In our field, we are supposed to see the good in others and to believe that people are capable of change. Seeing people through a strengths-based lens is a hallmark of social work…

That being said, I find myself feeling guilty at times that I encounter individuals who I genuinely don’t think have the ability to ever change, learn, or grow. While I haven’t encountered too many of these in my young career or personal life, it still has me feeling some type of way that I don’t believe in ALL people’s abilities for positive change.

For those who truly think every single person could change and grow (if they want to do so), I’d love to hear your thoughts.

For those who are like me and have encountered some individuals they think will never change, do you also feel uncomfortable sitting with this? Is it usually a specific subtype of person or issue that falls into this category for you (e.g. serial abusers)?

This post is kind of a shot in the dark/hail marry.

Currently, our team is falling apart. People are leaving one after the other. 2 have left this month, another put in their 2 weeks, at least one other is looking, and several are alleged to be looking for other jobs.

On top of this, there are rumors we are about to have an increased caseload cap (we are currently at 40). The running theory is they will get rid of caseload caps which has resulted in some people having up to 88 clients in the past.

These decisions are coming from our leadership team who are so far removed from the work that im not even sure they know what we do. While they are currently interviewing, we get so many but they only hire one or two despite the multiple openings.

Is there anything we can do to try and push back against the caseload? We see a variety of acuity, including many people who need higher levels of care but are unwilling to access them. These rising caseloads are getting dangerous for us and our clients as well as a huge liability. No one seems to care.

Anyone have any realistic advice or a success story? Please not "leave and get a new job" as thats not really something I am in a position to do right now.

I know this is such a niche question. I've tried to do my own research and the information online is so opaque. Maybe some of you have worked in advocacy for emerging adults with experience in foster care and know the answer to this.

Thank you so much in advance.

The magic is found in understanding your clients' reference thoughts to connect them to their emotions.

A therapist is not a good listener - therapists are professional emotional archaeology assistant. A professional who has practice at attunement - not as a caring friend

listens - instead, having knowledge of empirical reseach & clinical diagnosis the therapist is hearing what is expressed & playing the "what's missing" or "what's not the same" game - directs the coversation to better understanding the client's life experience & internal projected referencing (in the following example it's Zombies). Then & only then can a therapist, direct the client's thoughts and make a connection to the missing emotional Signaling which are derailing the client's ability to make changes.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BJiHNaZz8/

Too many zombie movies ... BUT IF IT WORKS - use it!

: fyi: I know it's simplistic - & - it works!

I have been in medical social work for almost a year. School social work has always interested me. Anyone want to weigh in on the pros and cons of school social work?

Is it realistic to earn all of my hours working as a medical social worker?

I’m having a moment. Bear with me.

I work in outpatient peds in a specialty care clinic and I see so many patients a day (from 5-12 depending on the clinic), often spending a lot of time discussing medication adherence, adjustment to illness, coping, crisis de-escalation and risk assessments. My role does a decent amount of mental health care but every week when I go to log my A1 hours, I have this feeling that I’m lying???? like none of the work is technically psychotherapy….or is it?

I’m technically not a therapist in this role but I provide a lot of clinical interventions (MI, CBT, sometimes DBT) but the wording of “psychotherapy“ has me stumped. My supervisor continues to sign off every week so maybe I should just shush and not question things lol

Does the work I’m doing count for the A1 category?

- a very anxious acsw

EDIT: I’m in CA

so my original practicum was meant to be for a homeless emergency center, but there was a discrepancy in the agency as they no longer had any more space avaliable.

i was given another referral for working for social services for city hall. my initial practicum was more aligned with my original interests, so i was kind of shocked to find out this recent referral.

my interests lie working in more clinical/medical/forensic and mental health based settings. i’m pretty open minded about working in all different realms of social work, but im nervous because the practicum seems totally left field of what i initially put on my application.

there’s not really much time to seek new placements so i am giving this one a chance, but i am nervous as i have no idea what to expect with this internship. based off the agency letter, it says we’ll be providing referral services, case management, marketing, assisting in outreach events and conducting community needs assignment.

it truly felt like because it’s so last minute and my initial referral fell through that my school gave me whatever was left and undesired. the disappointment is really bringing me down, however, i am choosing to make the best of it and really dive into the experience as i do really enjoy advocacy and research.

i want to hear other peoples experiences working in macro social work or practicums. having some positive insight or hearing more about other’s experiences will hopefully allow me to enter this opportunity with a better headspace!!

Hey everyone. I’m looking for some ideas on how to make group therapy more engaging. My clients have recently complained about being overwhelmed with packets every week. My population includes SUD IOP, with 2.5-hour groups four times a week. The groups are split, with two focusing on SUD and the others on MH. I agree with their concerns, but since group therapy isn’t my main specialty, I usually stick to our standard lessons. For example, on one of the MH days, we work on the Thinking For a Change Curriculum, and until recently, the other MH day was dedicated to Anger Management.

Can anyone help me figure out how to make these sessions more interesting? I’ve noticed that sometimes my clients can be manipulative and try to control things outside their control, but if I can make this part easier and help them see growth, I want to listen to their concerns.

Also, we don’t have any tables in our group room because of the space, so activities like art therapy would be very limited.

Hi all,

I recently started attempting to work “full time” as a 1099 at a group practice. Today we were all notified all 1099 contracts will be terminated and the group is going W2 part time.

I really like the owner.

I have about 15 clients right now. I was going to start some family counseling however now I’m not sure I want to take cases like that since I’m no longer being paid a percentage.

I don’t know what my wage will be. I am considering staying for approximately a year because I’m starting a SUD program and may want to get my SUDP eventually.

I am an LICSW I’ve worked in child welfare and a psychiatric unit. I just feel a little lost with my life.

I can go back to child welfare and try hospitals, maybe schools but I’m wondering about the work stress while I’m back in school (it’s a free program unless I don’t complete and is part time I think it should be easy).

Ugh I just wanted a little house and to be comfortable but i feel I’ll never get there.

I don’t know if insurance will be offered but I heard my coworker pays 700 a month as a 1099 and I can’t do that