Today my field instructor threw me into the water and said, "Swim!"
I may have done something that more closely resembled dog paddling as I performed my very first one-on-one session ever. I thought this would happen differently. I thought it would begin after Spring Break. I thought I'd be able to plan ahead.
So much for thinking!
Even though "my client" arrived 45 minutes early, I was able to jot down his treatment goals and objectives before I sat down with him.
Without going into details, I think (there I go again) it went fairly well. My field instructor knows what she is doing and she knows me well enough after 8 weeks to trust me with this most important aspect of the learning experience.
I tried to relax, and guide the session, and, most of all, listen. I also prayed before I met with him, which can't hurt!
What a day. What a life. What a fabulous career choice I have made.
--Ms. T. J.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Introducing...Karen!
You may have noticed a new name under "Contributors" on this blog. Karen Zgoda, who is a social work doctoral candidate at Boston College, will be writing our new SW 2.0 column and will be posting here on tech topics for social workers. I am very happy to have Karen on board! Look for her postings soon.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
One more mid-term and then...Spring Break!
I totally get why we have Spring Break. If we didn't, we'd all be having Spring breakdowns. I really thought I was going to have one a couple weeks ago, but I got through it, and now I have a renewed sense of accomplishment.
In case you didn't notice, I stopped blogging pretty much the whole month of February. I felt spent and didn't have an extra word to write.
Suddenly, with one week to go before we are released for Spring Break, I have energy! I forgot what that felt like.
Since I'm taking you along for the ride, here, I guess I should tell you my mid-term grades. I am a 4.0 student -- which is amazing given that my undergraduate studies were not quite as successful. I was a bit of a party girl back in the day, and I often put socializing ahead of classes and assignments. Luckily I was just smart enough to pull that off. You can't really do that in grad school, I don't think. At least I can't.
So, my mid-term grades are 2 As and 2 Bs. The Bs were disappointing until the professors confessed that they always give Bs at mid-term, no matter what. I don't like this, but it's good for my perfectionist soul. I need to sit with a B and see how it feels. It may even push me, though I really don't think I need shoving at this point. Too close to the edge!
What I think has buoyed my spirit are my vacation plans. My husband, a wine and spirits columnist, has planned a get-a-way in the north Georgia mountains where he plans to take a group next year for a wine-tasting retreat. My plans? I will be renting a bicycle, hiking in the woods, partaking of the offerings of the Pura Vida spa, and checking out the downtown area's shops, bistros and museums. There is also a kangaroo farm in the area so we will definitely be taking a day trip to check that out!
I hope all of you students have plans to relax and do something for YOU! Also, I know that all social workers need breaks. Our field is not for the faint of heart, so we have to to refuel our souls-- regularly. Spring would be a perfect time for you to take a week off, if you can.
I'll try to check in with you while I'm in the mountains -- to let you know what it's like in kangaroo country.
--Ms. T. J.
In case you didn't notice, I stopped blogging pretty much the whole month of February. I felt spent and didn't have an extra word to write.
Suddenly, with one week to go before we are released for Spring Break, I have energy! I forgot what that felt like.
Since I'm taking you along for the ride, here, I guess I should tell you my mid-term grades. I am a 4.0 student -- which is amazing given that my undergraduate studies were not quite as successful. I was a bit of a party girl back in the day, and I often put socializing ahead of classes and assignments. Luckily I was just smart enough to pull that off. You can't really do that in grad school, I don't think. At least I can't.
So, my mid-term grades are 2 As and 2 Bs. The Bs were disappointing until the professors confessed that they always give Bs at mid-term, no matter what. I don't like this, but it's good for my perfectionist soul. I need to sit with a B and see how it feels. It may even push me, though I really don't think I need shoving at this point. Too close to the edge!
What I think has buoyed my spirit are my vacation plans. My husband, a wine and spirits columnist, has planned a get-a-way in the north Georgia mountains where he plans to take a group next year for a wine-tasting retreat. My plans? I will be renting a bicycle, hiking in the woods, partaking of the offerings of the Pura Vida spa, and checking out the downtown area's shops, bistros and museums. There is also a kangaroo farm in the area so we will definitely be taking a day trip to check that out!
I hope all of you students have plans to relax and do something for YOU! Also, I know that all social workers need breaks. Our field is not for the faint of heart, so we have to to refuel our souls-- regularly. Spring would be a perfect time for you to take a week off, if you can.
I'll try to check in with you while I'm in the mountains -- to let you know what it's like in kangaroo country.
--Ms. T. J.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Powerlessness 101
An interesting thing happened at field practicum yesterday.
My field instructor has been working with siblings in one-on-one sessions. I have been allowed to observe all of her sessions, with the permission of the clients and their guardians. It has been a highlight of my field experience. Watching the siblings progress and getting to know them has been a privilege and an amazing learning experience.
Yesterday the guardian requested not only a new therapist, but also tried to dictate the length of sessions and demanded to know what the siblings are sharing in sessions. In addition to all of these complaints, the guardian is denying the intern (me) access to the sessions.
I was disappointed. I have processed the situation somewhat, and I have learned more about powerlessness. There is nothing I can do about it. I have to practice acceptance.
My field instructor's director did not allow the guardian to switch therapists for the siblings, nor are they allowing the guardian to dictate the length of the sessions. The guardian will not be granted the right to know everything the siblings share in therapy sessions. However, they must honor the request to keep the intern (me) out.
Apparently the guardian has a history of interrupting the service of the sibling's treatment as a diversion tactic. The siblings have been severely abused and have difficulty trusting people. As soon as they begin to open up, the guardian acts out and introduces roadblocks to the treatment process.
I believe I brought something to the sessions. I was compassionate and caring. I listened, laughed and was moved by their experiences. I am able to let go with understanding. I am powerless over people, places and things... and guardians.
--Ms. T. J.
My field instructor has been working with siblings in one-on-one sessions. I have been allowed to observe all of her sessions, with the permission of the clients and their guardians. It has been a highlight of my field experience. Watching the siblings progress and getting to know them has been a privilege and an amazing learning experience.
Yesterday the guardian requested not only a new therapist, but also tried to dictate the length of sessions and demanded to know what the siblings are sharing in sessions. In addition to all of these complaints, the guardian is denying the intern (me) access to the sessions.
I was disappointed. I have processed the situation somewhat, and I have learned more about powerlessness. There is nothing I can do about it. I have to practice acceptance.
My field instructor's director did not allow the guardian to switch therapists for the siblings, nor are they allowing the guardian to dictate the length of the sessions. The guardian will not be granted the right to know everything the siblings share in therapy sessions. However, they must honor the request to keep the intern (me) out.
Apparently the guardian has a history of interrupting the service of the sibling's treatment as a diversion tactic. The siblings have been severely abused and have difficulty trusting people. As soon as they begin to open up, the guardian acts out and introduces roadblocks to the treatment process.
I believe I brought something to the sessions. I was compassionate and caring. I listened, laughed and was moved by their experiences. I am able to let go with understanding. I am powerless over people, places and things... and guardians.
--Ms. T. J.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
50 Ways to Use a Social Work Degree
As part of Social Work Month, NASW has unveiled a new site on 50 ways to use a social work degree. The site, "One Profession, Countless Possibilities," profiles 50 different social workers and shows the diversity of the profession. Click the title above to go to the "50 Ways" site.
And if you want to read MORE stories of social workers, I have edited or co-edited three books of first person stories from social work practice:
Days in the Lives of Social Workers: 54 Professionals Tell "Real-Life" Stories From Social Work Practice (3rd Edition)
More Days in the Lives of Social Workers: 35 "Real-Life" Stories of Advocacy, Outreach, and Other Intriguing Roles in Social Work Practice
Days in the Lives of Gerontological Social Workers: 44 Professionals Tell Stories From "Real-Life" Social Work Practice With Older Adults (with Dara Bergel Bourassa)
These three books represent stories of 133 social workers in different settings and different roles!
You can check them out at http://www.daysinthelivesofsocialworkers.com and/or order at http://www.socialworker.com/home/blogsection/Publications/
There is a special price for the 3-book set.
And if you want to read MORE stories of social workers, I have edited or co-edited three books of first person stories from social work practice:
Days in the Lives of Social Workers: 54 Professionals Tell "Real-Life" Stories From Social Work Practice (3rd Edition)
More Days in the Lives of Social Workers: 35 "Real-Life" Stories of Advocacy, Outreach, and Other Intriguing Roles in Social Work Practice
Days in the Lives of Gerontological Social Workers: 44 Professionals Tell Stories From "Real-Life" Social Work Practice With Older Adults (with Dara Bergel Bourassa)
These three books represent stories of 133 social workers in different settings and different roles!
You can check them out at http://www.daysinthelivesofsocialworkers.com and/or order at http://www.socialworker.com/home/blogsection/Publications/
There is a special price for the 3-book set.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Social Work Month--Day 2--Special Offer
I hope you are having a great Social Work Month! Did you know that the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER and this blog also publishes books about social work and nonprofit management? To introduce you to our books and products, we are giving you a 10% discount this month! Go to http://www.socialworker.com/home/blogsection/Publications/ and put the items in your cart. Then when you check out, use Coupon Code SWMONTH09. Besides books, you can also order our popular "I Am a Social Worker" buttons on that page, too! The 10% discount will be subtracted from your whole order.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Happy Social Work Month!
Today is the first day of National Social Work Month 2009! Give a big pat on the back to social workers, social work students, and social work educators everywhere! Let us know what you are doing to celebrate. If you send me a photo of your Social Work Month celebration, I might even put it in the next issue of The New Social Worker. Send photos to linda.grobman@paonline.com.
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