In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, shares her personal journey as a hospice social worker, including the story of her first hospice patient and the lessons she learned supporting individuals and families through the final stages of life.

You’ll discover what hospice social workers really do—from grief counseling, crisis intervention, and family mediation, to navigating ethical dilemmas like the Right to Die and End of Life Option Act. Catherine also discusses self-care, spiritual experiences, salaries, and the deep emotional impact of this work.

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate or exploring social work career options, this episode offers a heartfelt, realistic look into hospice care, advocacy, and what it means to provide dignity at the end of life.

*Trigger Warning: Discussion of death, dying, and ethical dilemmas.

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HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, I sit down with fitness coach Anthony Briseno to talk about how movement can truly transform your mental health. Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or just someone trying to balance a busy life, this conversation will give you practical ways to understand the emotional benefits of exercise, make time for movement, and use fitness as a tool to manage stress.

Anthony opens up about his journey from the business world to becoming a fitness coach, and how that shift helped him recover from burnout and anxiety. We dive into the connection between physical and emotional health—and how even small, consistent movement can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more resilient.

Connect with Anthony here:

Email: [email protected]

IG FitBodyBootCampLeagueCityTexas

What You’ll Learn:

• How exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout

• Simple ways to move your body throughout the day

• Time-saving fitness tips for busy professionals

• How to start a sustainable fitness routine and

  The mental and emotional benefits of consistent movement

Compassion fatigue — it’s called the “common cold” of helping professionals for a reason.

In this episode, we dive into the signs and symptoms every social worker should recognize, from emotional exhaustion to the subtle ways it sneaks into daily life. You’ll hear real stories, strategies for breaking generational patterns of overgiving, and why self-awareness is essential for long-term sustainability in this field.

Plus, we celebrate the incredible work of social workers through the SWAG Awards, highlighting those who go above and beyond. Whether you’re new or seasoned, this episode offers both validation and practical tools to thrive.

Sharise Nance is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Award-Winning author, Global Speaker, and Entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. She co-founded HandinHand Counseling Services to address mental health disparities in Black communities and systemic pay gaps in the field. Known as the “Compassion Fatigue Lady,” Sharise is a pioneer in combating Compassion Fatigue and Leadership Burnout in Western PA.

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Why is the word suicide still treated like it’s unspeakable?

In this episode, Suicide Prevention: Un-shaming the Conversation, we’re breaking the silence and leaning into the tough talk every social worker needs. You’ll hear powerful insights from my guest, who trains others to see that saying the word is not dangerous—it’s necessary. Together, we unpack how open conversations can actually prevent suicide, reduce stigma, and save lives. If you’re a new, seasoned, or future social worker looking to boost confidence in tough client conversations, this episode is equal parts real, educational, and inspiring.

Elyce Mandich is a mom, wife, girl's girl, relatable human, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southern California. She is the owner of The Therapy Co., a private practice that provides therapy services to women in California and the creator of "big empathy energy®" merchandise.

For Elyce, her why in becoming a therapist is connected to and inspired by personal experience when she lost her mom to suicide at 10-years-old. She believes in cultivating a strong sense of belonging and empathy - both for ourselves and for others. Elyce is passionate about suicide prevention and helping other mental health profesionals with getting comfortable having the hard conversations through her trainings on suicide.

Resources from this episode:

Suicide is Not a Bad Word Training (Recorded from September 2024, Use code RISE10 for $10 off)

Empathy Merch (Use coe BELONG10 for 10% off)

Elyce / The Therapy Co on Instagram

A Kid's Book About Suicide (Book)

Clinical Supervision Log The Rising Clinician on Amazon

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What happens when social work meets the world of sports?

In this episode, we sit down with the leaders of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports to explore this fast-growing specialty. From youth leagues to professional teams, sport social workers are stepping in to address mental health issues like OCD, perfectionism, eating disorders, and anxiety—challenges often hidden behind performance pressure. You’ll discover the unique settings they work in, how they support athletes both on and off the field, and why this niche is opening new career paths for social workers. Curious? This episode might just inspire your next move.

Christine Mosher is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist in private practice in Massachusetts. She is a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the NASW, and a Board Member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, where she also serves as the Co-Chair of the Clinicians Committee. Christine specializes in athlete mental health, and sees clients ages 10 and up, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Christine is also the Co-Founder of Athlete

Wellness Consultants, a consulting group that provides education and training to athletes, coaches and teams of all ages and levels about athlete mental health and wellness. AWC strives to help athletes to thrive on and off the field, promote effective communication around athlete mental health, and create a more positive and affirming sport culture. Connect here: [email protected]

Jessica Joiner is a therapist and the founder of her own practice, bringing expertise and passion to the intersection of mental health and athletics. She is EMDR-trained and serves as Co-Chair of the Clinicians Committee for the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, where she helps shape the future of this growing specialty. In addition, Jessica is an Approved Drug and Alcohol Evaluator with the Department of Transportation. Her work blends clinical skill with advocacy, supporting both athletes and everyday clients in overcoming challenges and achieving lasting growth. Connect here: [email protected]

Resources from this episode

11th Annual Social Work in Sports Symposium

Alliance of Social Workers in Sports

Athlete Wellness Consultants

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Are you a social worker looking to build financial freedom beyond the 9-5?

💸 In this inspiring episode of Social Workers, Rise! Catherine Moore, LCSW, chats with Bas Moreno—Financial social worker, podcaster, Zumba instructor, author, and speaker—about how he’s successfully built multiple streams of income while staying true to his mission of service.

You’ll discover:

- How to maximize your skills to generate income outside of your day job

- The power of becoming an author, speaker, and content creator

- How podcasting opened doors to networking and visibility

- Why Bas added “Zumba instructor” to his income mix

- Pro tips for using LinkedIn and Instagram to network

- Why financial coaching is essential for every family—and how Bas teaches it

Whether you're just starting out or ready to expand your impact (and income), this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life strategies to help you think big and earn bigger—without burning out.

👉 Tune in now and learn how to diversify your income with purpose!

Have you ever wondered what PTSD really looks like from the inside out? In this raw and powerful solo episode of Social Workers, Rise!, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, opens up about her personal journey with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after losing her home in a devastating wildfire at just 16 years old.

Through her lived experience and clinical lens, Catherine explores:

• 🔥 The emotional aftermath of surviving a natural disaster

• 🧠 What PTSD really is—plus how it's different from acute stress reactions and complex PTSD

• 😔 Why not everyone develops PTSD from the same traumatic event

• 👀 How symptoms like flashbacks, panic attacks, and avoidance can show up

• ⚡ The critical difference between empathy and unhelpful comparisons

• 💡 Effective trauma treatment options including EMDR, TF-CBT, mindfulness, and more

• 🎯 Why social workers, women, BIPOC, and helping professionals are at higher risk for PTSD

Whether you're a social worker, student, or survivor, this episode will deepen your understanding of trauma and provide insight into how to support yourself and others with compassion.

✨ Bonus: Catherine shares a powerful resource to help new and emerging clinical social workers feel more confident in their skills—her Clinical Essentials for the Future Therapist course.

🎧 Press play to learn, reflect, and rise with us.

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and as a social worker, understanding how to support clients with depression is vital. This episode of Social Workers, Rise! explores everything new social workers need to know about depression, including key symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and how to recognize it in clients (and ourselves).

From emotional and physical symptoms to evidence-based therapeutic interventions, you’ll learn how to address depression through a holistic and trauma-informed lens.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What depression is and what it isn’t
• Prevalence rates and who is most at risk
• Common symptoms of depression

• Effective treatment options and when to refer

• How social workers can support clients with depression

🎧 Listen now and share with fellow social workers!

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world—and as new social workers, it’s essential to understand how to recognize it, support clients dealing with it, and manage it in ourselves.

In this episode of Social Workers, Rise!, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, breaks down everything you need to know about anxiety from a clinical and practical lens. Whether you’re in supervision, just graduated with your MSW, or supporting high-risk populations, this episode is for you.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What anxiety is—and what it isn’t

Prevalence stats you should know as a clinician

Who is most at risk for anxiety disorders

Common emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms

Effective treatment options (including therapy, medication, and holistic supports)

Whether you’re in a hospital, school, or private practice setting, this episode gives you real-world tools to improve your skills as a trauma-informed social worker.

🎧 Hit play and feel more prepared to work with clients experiencing anxiety.

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness? As new social workers, understanding this distinction is crucial—not just for our clients, but for our own well-being as we step into emotionally demanding roles.

In this episode of Social Workers, Rise! Podcast, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, breaks down the definition of mental health vs. mental illness, shares current mental health statistics, and explores which populations are at the highest risk. You'll also learn how to recognize signs of a mental health problem, both in your clients and yourself, and explore evidence-based treatment options.

Whether you’re in clinical supervision, preparing for licensure, or starting your first job after earning your MSW, this episode will help you build a strong foundation in mental health literacy.

💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

-The key difference between mental health and mental illness

-Mental health prevalence rates you need to know

-High-risk populations every social worker should understand

-Common symptoms of mental health concerns

-Treatment options and how social workers play a vital role in access and advocacy.

✨ Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow social worker!

📲 Connect on Instagram @socialworkersrise

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