Self-Care |
for Social Workers
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Self-Care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. ~ Eleanor Brown
My connection
For the past 6 years I have worked to raise awareness about the importance of Self-Care in the social work profession. While supporting my mother through recovery from an intense stroke, I routinely interacted with social workers in a variety of health care settings. In addition to my own stress in helping to manage her many needs, I experienced the intense work load that is demanded of social workers. I could see the potential for burnout and compassion fatigue. I saw the vital need for them to BE at their best so they could do their job in the best way possible.
About
Incorporating Self-Care on a daily basis can lead to a reduction in stress and therefore a more meaningful career. Operating from a more grounded perspective can enhance client practice and agency culture.
The Self-Care for Social Workers workshop provides social workers with practical self-care tools that empowers them to be the most balanced version of themselves. There are 2 components of the workshop. First, a short discussion to bring awareness to the 6 areas of life that need care and attention. Second, an experiential portion that teaches gentle mindful movement, breathing techniques, self massage, mindfulness-based meditation, and other contemplative or relational self-care tools.
The Self-Care for Social Workers workshop provides social workers with practical self-care tools that empowers them to be the most balanced version of themselves. There are 2 components of the workshop. First, a short discussion to bring awareness to the 6 areas of life that need care and attention. Second, an experiential portion that teaches gentle mindful movement, breathing techniques, self massage, mindfulness-based meditation, and other contemplative or relational self-care tools.
Working together
The workshop:
- is customized or for the classroom and/or meeting space setting
- typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length
- can be open to other helping helping professionals who work in related fields
Self-Care for Social Workers has been presented for graduate social work programs for:
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Self-Care for Social Workers has been presented for hospital social work departments for:
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Self-Care for Social Workers has been expanded to The Art of Self-Care for Personal Wellbeing and presented at:
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For the past five years, Lynda has educated my students on the value of self-care in social work practice. Through discussion on lifestyle habits, guided movements, relaxation techniques, and mindful strategies, she has expanded the students' clinical skill-set and enriched their personal and professional lives. She is an invaluable resource and collaborator that I will continue to use to enhance the classroom experience."
~ Aaron Kesselman, LMSW, Assistant Director of Field Instruction, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Lynda provided our students with just the right antidote to a stressful semester; she demonstrated useful interventions and encouraged them to practice self care! They will become better social workers as a result of her useful strategies!"
~ Lynn Levy, Ph.D., LMSW, Associate Clinical Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University