relevant provincial/territorial standards and guidelines. Where conflicts
exist with respect to these sources of ethical guidance, social workers are
encouraged to seek advice, including consultation with their regulatory
body"
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
"A cornerstone of professional social work relationships is confidentiality
with respect to all matters associated with professional services to clients.
Social workers demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in
them by clients, communities and other professionals by protecting the
privacy of client information and respecting the client’s right to control
when or whether this information will be shared with third parties. Social
workers only disclose confidential information to other parties (including
family members) with the informed consent of clients, clients’ legally
authorized representatives or when required by law or court order. The
general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential
does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious,
foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others. In all instances, social
workers disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to
achieve the desired purpose."
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
"Social workers respect a client’s right to competent social worker services.
Social workers analyze the nature of social needs and problems, and
encourage innovative, effective strategies and techniques to meet both new
and existing needs and, where possible, contribute to the knowledge base
of the profession. Social workers have a responsibility to maintain
professional proficiency, to continually strive to increase their professional
knowledge and skills, and to apply new knowledge in practice
commensurate with their level of professional education, skill and
competency, seeking consultation and supervision as appropriate."
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics (2005)
As social workers, we are required to complete a predetermined number of professional development hours per year. I have identified the following opportunities:
Eventually, I would like to continue my education and complete a medical degree specializing in neurology. I have a passion for research and would love to study the neurological changes within the brain as the result of early exposure to childhood trauma (think: neuroplasticity and PTSD).
Until this time, I am hoping to travel to Northern Labrador and work remotely in child protection to gain experience needed to apply for research funding.
Body, Amanda (n.d) Theories Used in Social Work Practice
Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) (2005) Code of Ethics
Simmons University (2020) What Skills Are Required To Be A Social Worker
Social Work Licensing Map (2020) Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Wor
* All quotes found via google search and referenced within this presentation.