Have you ever been in a collaborative relationship that wasn’t going well? We can all learn from Emily Brierly’s experience with a peer whom she co-lead a social work group. Emily discusses her frustration when finding herself with a different agenda. To complicate matters, the different racial identities created anxiety for Emily as she attempted to manage power dynamics.

Tracey Clingo addresses her client’s anger but gets caught in her own fears of confrontation. Through reflection, self-awareness, and insight around counter transference, Tracey contends with the why’s and how’s of her own emotional reactions. Her ability to process her own and her client’s emotional underpinnings allows her to be armed with the ability to engage in an otherwise frightening situation.

We can understand the impact of sibling abuse on survivors quite well through a psychodynamic lens. When we develop our knowledge of the ways in which the abusive experience affects perceptions of self and others, we can also learn about styles of attachment and the ways in which challenges are manifested in interpersonal relationships. Sibling abuse preys on one’s ability to trust and rely on others; an active desire to please others; defenses are employed to self-protect while also keeping others at a distance. We all crave connection, but for survivors of sibling abuse that desire comes with a huge price.

Many of us contend with challenging aspects of our work that require us to advocate for our needs, or confront a colleague. Usually this presents as quite scary and fearful. As social workers, we have to be able to advocate for ourselves if we are going to be able to advocate for our clients, but we know it’s usually easier to do some things for others rather than ourselves. Three social workers confront their own anxieties about getting their needs met. Through exploring their fears and perceived outcomes of confrontation they find motivation to put their needs into action.

This episode is sure to extend its relevance beyond the profession of clinical work. We can all learn from the social workers in episode 14 who are back to talk about how they developed their ability to sit with silence and convey empathy with confidence. They talk about how their own need to be helpful and their own difficulty being alone with their thoughts impacts their ability to sit silently in someone else’s company. In spite of this, they have done the work - on themselves - so that they can be better social workers as well as better intimate partners and friends to others. They also share their depth of understanding of empathy and ways to offer it. Their own personal and professional growth sheds light on how we can shift our emotional awareness and deepen our connection to others.

Sibling abuse indicates a form of child neglect because in order for it to occur and persist, there is a lack of effective parental intervention. Since sibling abuse is a product of a dysfunctional family environment, it is important to understand the experience from a family systems lens. What dynamics contribute to the existence and perpetuation of sibling abuse? How does the way parents relate to each child influence the sibling relationship? This episode addresses these questions and more. Do you have questions about sibling abuse? DM Dr. Meyers.

Silas Kelly, Social Worker and podcast host shares his childhood experience of abandonment, neglect and then rescue through foster care. He shares his path towards healing, stability, gratitude, and ultimately a calling to the profession of social work.

An elder client financially exploited by a neighbor. Reminiscent and supportive counseling amazingly improves her dementia. Then she expresses romantic love for her clinician. Dr. Meyers and her guest discuss various forms of demonstrated love from clients and how to manage it.

Celeste Viciere is here to explain the process of healing the inner child She discusses the importance of becoming aware of how our early childhood experiences, emotions and neds are played out in adulthood and how we can develop new patterns of being. "Shifting" is a challenging process that Celeste has worked on herself. Her straight-forward understanding, explanation and tools may just lead you to develop a more satisfying you.