ProSocial Podcast

What started as an exploration of his book, From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years, also ended up being a rich, multifaceted discussion about other concepts such as dating, mutual relational dialogue and support, men in social work and in therapy settings, the antitheses to prosocial engagement that we see in society, and Eli’s thoughts on what it means to be prosocial.

What does it mean to you to be prosocial?

The full video interview with Eli can be found here.

For CE credits for this and other courses, please visit our website at ProSocialWorkers.com.

In this episode of the ProSocial Podcast, social worker and well-being advocate Zander Keig introduces the Third Space Well-Being Model, a framework designed to help helping professionals cultivate sustainable self-care, emotional resilience, and personal integrity. Drawing on decades of experience in mental health, healthcare, and caregiving settings, Keig challenges traditional approaches to wellness that focus solely on stress reduction and adaptation.

The discussion explores how chronic over-adaptation, people-pleasing, and conformity pressures can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and a loss of connection with one’s authentic self. Through the model’s four core domains (self-trust, psychological flexibility, dignity preservation, and sustainable authenticity), listeners are invited to examine how they can remain true to their values while navigating the demands of work, family, and society.

The conversation also addresses the hidden costs of burnout, the difference between self-care and self-soothing, the role of boundaries, and the importance of balancing personal well-being with service to others. Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, the episode offers a thoughtful approach to flourishing that emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and psychological sustainability rather than mere survival.

Whether you are a social worker, caregiver, healthcare professional, or anyone seeking greater well-being, this episode provides practical insights for building a life that is both meaningful and sustainable.

* “We shouldn’t have to erase who we are to belong.”

* “Self-trust is central to sustainable mental health.”

* “Living in alignment with your values fosters well-being.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the ProSocial Podcast

01:47 Introducing the Third Space Well-Being Model

03:04 Understanding Well-Being and Exhaustion

06:17 Exploring Psychological Sustainability

11:10 The Core Principles of the Third Space Model

13:49 The Impact of Overadaptation

20:41 The Four Domains of Well-Being

24:39 Self-Trust as a Protective Factor

29:20 Psychological Flexibility in Complex Situations

32:01 Dignity Preservation and Authenticity

39:25 Burnout and Moral Injury in Social Work

45:32 Clinical Applications of the Third Space Model

47:35 Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Professionals

50:09 Shifting from Performance to Presence

52:24 The Importance of Self-Care for Helping Professionals

54:52 Practices for Sustainable Well-Being

56:30 The Role of Authenticity and Self-Trust

01:00:23 Defining the True Self

01:05:01 The Disconnect in Social Work Self-Care

01:10:00 Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing

01:13:27 Balancing Individual Needs with Systemic Change

01:20:15 Navigating the Tensions in Professional Relationships

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2026 - May 6, 2029. Social workers completing this course receive 1 ethics continuing education credits.

* Credits:

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Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

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In this episode of the ProSocial Podcast, Dr. Nafees Alam presents the Point-Counterpoint Methodology, a practical framework designed to strengthen critical thinking, intellectual diversity, and professional judgment in social work and beyond. Rather than treating education as a process of reaching agreement, the methodology encourages participants to develop a deeper understanding of competing viewpoints by learning to articulate both sides of an issue fairly and thoughtfully.

The discussion explores the dangers of confirmation bias, the distinction between “safe spaces” and “brave spaces,” and the importance of fostering curiosity, empathy, and intellectual humility. Through real-world examples ranging from immigration and marriage to social policy and ethics, the panel examines how constructive disagreement can prepare professionals to better understand clients, colleagues, and communities with differing beliefs and experiences.

Listeners will gain practical tools for evaluating controversial issues, challenging their own assumptions, and engaging in meaningful dialogue without reducing conversations to debates about winning and losing. This episode offers a compelling introduction to a critical-thinking framework that promotes understanding over conformity and dialogue over dogma.

“Education as understanding, not agreement”

“Nuance, not certainty, is the goal of education”

“Curiosity about others’ beliefs fosters empathy”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pro Social Workers and the Podcast

01:38 Understanding the Point Counterpoint Methodology

03:29 Shifting Education from Agreement to Understanding

06:23 The Impact of Confirmation Bias in Education

10:10 The Null Solution vs. The Particular Solution

13:01 Defining the Point-Counterpoint Methodology

15:02 Intellectual Diversity in Social Work Education

15:55 Examples of Viewpoint Diversity in Practice

22:19 Safe Spaces vs. Brave Spaces

27:00 Case Study: The Freedom of Thought Course

37:44 Practical Applications in Social Work Education

39:35 Destigmatizing Disagreement

42:00 Facilitating Dialogue in Education

44:35 Challenges and Limitations of Discourse

46:03 Empowering Future Social Workers

49:36 The Origin of the Framework

51:45 Practicing Point-Counterpoint

56:01 The Importance of Brave Spaces

01:00:13 Debate vs. Point-Counterpoint

01:04:42 Constructive Disagreement in Practice

01:08:04 Navigating Sensitive Topics

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2026 - May 6, 2029. Social workers completing this course receive 1 ethics continuing education credits.

* Credits:

All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

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In this episode of the ProSocial Podcast, social workers and hosts Matthew Watson, Zander Keig, and Dr. Nafees Alam welcome psychologist and scholar Dr. Lee Beckstead for a nuanced discussion of Chiles v. Salazar and its implications for mental health practice. Moving beyond simplistic narratives surrounding conversion therapy bans, the panel explores a pressing ethical concern: whether ideological activism and professional cancellation within mental health care risk replacing one form of coercion with another.

Drawing on his personal experience as a conversion therapy consumer and decades of clinical and research work, Dr. Beckstead outlines core principles of ethical, client‑centered care, particularly approaches that avoid imposing predetermined identity outcomes. The conversation emphasizes pluralism, humility, and client self‑determination, highlighting the importance of addressing minority stress and distress while fostering skill‑building, resilience, and thoughtful identity development without prescribing who clients must become.

The episode also examines the dangers of one‑size‑fits‑all therapeutic models, the importance of distinguishing different forms of identity‑related distress, and the need for adversarial collaboration rather than ideological enforcement. Ultimately, the discussion invites clinicians and policymakers alike to reconsider what truly makes therapy ethical - and genuinely therapeutic.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1 ethics continuing education credits.

* Credits:

All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

October 7, 2025 Oral Arguments: Chiles vs. Salazar

March 31, 2026 Supreme Court Opinion

This podcast explores the application of Empowered Humanity Theory (EHT) within social work practice, emphasizing its alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Developed as a neuroscience-informed framework, EHT cultivates three core attitudes—Value-Centered Identity, the Dignity Lens, and a Compassionate-Inquisitive Mindset—supported by daily practices that build awareness, equanimity, compassion, and recognition of common humanity.

Social workers face high exposure to trauma, ethical complexity, compassion fatigue, and emotionally charged cases. EHT provides tools for self-regulation and co-regulation, enabling practitioners to remain grounded in values during crises. By filtering decisions through chosen values, honoring the dignity of every client, and replacing judgment with curiosity, social workers strengthen therapeutic alliances and reduce bias.

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes service, dignity and worth of the person, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. EHT reinforces these values by anchoring practice in compassion, reframing social justice through dignity, aligning identity with integrity, and fostering curiosity and presence in relationships. Ultimately, EHT offers social workers a practical, dignity-based framework to sustain resilience, prevent burnout, and embody ethical principles in daily practice.

Takeaways

* The empowered humanity theory strengthens wellbeing.

* It cultivates three core attitudes.

* A valued-centered identity is crucial for personal growth.

* Filtering thoughts through core values aids decision-making.

* Gratitude, dignity, and humor are essential core values.

* Living authentically means aligning actions with values.

* External labels should not dictate our identity.

* Guidance comes from within, not from societal expectations.

* Personal difficulties can be navigated through core values.

* Striving for wholeness from the inside out is key.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on November 21, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning social worker audience, while also appealing to other helping professionals.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1 ethics continuing education credits.

* Credits:

All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Summary

In this episode of the Pro Social podcast, Matthew Watson and Dr. David Derozotes explore the significance of dialogue in social work, particularly in clinical practice. They discuss how dialogue can bridge differences, foster relationships, and create inclusive communities. The conversation delves into the skills required for effective dialogue, the importance of ground rules, and the application of psychological paradigms in dialogue practice. Dr. Derozotes shares insights on internal dialogue, the dynamics of couples and family therapy, and the role of dialogue in addressing societal issues. The episode concludes with creative approaches to enhance dialogue and the potential for dialogue to transform communities.

Takeaways

* Dialogue is essential in clinical social work practice.

* Dialogue can bridge differences and foster relationships.

* The skills of dialogue are applicable across micro, meso, and macro levels.

* Facilitating dialogue requires creating a safe and inclusive space.

* Ground rules are crucial for effective dialogue.

* Listening for understanding is more important than speaking.

* Dialogue can be both a means and an end in therapeutic settings.

* Internal dialogue influences our external interactions.

* Creative approaches can enhance dialogue effectiveness.

* Dialogue can help address societal issues and promote peace.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to Dialogue in Social Work

* 03:33 The Importance of Dialogue in Clinical Practice

* 06:30 Bridging Differences through Dialogue

* 09:32 Understanding Dialogue Practice

* 12:30 Dialogue as a Means of Co-Creation

* 15:33 Engagement and Assessment in Dialogue

* 18:26 Applying Psychological Paradigms to Dialogue

* 21:28 Internal Dialogue and Self-Reflection

* 24:27 Dialogue in Couples and Family Therapy

* 27:24 Group Dialogue and Community Building

* 30:38 Ground Rules for Effective Dialogue

* 34:22 Creating Inclusive Communities in Education

* 38:30 Ground Rules for Effective Dialogue

* 40:29 The Art of Sharing Perspectives

* 44:27 Navigating Hierarchies in Dialogue

* 47:25 Dialogue as a Tool for Peace

* 49:51 Real-Life Examples of Dialogue Transformations

* 53:17 Creative Approaches to Break the Ice

Dr. David Derezotes relevant works:

* Derezotes, D.S. (2025). Climate change in person, community, planet. San Diego. Cognella.

* Derezotes, D.S. (2022). Inclusive social work practice. San Diego, Cognella .

* Derezotes, D.S. (2020). The Eternity dialogue: Understanding global transformation. San Diego, CA: Cognella.

* Derezotes, D.S.(2014), Transforming historical trauma through dialogue. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Two Films reference in the podcast:

* Another Side of Peace — a 2004 documentary that follows Roni Hirshenzon (an Israeli father who lost two sons) and his work with Palestinian partners leading dialogue and reconciliation efforts

* “Two Rivers” (featured in the Toward Right Relationship program) — a short documentary used in reconciliation workshops that follows a rural community undertaking steps toward right relationship with local Indigenous peoples (this project is based in the Pacific Northwest; the Friends Peace Teams page describes the film and its use). If you recall a small-town, community-workshop kind of film, this might be it — though it’s described on the Friends Peace Teams resource and is centered in Washington state rather than Oregon.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on November 6, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning to intermediate social worker audience.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.Credits:All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

In this podcast, Nicole Runyon, a Licensed Master Social Worker and parenting coach in Michigan, presents the challenges faced by the I-Generation, particularly focusing on the mental health crisis among this population. She identifies the three D’s: disorder, dysfunction, and disconnection, and emphasizes that the mental health symptoms observed in this cohort are often misunderstood messages indicating deeper issues. Runyon critiques the current mental health system’s inability to effectively address these challenges. She also presents parenting styles and approaches that change across time according to a child’s developmental needs. She concludes with some strong recommendations for parents to facilitate social, emotional, and intellectual development in their children.

Takeaways

* We are experiencing a crisis with our children today.

* The current cohort of kids is referred to as the I-Generation, which includes children from Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

* Three concerning risks among Gen Z are referred to as the 3 D’s: disorder, dysfunction, and disconnection.

* 40% of Gen Z has a mental health diagnosis.

* Mental health symptoms are messages from the youth.

* Behaviors labeled as problems are often misunderstood.

* The mental health system is not working for Gen Z.

* We need to listen to the canaries in the coal mine.

* Understanding youth behavior is crucial for effective intervention.

* A new approach is needed to address these mental health challenges.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on November 6, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning social worker audience, while also appealing to parents and other helping professionals.

Social workers seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 general continuing education credits.Credits:All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Summary

In this episode of the ProSocial podcast, hosts Matthew Watson and Zander Keig engage with Jacob Winkler, a group therapist, to explore the concept of political resilience and the role of process groups in fostering honest communication. The conversation delves into the importance of emotional engagement, navigating difficult conversations, and the theoretical foundations of group therapy. Jacob shares insights on how to handle conflict, the significance of humanizing differences, and the challenges of uncertainty in discussions. The episode emphasizes the need for social workers to develop political resilience and the ethical considerations in promoting dialogue across diverse viewpoints. This conversation delves into the complexities of group therapy, exploring themes of self-awareness, the integration of light and darkness within individuals, and the dynamics of attraction and boundaries in group settings. The speakers discuss the importance of navigating chaos, fostering political and viewpoint diversity, and the ethical considerations of expression in therapeutic environments. They reflect on personal experiences and the transformative power of group therapy in promoting emotional growth and resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pro Social Workers and Political Resilience

02:51 Jacob Winkler’s Background and Process Groups

05:47 The Importance of Emotional Engagement in Groups

08:45 Navigating Political Conversations in Group Settings

11:31 Defining Success in Political Resilience

14:26 Theoretical Foundations of Group Therapy

17:23 Handling Conflict and Emotional Responses

20:14 Humanizing Political Differences

23:20 Promoting Viewpoint Diversity in Social Work

37:12 Navigating Conflict in Professional Settings

40:22 The Nature of Group Dynamics

43:02 Understanding Who is Drawn to Process Groups

45:39 The Role of Leadership in Group Settings

48:26 Exploring the Balance of Light and Dark

51:29 The Importance of Acknowledging Our Shadows

54:39 Self-Awareness and Its Impact on Relationships

58:00 The Complexity of Truth and Honesty

01:01:14 The Challenge of Chaos in Group Settings

01:05:50 The Lifelong Journey of Personal Growth

01:07:43 The Interplay Between Group Work and Personal Relationships

01:11:30 Exploring Group Dynamics in Couples Therapy

01:14:36 Navigating Flirtation and Rejection

01:17:19 The Boundaries of Expression in Group Dynamics

01:19:20 Embracing the Child Within: Disinhibition in Groups

01:21:07 Political Views and Emotional Reactions in Group Settings

01:23:49 The Role of Group Leaders in Fostering Authenticity

01:27:16 Creating Safe Spaces for Social Workers

01:29:18 Expanding Emotional Range for Pluralism

01:31:07 Braver Angels and the Power of Dialogue

01:34:49 Theoretical Orientations in Group Therapy

01:37:23 Finding Local Group Therapy Resources

01:39:34 The Messiness of Social Work and Authentic Dialogue

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on October 6, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning to intermediate social worker audience. Other helping professionals may also find the content relevant to their practice.

Learn more about receiving continuing education credit for this course by going to the ProSocial Workers website.

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.

Credits:

All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Summary

In this episode of the Pro Social Podcast, Matt Watson, Zander Keig, and Amanda Smith delve into the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its application in social work. They discuss the importance of dialectical thinking in navigating emotional complexities, the significance of validation in relationships, and the necessity of self-care for social workers. The conversation emphasizes the relevance of DBT skills in managing conflict and fostering understanding in diverse social work settings, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and effective approach to social work practice. DBT has great potential to to promote dialogue across differences and integrate competing principles and viewpoints.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dialectical Social Work

02:50 Amanda’s Journey in Mental Health

05:50 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

08:36 The Evolution of DBT and Its Applications

11:43 Dialectical Thinking and Its Relevance

14:35 Clinical Assumptions in DBT

17:48 Applying DBT Principles to Social Work

20:39 The Importance of Support for Social Workers

23:20 Navigating Dialectics in Conversations

26:41 Finding the Middle Path in Conflicts

29:11 Respect and Understanding in Social Work

32:13 Social Justice and Dialectical Thinking

46:36 The Importance of Open Dialogue

49:03 Validation in Social Work

55:19 Strategies for Effective Validation

01:00:24 Navigating Conflict and Differences

01:08:14 The Role of Validation in Problem Solving

01:10:20 Understanding Validation and Its Misconceptions

01:13:43 Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

01:18:04 Finding Support as Social Workers

01:21:22 Self-Determination in Social Work Practice

Takeaways

DBT is an evidence-based treatment effective for various populations.

Dialectical thinking helps navigate complex emotional situations.

Social workers need to practice self-care to be effective.

Validation does not equal agreement; it acknowledges others’ perspectives.

Conflict is a natural part of social work; managing it is essential.

Practicing DBT skills can enhance emotional regulation.

Social workers should seek support from colleagues and supervisors.

Understanding different perspectives fosters healthier relationships.

Self-determination is crucial for both clients and social workers.

Dialectical thinking can help in navigating social justice issues.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on October 14, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning to intermediate social worker audience. Other helping professionals may also find the content relevant to their practice.

Learn more about receiving continuing education credit for this course by going to the ProSocial Workers website.

ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 - May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.

Credits:

All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/