The Social Work Bubble Podcast

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Why hello there old friend, it's been a minute. Join me today as I tell you the tales of these last few months, including my jump back into community mental health as a Clinical Supervisor at a behavioral health clinic... After all my groaning over the years about community mental health, you may be flabbergasted as to why I would return. The truth is, I was not fulfilled or stable in private practice, and I had a yearning for community work that no amount of private practice could ever get at. So join me for my catch up chat, including all of my reasons for leaving private practice (mostly leaving...), and getting back to the wonderful world of community work. Happy to be back :)

Your social work big sis,

Laura

Instagram @socialworkbub

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I share my personal social work journey, including why I entered social work, changing my major from nursing to human services, and what ultimately led me to being a therapist in private practice. If you're considering social work, questioning your path, or anything in between, this episode can offer insight into my own journey & how I decided to move on particular paths. 

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a NY Therapist? Work with Me!

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I use the Anti-Burnout Card Deck to walk you through six different prompts yo can use to ground, prevent burnout, empathize with clients, and get through tough workdays. This is a great episode to put on during your work day, and I share my own experiences and reactions to the prompts. Enjoy!

• The Anti Burnout Card Deck

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a NY Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, we are celebrating the 100th podcast episode with a breakdown of the biggest lessons I've learned in my first 6 years as a therapist & social worker! The highs, the lows, these are my takeaways from these 6 years of work!

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a NY Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Kathy Archer, an incredible coach for women leaders in the nonprofit world! Kathy gives great insight on leadership, her observations on how people struggle to step into leadership, being authentic, and more! An important conversation for any social workers wanting to progress their career!

Kathy Archer If leadership feels heavy and lonely, you're not alone. Leadership coach Kathy Archer helps nonprofit women leaders stop drowning in work, doubting themselves, and carrying it all alone. After 25 years as a nonprofit leader, burnout forced her to figure out a better way, and now she helps you do the same. She's the author of Character Driven Leadership for Women and Mastering Confidence. Connect with her at kathyarcher.com or tune into her podcast, Surviving to Thriving.

• Website: https://www.kathyarcher.com/
• Book: Character Driven Leadership for Women
• Book: Mastering Confidence

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a NY Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Jenna Rodjenski, a social worker and group practice founder & owner from Philadelphia! Jenna sheds light on how she challenged some beliefs about social work, making money in social work, being firm with boundaries & what it can look like to really thrive in this work! An empowering conversation that left me with an excitement for social work & a refreshed perspective on what my own work life balance can look like.

Jenna Rodjenski, LCSW, is a therapist, End of Life Doula, and co-founder of Take Care Collective - a growing mental health collective based out of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Take Care promotes mental wellness through individual therapy, community events, professional development, and retreats. Jenna earned her BSW and MSW from Fordham University and began her career in community mental health before transitioning into private practice. She is a strong advocate for sustainability and balance in the work we do, advocating for change and development rooted in collective care and creativity. To follow Jenna and Take Care Collective visit www.takecarecollective.org or follow us on IG @takecarecltv. 

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Tenisha Tolen, LMSW all about her journey in social work, including how she stepped into leadership roles, what it takes to be a leader in social work, setting boundaries, and how we can address the gaps in social work leadership and diversity! 

Tenisha is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the founder of Safe Space Behavioral Health, a wellness platform dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and lead with authenticity. Through her work, she offers coaching, mentorship, therapy, and workshops that focus on self-discovery, emotional wellness, and leadership development.

With years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles, Tenisha is deeply passionate about fostering spaces where others feel empowered to step into their purpose and potential. She believes that healing and leadership go hand in hand—and that when people are given the tools and support to grow, they naturally become changemakers in their communities.

Grounded in compassion and authenticity, Tenisha continues to create safe, transformative spaces for people to reconnect with themselves, embrace balance, and lead from a place of wholeness.

• Safe Space Behavioral Health

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Ashley Escobar, an MSW student at NYU, recounting how she reconciled her Latina identity with being white passing, observations on being white passing in social work, and how she is finding her power within the current political and social climate.

Ashley Escobar is from West Harlem and of Ecuadorian descent. She earned my BA in Psychology from the City College of New York in 2021, and is currently pursuing her MSW at NYU. Ashley's goal is to work with young adults who are BIPOC as a clinical social worker. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with my loved ones and attending concerts. She is also a Leo and a Swiftie.

• Instagram: @empoweringwithashley

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I get into 7 lies that social workers, and break down these myths so that we can be the best social workers we can be!

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Chaundra Scott and dive into her own social work journey & the wonderful and essential world of geriatric social work! We discuss Chaundra's passion for the aging and older population & the need for more social workers in this niche & so much more!

Chaundra Scott, LMSW is a Maryland based & licensed social worker with 20+ years of social work experience. She compassionately supports families in need with discharge planning, placement, care coordination and elderly support. She earned her MSW degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Gerontology. Chaundra is currently working in a medical social worker role; and is also a thriving social work entrepreneur with author projects, social work resources, special events, and a senior placement agency. When she’s not helping others she enjoys being a girl mom, volleyball mom, crafting, writing, and watching her favorite shows/movies.

• Instagram: @thee_wellnesscollective @mamaseniorcareservices 
• The Wellness Collective Links
• Mama Senior Care Services Links

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show