What Would Dr. Meyers Do?

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.

How we physically present ourselves does leave room for judgment. Does our appearance send the message we want regarding how we would like to be perceived? Can we control how we are perceived? Attire and physical being are compared to earning respect as Molloy University students reveal their own personal styles and the impact that has had on them, and others.

Dr. Meyers is in conversation with Anne, who shared her personal story of sibling abuse in episode #38. Now, Anne shares how, through her work with a client who was a survivor, Anne came to her own realizations of her childhood sibling relationship. The work between client and therapist became significantly healing for both. Anne was able to validate and identify her client’s experience as abusive and in turn, was able to give meaning to her own lived experience. Together, they forged a path towards healing.

Working with clients who have been traumatized requires understanding of trauma-informed practices, psychodynamics, and neuroscience - and requires self-care. How do we know when to help the client process their trauma or recognize they may not be ready? Dr. Daria Hansen shares the strategies she applies to her clients, her students, and herself.

Three university professors and clinicians talk about their personal and teaching experiences with racial diversity, equity and inclusion and how their positionality and identities present challenges teaching and approaching this material. They have to navigate their own emotions as they help others to open themselves to the vulnerability and necessity to learn about and own their own identities inclusive of privilege and oppression.

Do you ever struggle with the benefits vs. limitations of communicating through texting? How about when used in the therapeutic relationship? Emily Brierly, a Molloy University social work student feels misaligned with a co-intern’s intervention with a group of high school students as they planned a conference and were in need of task follow-through. What arises is the questionable use of texting as a tool for, or inhibitor of engagement.