Social Work Me

On Episode 39, Matt is joined by guest Carrie Haynes who is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, group facilitator, podcaster, adjunct professor and mentor focusing on assisting clinicians and guides in leading impactful groups. Carrie is the host of the podcast- 'The Art of Groups' and has a wealth of experience in training and guiding fellow therapists in developing and integrating group work into their practices. 

On this episode we discuss:

• The benefits and efficacy of group therapy
• The business side of groups
• Integrating psychedelics and group work
• Bridging western psychology with ancient spiritual wisdom
• Different types of groups: process, psychoeducational, circle, open vs. closed groups
• Common mistakes when running groups
• Advice for new therapists and clinicians that want to run groups

To learn more about Carrie Haynes and how you work with her visit her WEBSITE and SOCIAL MEDIA

To find out more about the 'Art of Groups' podcast click HERE

To connect with Carrie Haynes you can contact her HERE

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Episode 38, Matt is joined by guest Jerry Reynolds PhD, LSW, MSW who is an assistant professor in the Social Work department at Ball State University and is the current president of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS). Jerry has a doctorate in social work with 20 years of experience in the field and his experience as an athlete, coach, researcher, professor and social worker has led to a wealth of knowledge on social workers working in sports. 

On this episode we discuss:

• The creation and evolution of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS) 
• Jerry's journey as athlete, coach, social worker, professor, researcher and president of ASWIS 
• ASWIS partnerships with Sport Social Work Certificate Program + Sport Social Work Journal
• Viewing athletes as a vulnerable population
• The Athlete identity
• How social workers are equipped to work with athletes in a unique way
• Sport social work across the globe
• Spectator behaviours and negative parenting behaviors
• Social workers in sport scope of practice + the importance of collaboration
• Getting involved and the importance of a community in social work

To learn more about the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) and how you can become a member visit their WEBSITE and follow them on INSTAGRAM

To find out more about ASWIS's upcoming 10th Annual Social Workers in Sports Symposium click HERE

Check out ASWIS's- Social Workers in Sport Field Manual HERE

To connect with Jerry Reynolds you can contact him at [email protected]

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Episode 37, host Rachael Fowler explores the remarkable impact of therapeutic gardening for individuals with dementia alongside guest Rebekah Churchyard, MSW, RSW, PMP.  Join us as we delve into Green Care Farms Inc.'s mission to foster purpose, belonging, and vitality through sustainable, organic practices. Our guest, Rebekah Churchyard, shares her journey spearheading this initiative, which is driven by her extensive experience in social work and geriatric services. Rebekah's commitment to bringing Green Care Farms to every community in Canada reflects her passion for enhancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia. 

After spending more than 10 years in healthcare, policy, and social work, Rebekah's personal journey led her to realize the need for more creative solutions for older adults navigating cognitive decline outside of the public sector. This realization gave birth to Green Care Farms Inc. in Milton, Ontario, a social enterprise supporting community connection for people with dementia and their caregivers, providing a day program for people with dementia on a farm. 

Rebekah Churchyard holds a Master of Social Work in Gerontology and works in Specialized Geriatric Services. As a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Psychotherapist, Rebekah combines her expertise to advocate for the well-being of older adults everywhere! Rebekah's history of leadership, including her role as Vice President of the Toronto Council on Aging Board of Directors and her role as an Accountability Table member with the City of Toronto's Seniors Strategy, reflects her dedication to improving care for older adults and community services.

Join us in our exploration of resilience and innovation in healthcare and wellness. Discover how the therapeutic gardening program at Green Care Farms Inc. is not just reshaping, but blooming the landscape of dementia care in Canada, providing a vibrant and nurturing environment for individuals with dementia. 

On this episode we discuss: 

• Progressive models and approaches for dementia care
• Rebekah's journey in creating Green Care Farms Inc.
• Respite, programming and opportunities for caregivers and people with dementia
• Innovative healthcare practices
• Social Work & Gerontology 
• Bridging nature, gardening, horticulture & outdoor spaces into Social Work practices
• Community based initiatives and the importance of volunteering
• Tips for new social workers

Check out Green Care Farms in Milton, Ontario website HERE and follow on Instagram  for updates on events and how to get involved.

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Episode 36 Matt is joined by Clinical Psychologist- Dr. Elizabeth McMahon Ph.D. who has been practicing for over 40 years and is a pioneer in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for treating Anxiety, Fears and Phobias.

Elizabeth worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for 32 years and has since worked in private practice in San Francisco while also writing two treatment workbooks:

For Clients: Overcoming Anxiety and Panic- Interactive Guide
For Therapists: Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety- A Guide for Therapists

Elizabeth helps both clients and therapists utilize VR as a tool to overcome anxiety, fear and phobias. She has a BLOG on Psychology Today and is an advisor, consultant, trainer and author. She is currently offering a 6 hour training on PESI.com titled- Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment: A How To Guide to Using VR for More Practical, Rapid and Effective Exposure Therapy

On this episode we discuss:

• The evolution and future of VR for treating anxiety and phobias
• Preparation and setup when using VR for anxiety
• Breaking the cycle of anxiety
• Tech and VR apps
• Case examples and treating anxiety and phobias with VR
• Fear of flying, public speaking and common fears and phobias
• Tips for new therapists

To find out more about Elizabeth or to connect with her visit her WEBSITE

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

The time has come for a new season of the podcast!

Matt is back after a long hiatus with some updates on the show including new hosts, a quick snapshot of his 2 year absence and a reflection on how the show has impacted his life and career.

Stay tuned for more episodes coming for Season 5!

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Ep 35 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services in Sarnia, ON. 

Michele chats with Eric Corda who is a Registered Massage Therapist in Sarnia at the Sarnia Chiropractic and Performance Centre.  Michele and Eric do deep dive into the support experiences he has had with athletes locally and around the world. Eric’s expertise goes beyond the physical realm and into supporting the whole individual. 

Eric became a Registered Massage Therapist in 1999 after graduating from Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Eric has received further postgraduate training in a variety of courses that he combines to provide a comprehensive treatment for his patients. Some of the techniques Eric may apply include myofascial release, neurofunctional acupuncture, soft tissue release, K-Laser therapy, advanced sports massage and joint mobilization. Eric has worked with athletes from several different sports and at various levels of competition including local clubs, minor and junior hockey organizations, collegiate and university athletics as well as international sports competitions. Some of the outstanding teams and competitions Eric has been a part of include the Sarnia Sting (OHL), 2018 Commonwealth Games, 2018 U20 World Athletics Championships, OHL Gold Cup (Team Alliance), 2005 World Transplant Games, 2001 IAAF World Track and Field Championships. Eric is an active member of the Ontario Massage Therapists Association. Eric is also a Level II member of the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association.

On the episode we discuss:

•  His passion for working with athletes and teams  
• His experience travelling and supporting athletes locally and worldwide at several competitions 
• The Transplant Games
•  Experience of supporting athlete mental health when impacted by injury
• Discipline and drive 
• The monetization of the dream 
•  Working through mental blocks
• Athlete confidence in knowing their own bodies and articulating kinesthetic connections
• Setting boundaries around support staff and the community you are a part of
• Trusting your gut 

Links:

Eric Corda Bio & Contact at Sarnia Chiropractic and Performance Centre:

https://www.sarniasportschiro.com/eric-corda.html

On Ep 34 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services in Sarnia, ON. 

Michele sits down with Carolyne Prevost who was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada and who has had a lifetime of being an athlete. Sports and physical activity have always played a huge part in Carolyne's life and she has participated in gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, hockey, soccer, and CrossFit. 

Over the years, she has won multiple national championship titles in different sports as well as played on several National teams. Carolyne has experience training at both the individual and team level.

Currently Carolyne is a high-school teacher as well as professional hockey player in the PWHPA (Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association) on team Sonnet, while simultaneously training and competing in CrossFit. 

Carolyne is no stranger to maintaining a rigorous schedule and in our conversation, we talk about balancing training with life and how to support healthy mental health along the way. 

On the episode we discuss:

• Balancing her career as a teacher as well as professional athlete
• Overcoming challenges after injuries
• Importance of support networks
• Use of breathing techniques to help under pressure when competing 
• Food, sleep, movement, and mindset 
• Recovery and listening to your body
• Taking mental breaks between sports/seasons 
• Positive aspects of social media to promote athlete achievements
• Positive mentor – James Taylor, Tae Kwon Do coach 

Links:

CrossFit Stats:

https://games.crossfit.com/athlete/239148

Elite Prospects Hockey Stats:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/367158/carolyne-prevost

Instagram:

@cprevost27

On Ep 33 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services in Sarnia, ON. 

Michele sits down with Jordan Todd who is a former high level hockey player turned holistic health coach. 

Jordan was born and raised in western Canada and hockey was his entire life for over 15 years. Making it to a high level, but ultimately finishing with a bad taste in his mouth after his hockey career had a sour ending to it. This was the catalyst for everything that came after, and the transition into coaching. 

He has experience working with athletes and teams ranging from young kids, all the way to junior hockey teams and current professional players. Working on both the physical and mental aspects to reach true potential and maximize performance. 

He’s passionate about helping people reach their fullest potential in everything they do, while also optimizing their health and happiness so they can actually enjoy the success they achieve. 

His main work is through O23 Holistic Lifestyle Systems, helping fitness coaches go beyond just fitness and exercise to better serve their clients, while also working with a select few individual clients and athletes on a 1 on 1 basis.

 On the episode we discuss:

·      His experience of playing hockey as a “net negative” for his mental health
·      Inner dialogue and inner critic voices
·      Performance-standpoint for players; ability to work on mental health while seeing results as an athlete
·      Accepting reality for what it is and focusing on controllable variables 
·      Foundation 4: Food, Sleep, Movement, Mindset
·      Potential versus execution
·      Life after sport
·      His transition to coaching and work with 023 Holistic Systems

 
Links:

 O23 Holistic Systems:

https://www.o23coach.com

 Instagram:

@jrdn.tdd

@o23_lifestyle_systems

On Ep 32 Michele McPherson takes over the hosting duties. You may recognize her from our first ever guest on Ep 1 and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. As a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program-Michele is taking over the podcast to do a mini series on connecting with athletes, coaches, and health professionals to talk about the highs and lows of performing at the elite level in sports.

Her first interview is special as she has known the guest for some time- 

“I did gymnastics for a brief period when I was younger and Melanie Hunt (formerly Rocca) is an immensely talented gymnast you couldn’t help but aspire to want to be like.
Melanie was born and raised in Sarnia and started gymnastics at age 4. She was the provincial all around champion at age 9. Represented Canada at first international competition at age 10. A Junior National team member at age 12. Melanie represented Canada at multiple international competitions, including the Pacific Alliance Championships. Melanie left the sport at age 19. In our conversation Melanie and I dive deep into her experiences of trauma at the hands of her coaches and how
that has impacted her during and after her time in the sport.” 

The release of this episode coincides with the release of TSN’s documentary- Broken: Inside the Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics which features our guest Melanie Hunt. 

On this episode we discuss:

• Her athlete career
• Experience as a child gymnast versus adolescent gymnast
•  Her identity as an athlete
•  Experiences of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse from her coach
• Fight, flight, freeze, fawn as trauma responses
• Learning to give herself permission in her own life/experiences
•  Advice to current gymnasts and athletes
•  Life beyond the sport
•  Current work with Gymnasts For Change to bring light to the abuse and injustices experienced in the sport of gymnastics
• TSN full-length documentary titled Broken: Inside the Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics
  
  Links:
  
  Gymnasts for Change (Canada):
  https://www.gymnasts4changecanada.com
  
  Impact Statement by Melanie Hunt (Rocca):
  https://www.gymnasts4changecanada.com/blog/impact-statement-by-melanie-hunt-rocca
  
  Support Athletes' call for Independent Review of GymCan Leadership + Sport Culture
  
  Link to former/present gymnast letter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_cMTyOqaliViZo1yrNUyGeE7n5_o1M3Q-KvYwdM4hhH8kQ/viewformfbclid=IwAR1eNANTIbYOFFhzTp4Uk3_BJBaG07BOdAYV-7grTQ0tQhxxU3P4ZFbCOYg
  
  Link to Ally Support:
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15Pa5pdt-bw8qAeTh8e5JNugHHU1ZW3oH-
  OUUA19NJls/viewform?pli=1&edit_requested=true&fbclid=IwAR1pJjAuk5pGJdEnzsJS-
  etQ1Hl0KAj_ANZP7C73MzfMpHFfHxXTUjIa1hw
  
  TSN Full-length Documentary: Broken: Inside the Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics
  
  @TSNSports, co-production with @CTVW5 & @CraveCanada
  Debuts November 5, 2022 on CraveCanada and November 12 on @CTVW5
  
  Open Letter to Sport Minister:
  https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/gymnastics/gymnasts-for-change-open-letter-1.6629786

Social Work Me is back after a long hiatus with the first episode in a series on Mental Health & Performance in Sports. 

Originally recorded in November 2021, Ep 31 features Amy Mausser who shares her experiences as an athletic therapist working with elite level junior hockey players. She is the former Sarnia Sting OHL Hockey Athletic Therapist and is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning specialist, Registered Massage Therapist and former athlete. Amy is from Kitchener, Ontario and  has a Masters in Science- Kinesiology and is now completing her Doctor of Education. 

On this episode we discuss: 

-athlete’s + mental health resources
-advice for practitioners working with teenage athletes
-mindfulness and meditation with athletes
-working with athletes struggling with injuries and playing time
-how negative/positive energy impacts teams
-impact of mental health on physical health
-working with athletes in their draft year
-teaching kids and athletes how to lose and fail
-the importance of teaching life skills
-mental skills training: goal setting, confidence, mindfulness
-the importance of communication between coaches and athletes
-tips for mental health practitioners working with athletes

To connect with Amy you can email her- [email protected]

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM