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Social Work Documentation: A Guide to Strengthening Your Case Recording https://www.amazon.com/dp/0871014041/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aTFMDbBXSQD98
This is the book I used when I first started out. I've gone back and referenced it when I needed a refresher.
There is a wonderful book called Trauma Stewardship you may find helpful.
Oh boy this is my favorite, or was anyway.
At my last job (IOP) we did 3 groups a day. I would always start out with a solution focused discussion group where patients would rate on a scale where they were at, and I used solution focused therapy to go from there. Always a good discussion and way to check in. My second group for the day would usually be something psychoeducational: a lot of education on identifying symptoms, identifying coping mechanisms for specific symptoms, relating symptoms to behavior, irrational beliefs from an REBT perspective, topics like grief (grief is so pervasive) or insomnia, etc. My third group, I would alternate between goal setting topics and mindfulness exercises.
I do a lot of solution focused work and this book is the best I have found to use it in a group setting
I never was anything approaching normal going into the field, and I sure as hell am a different person for going into this line of work. I like to think for the better, but who knows :P
I have very clear delineations between work and other life roles. From 9-5 Monday to Thursday I am 'Bdi89 the social worker', however I am also 'Bdi89 the boyfriend/cat dad/ tabletop GM/gig-goer/surfer/gym rat' etc, depending on where I'm at and what I'm doing.
I find that a lot of these friendship groups are discrete and there isn't much crossover, the older I get the more I realise my younger friendships were matters of mere proximity and togetherness (student life, same town etc) whereas now it's a matter of me taking onus to find social activities I enjoy and finding Meetup.com groups and the like related to these interests.
I've always, always had trouble relating to people my age but think nothing of it. Age shouldn't be too strict a criterion for friendship.
Npr had a great interview with an author on Think today that touches on this narrative that made me put this book in my cart online. Podcast version usually posts by end of day on Spotify. Highly recommend.
We Need New Stories: The Myths that Subvert Freedom https://smile.amazon.com/dp/132400729X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_28W0P8HH0N7QRJG70924
Houses of Healing is very popular where I work. If you work in a men's facility and have some multimedia access, "The Mask You Live In" is also very popular for groups.
For pre-teens/teens, I really like the Chill & Spill journals and curriculum. It makes for great group content, too. You can pick and choose activities from the journal or go through it one page at a time. You can also buy individual books on Amazon.
Probably wouldn't translate particularly well to adults but for my 10+ aged clients with complex trauma, it's been really great.
I purchased this one that was recommended by my supervisor who had her own copy but an older version. Note it’s for working with adults but they have different versions. I found it to be helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Adult-Psychotherapy-Treatment-Planner/dp/111806786X
No, but I love your idea. I got my MSW over 20 years ago and remain saddened that so few social workers choose not to expand their circle of compassion to non-human animals and the planet we share with them. I'm a lifelong animal rights activist and social justice means justice for all sentient beings and working towards a healthier planet to me. I only ever came across this one book on animal issues: https://www.amazon.com/Animals-Social-Work-Introduction-Macmillan/dp/0230272509 but I never looked into environmental issues alone. We're all connected. It is heartening to hear from another social worker who understands that we need to be environmentalists.
Hey fellow Zebra! I also have hEDS, POTS, and ADHD! Plus hemiplegic migraines and I'm autistic. I'm currently in my final year of my MSW program and I'm doing my internship in a primary care setting. Everyone else has given good advice re: accommodations and communicating with your school/agency/supervisor, but I wanted to chime in for EDS specific stuff. This shouldn't be construed as medical advice; these are just my own opinions based on personal experience.
Are you in physical therapy with someone who knows EDS well? My PT has been critical for keeping my symptoms manageable enough to work. He's a manual PT that helps me get my joints back in place, which is great because I usually have about 4-5 subluxations between my twice-a-week appointments. A good PT must be EDS-literate, though, because standard PT techniques (like stretching) will make us worse. If you don't have an EDS expert near you but find a PT who is willing to learn, Kevin Muldowney, who literally wrote the book on EDS, provides one-time consultations where he can draw up a treatment plan you can bring back to your local therapist (although these aren't covered by insurance and can be pricey). If traveling to Rhode Island isn't feasible for you, his book can be used as a guide for you and your physical therapist.
In general, just keeping an eye on your hEDS symptoms and making sure you're getting screening for all possible complications is something you shouldn't neglect. I didn't find out I had a tethered spinal cord until my late 20s, and after that was fixed, working became way more feasible.
There's a great curriculum called Pattern Changing. I've used it in groups before and the members really enjoyed it. It was written in the 90s so it's not that inclusive regarding survivor-types (women as victims men as abusers) but the emphasis is on why some women find themselves in abusive relationships and "patterns" that need to change to prevent further abuse.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0803954948/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_NSMCRT1KHP5B60NBM8AY
Hey that used to get me too, what I did was again, have a preset APA document where I created headings just like it says in the APA 6th edition manual. For each heading I just put "Heading Title" in what ever font and however many tabs over from the margin etc that it's supposed to be, then edit the words when I actually use them. The only thing I have to remember to do on my documents are 2 things, one is on word, on the "page layout tab" I need to set the "spacing" "after" to 0. The other thing is to always do (2) spacebar presses after each sentence, which they added back into the 6th edition. Actually I recommend just ordering your own APA 6th edition manual, it's like $20 on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Publication-Manual-American-Psychological-Association/dp/1433805618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548536706&sr=8-1&keywords=apa+6th+edition
Your concerns for the well-being of your clients is admirable, but allow me to challenge your thinking. To make sure I have you correctly: Your concerns seem to be that the lack of professional training (on part of the case managers who are receiving the DBT training) will impact the quality of care the clients receive.
Its not clear that professional licensure ensures quality care, nor does the presence of such licensing procedures demonstrate that those not such licensed are unable to provide quality care. Sure, it is possible that your agency could harm your clients by proceeding with this plan, but it seems plausible that in preventing case managers from providing DBT (or any other intervention) you are also potentially harming clients.
You should consider the reasons why you feel this way, why there seems to be an implicit assumption that licensure/professional training=effectiveness, and how harm/effectiveness would be measured in your situation above. Otherwise you and I are just posturing.
See Occupational Licensure in Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom for an alternative take. There is also plenty of literature in the SW field on this debate: See for- and against- arguments in: http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/controversial-issues-in-social-work-9780205129027?xid=PSED
Congratulations. Some answers on a similar thread here: http://www.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/1g1kcz/book_recommendations_for_someone_new_to_mental/ (Gift of Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, CBT: Basics and Beyond, Man's Search for Meaning...)
Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Both books give the reader exposure to life experiences that are so far different from their own. This will really help develop the empathy that is the foundation of our profession.
I love Baggallini! They usually have great quality bags - I've had several of their wallets and work bags. Just FYI, this version is on Amazon for half the price!
I'm very, very adamant in the label and qualification of AASW (Australian social worker) only being one facet of a complex, multi-faceted three dimensional personality, much the same as every other human. Likewise, living with mental illnesses, I refuse to let my diagnosis be my label and I iterate this to clients struggling with their diagnoses.
The way to get around this is to have non-work interests. Even if you have to semi-force yourself to get out there, push through a bit of anxiety etc and try on different hats, eventually you'll find stuff that sticks.
Some of it may surprise you too! I went into tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons thinking it was the one step too far into geekdom for me. Boy was I wrong! I now play two games a fortnight and run a third in a different system. I'm also active on Discord for a video gaming group. I'm also actively playing bass and in a band, although until recently due to burnout mostly relegated myself to jamming shit on Rocksmith. I also love camping, surfing and other random stuff.
Essentially this means I'm not just 'Bdi89 - AASW', I'm Bdi89 the surfer, tabletop/video game nerd/player/GM, bush hippie, bassist etc.
Social withdrawal is definitely complicit with burnout but also other things such as anxiety. You may not feel you have much energy to do the above, but there are a lot of quite social/personal hobbies and interests that have a low barrier to entry and a lot of how-to resources online such as YouTube, Meetup.com (for groups etc).
Obvioudly you dont have to go as buck-wild as me, sometimes I feel like me keeping myself constantly busy is just another form of escapism...
I haven't found podcasts or audiobooks but the pocket prep app is nice and a mindless activity to try. I tried the Apgar app but it was expensive and very heavy with the text. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pocketprep.android.behavioralhealth
I haven't taken the exam but I think practice questions help my anxiety.
My kid strongly recommends this book recommended by their therapist. https://www.amazon.com/Trans-Teen-Survival-Guide-Fisher/dp/1785923412
Instead of going to class as an objective what about develop communication skills to advocate for self. That’s general enough and may actually end up with them in class more.
I work with adults so my experience is different, we have clients identify objectives themselves. This kiddo is old enough to figure out what they need. As a bonus you can teach them how to work around systems not built for them in how you help them identify and structure an objective.
Oh if I had unlimited money I'd get this weighted turtle.
https://www.amazon.com/Abilitations-Weighted-Fuzzy-Turtle-Pounds/dp/B01M6VF3BI
It's expensive but I like it, and I think a lot of kids would to.
My supervisor got us all Mini-Cowbells about a year ago- it was a nod to a running joke that we have in the office. Maybe something like that?
Gift cards are always great. I have also gifted these sticky notes to multiple social worker friends & they always go over well
“Beyond belief: Agnostic musings for 12 step life”
Thorough documentation and sourcing. https://www.amazon.com/Torn-Apart-Destroys-Families-Abolition/dp/1541675444
I found the book through the library.
You don't just have to work for them during your masters. You have to work for them afterwards for however long you worked for them during getting your degree.
Also, yes. CPS is a human rights nightmare. https://www.amazon.com/Torn-Apart-Destroys-Families-Abolition/dp/1541675444
I'd highly recommend reading the book Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy by Patt Denning. There is so much beyond the 12 step model in this field of work. 💗
The book Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients Move Forward from Developmental Trauma--An Integrative Somatic Approach by Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell. Highly recommend for the parents and for you to read. Very powerful book and a ton of research referenced throughout if you or parents want to learn more
https://www.amazon.com/Nurturing-Resilience-Developmental-Trauma-Integrative/dp/1623172039
I use question cards to build rapport in a first session, taking turns to ask each other a question. Link to Ungame
Definitely go through and review the cards before using them with a client. I removed a few that I thought were inappropriate or could potentially be triggering. I also let kids know they can pass on any question they don’t feel comfortable answering.
this work bag would be perfect! It has so many pockets for kiddo things and you can wipe it down/water resistant! Comes in a bunch of patterns too
Like a few others have mentioned, I think it can vary by agency and even documentation type. I know my school recommended this book, and it has been INCREDIBLY helpful for me. It even features little exercises (with answer keys and explanations) that are great if this is something newer and was not focused on in school.
>20.00
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094D4G6XK?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1
i ordered this one. What do you mean by 20.00 ones?
Awesome!
Tons of future graduates ask me the same thing and this is what I tell them:
If you're still in school, definitely take a business elective - preferably something in the entrepreneurship space. Just a foundational course....something to get your feet wet. Don't overdo it. You can get some advice from the business department on this one.
I would also advise you to join some groups on campus that have to do with business. I went to an HBCU and they had a club called YSB (Willing, Succeeding, and Black). I was always too intimidated to join, but I wished I had.
Have you ever heard of Toastmasters or Rotaract or Kiwanis International? These are great organizations to hone your networking, public speaking and operational skills that will be extremely useful!
I promise to do a video on this with more ideas in it and let you know. But if you do even ONE of the things I've mentioned, you'll be FAAAARRRR ahead of most everyone else around you. You've got this!
Happy to help you get clear on what entrepreneurial direction you might go in. Here's my calendar: calendly.com/evaforde. Reach out any time.
There is also a book called "I hate you--Don't leave me" that is all about BPD and further understanding it.
​
This is a book from one of my MSW courses that I found to be really helpful. I’ve referred back to it a few times as I’ve been working with groups in my final practicum placement.
https://www.amazon.com/Games-other-stuff-Group-Book/dp/1885473397 (there is a part 2..) If the curriculum isn't cutting it, give them so lessons on interacting
Wanted to add the Matthew McKay DBT Skills Manual for another good beginner's guide to DBT.
Maybe a star extender like this would work?: 4 Pcs Mask Strap Extender, Anti-Tightening Mask Holder Hook Ear Strap Accessories Ear Grips Extension Mask Buckle Ear Pain Relieved Four Colours https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LX7TJN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V68Q6JP7ERV4MDKPE2N7
Hi there! Let me start off by saying I’m so sorry your supervisor has been saying such terrible things about you! You literally just started. Working residential is really difficult and such an adjustment. I was a clinical intern at a res facility for teenage girls last year, and holy smokes it was quite an adjustment. I agree with the others that a fair but firm approach is the best way. Most of the kiddos have been through so much and often act out because they want connection, their basic needs met, or some sort of containment since they don’t know how to draw boundaries themselves. My facility used the ARC framework, which is the only EBP for res facilities. I learned a lot through my training on ARC and was eventually far better at building rapport with the kids and also earning their respect. Here’s the official ARC website: https://arcframework.org/what-is-arc/ Here’s the ARC manual: Treating Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents, Second Edition: How to Foster Resilience through Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency https://www.amazon.com/dp/1462537049/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_E4RS539P45F9YCY3EDY9
Also if your agency doesn’t already use ProAct for crisis deescalation, I highly recommend it. I use the crisis intervention skills a ton.
I bought it on Amazon
Social Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide and Practice Test, Second Edition Set - Includes a Comprehensive LMSW Study Guide and Practice Test Book with 170 Questions, Free Mobile and Web Access Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826147844/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5BJZFHQ5H98FV7VZ1SYB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Woman Laptop Tote Bag,USB Teacher Bag Large Work Bag Purse Fits 15.6 in Laptop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QQ111H8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S4BQPB4QB6ECAG97JVWZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
10/10 recommend this bag.
Check out “A Different Ending”! It’s a suggestion that always goes over well!!
Aliza is your typical nineteen-year old girl who lives with her boyfriend, Tyler. Growing up, they knew everything about one another and even started dating. Not long after Aliza and Tyler move into their first place together, however, she realizes how much she doesn’t actually know about him. Now she is faced with the side of love that’s not often mentioned.
Tyler may have won over Aliza’s heart, but he has also abusively taken control over her life, in ways she never saw coming. Broken and bruised, Aliza makes the most terrifying decision ever and reaches out for help from a guy that she has been friends with in order to escape Tyler’s wrath. Just when Aliza thinks she is free, fueled by his anger Tyler does something awfully drastic and permanent that will alter everyone’s lives forever.
Shocked by Tyler’s actions, Aliza discovers that she wasn’t his only victim. Those invisible chains that she felt Tyler once had placed on her are no longer there, and she has never felt so much relief and guilt as she does now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H824CQ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_Q6APCGECJEAZ58Y8T647
I'm a social worker in tech and actually prepping a SW Tech Standards training. Some advice assuming you are currently US based: You can only see telehealth clients in the US States you are licensed in. You have to follow jurisdiction rules in Belgium and the jurisdiction in the states. The big thing is to understand Belgium's online laws. Will your client have privacy?? Your informed consent, terms of use, privacy policy, and cookie policy have to be very clear that you are in another country and what is happening to their data in regards to that. I would recommend NordVPN for additional privacy and safeguard for you and your clients.
Someone already mentioned insurance and billing, definitely something to consider.
To be nervous to the point of saying you hate yourself is not healthy nor does it serve anyone - not you, the agency or your clients.
You won't likely f*ck up your internship, but in any case, you'll want to (read as: need to) get counseling or therapy for that anxiety and work through your past. The goal of your internship is not for you to get a passing grade. The goal is to help build your capacity to work with real people with real challenges themselves.
I used to teach and worked with students who were sometimes nervous like you are now. I wrote a fun, practical book for them called How NOT to Practice Social Work: Saving Good People From Bad Practice One Step At A Time. Perhaps it can help you now too.
Wishing you only healing and health on your journey.
xoxo
I’ve been asked to repost here rather than the main subreddit:
Hi all, I use a accupressure clip on my hand to reduce my chronic pain. (I have a continuous daily tension headache.) The clip looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZH452Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_P9D-Fb1B49NBP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Do you think I’ll be able to take it into the licensing exam, even maybe around a ponytail or in my pocket, if that’s a safer bet, or would it be better to try to get permission from the testing center or a doctors note ahead of time? Thanks!!
This book has decision trees for each section of the DSM (one for anxiety disorders, one for depressive disorders, one for trauma disorders, etc.)
They're available on Amazon for the moment.
FYI, KN95 is the Chinese certification for the same level of protection. This year, I believe the FDA (?) announced they would recognize KN95 as equivalent without additional testing or certification.
There are a few models but this one is probably the most engaging. Good luck! Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia, Second Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/157230846X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_BpYPFb94SRQR0
Hey there,
I graduated with my BSW in June and complete my last placement at a Correctional Facility for male offenders. My placement was over the span of 4 months and my supervisor gave me a book called ‘Victims No Longer’, written by Mike Lew. It was encompassed by a lot of personal stories and experiences shared by men recovering from childhood sexual abuse, but helped explain behaviour patterns and how sexual abuse can affect your development in terms of areas of growth and how you see yourself.... and how sexual abuse can be overlooked, or brushed off by society (particularly 40-50+ years ago) in terms of how childhood sexual abuse can affect you in so many different ways depending on so many factors, with the mindset that no experience whatsoever is the same as another! [such is social work]
I’ve attached the amazon link!
Goodluck :)
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/006053026X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_OwiFBbVVGM0MR
I saw this while I was on Amazon. Might be worth a look.
If you suspect a house has or may have bed bugs: bring your own chair to their house (metal) and only bring what you need inside - no bags, etc, &no loose clothing. We would try to avoid transporting if a client had bed begs. But if they’re actively trying to remove them- we still must do our jobs. I bought a spray on amazon that one of our state trainers recommend (can link below)- I know they say sprays don’t work, but... Also just keeping your car clutter free and vacuuming often. And throwing any clothes you wore that day in the dryer for a while on high when you get home.
Sprayway SW003R Good Night Aerosol Spray, 16 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GWTSPA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wJO1DbCTKAJJV
This book is really helpful! I used it during my planning and program development class where I designed a theoretical agency, and I refer back to it often for revamping the program that I currently work.
Designing and Managing Programs: An Effectiveness-Based Approach (SAGE Sourcebooks for the Human Services) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1483388301/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_s3jGFbWHQBVBM
My experience is employers make you do more without the compensation, sometimes meaning extra cases being piled on what you signed up for. This has happened to me so many times that I have stopped marketing the skill because employers take advantage of it and it burns me out. It also has ended up being slightly racist for me as a Hispanic woman when I don’t advertise the skill, as coworkers/supervisors simply look at my Spanish name and dump bilingual or Spanish speaking cases into my lap because they didn’t want to take the extra step to get a translator or use the language line. I ended up moving to a place where most everyone here speaks Spanish so it’s no longer an issue in the workplace (they sign up for shifts to be available to translate in the hospital for extra $$$), but if this is a skill you want to bring to the table, I recommend becoming fluent, comfortable and confident in your language skills and negotiating your terms upon hire financially. Also note that clinical and crisis intervention Spanish is a lot different from what any program like duolingo can teach the general masses, get some social work specific books (https://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Social-Services-Basic/dp/0495902640). A mistranslation or misunderstanding can cost an entire relationship.
Since you’re going be working with a population of vets, I recommend reading Michael Herr’s book, “Dispatches,” which is a memoir of his experiences in Vietnam. It will give you some good insights about combat related PTSD. https://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-Michael-Herr/dp/0679735259#ace-9766277718
I agree. I was a teacher before getting my MSW. In that job I often worked with CPS, but after working with 25 kids all day long, I wanted work more on an individual level but not custody work. So now I work clinically as a therapist with youth. I wish more people knew that there are hundreds of ways to use a social work degree, protective services is just one of them. This book is a great resource to learn about them 101 Careers in Social Work, Second Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826129056/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yrXcFbACB5Y8J
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076DWWBH3/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_yTU1Eb4GNAYTH
Hopefully that link works. If you have a kindle, you can rent this for a very reasonable price. Otherwise just search for Dawn Apgars Master exam study guide on Amazon
There were a lot more macro questions on there than I thought there would be, also I studied quite a bit I had the ASWB study book and that's what I used to study. This book: https://www.amazon.com/Social-Work-Masters-Guide-Second/dp/0826147119/ref=asc_df_0826147119/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=317002210742&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9360751283149800921&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013129&hvtargid=pla-559670618813&psc=1
Made easy is a great reference. The case studies are so helpful.
To add on to OP's assessment needs:
Andrew Soloman's Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity
Although I haven't finished it yet, I think it would be a good addition to the list. In the book, Soloman examines how individuals and their families forge an identity out of what is labeled an illness from birth. The chapters in the book are Son, Deaf, Dwarf, Down Syndrome, Autism, Schizophrenia, Disability, Prodigies, Rape, Crime, Transgender, and Father. Using his own experience as a homosexual who was also born dyslexic, he seeks to understand how families are impacted by divergences from the presupposed identity off their offspring. Describing the aspects of our identity that are passed down from our progenitors as "vertical identities", and those that are not as "horizontal identities", Soloman very eloquently conveys the struggle as well as the opportunity for transformation that are inherent in any individual's uniqueness.
Look into Seeking Safety and DBT. Both are on the SAMHSA list.
Seeking safety was designed for PTSD and SUD. I'm currently using it with adults, but have used it with teens in the past.
I utilize more DBT than anything in my practice. Marsha Linehan's DBT hand outs & worksheets make appearances in my groups multiple times a week (and you can buy it as a printable PDF, so convenient). I've also liked this DBT self help workbook.
I think with teens especially it's important to keep the group engaging. Look for opportunities to be creative, such as listening to a song and analyzing the lyrics or using small treats to do a mindfulness activity. Find ways to incorporate moving around the room, drawing, writing.
In general I wasn't able to ever successfully do mindfulness with my teens, but I think it could have gone better if I used treats or ice cubes (which I've started using with adults).
I thoroughly agree with all the comments about harm reduction. Folks are generally very hesitant to use it with teens, so I have dealt with agency resistance in the past. I would look for little ways to slip it in through out group.
I want to second the recommendation for Brene Brown - I love her, my clients love her, I really can't recommend her enough. I'd also like to throw Healing The Shame That Binds You into the ring as it's addiction specific. John Bradshaw has some videos that my clients love.
> The client suddenly falls off the face of the earth after doing well for so long
My supervisor assures me that this is "normal" for our area, but like you I haven't really been satisfied with that approach. I always try to educate my clients that relapse isn't indicative of failure - I treat it like a flare in symptoms and discuss with clients that it can be a learning opportunity because it gives them the chance to go back and figure out a different way of behaving. I absolutely hate counting days sober (feels like an industrial factory sign that says "x days since an injury at this work site") as the client often feels like they need to reset the counter to zero after a relapse. I advocate for the approach that we are always learning, and that a relapse doesn't mean you've forgotten any of the new things you've learned. When my clients do return after relapse, I give tons of positive feedback for returning to the office.
I'm assigned to read Research Methods for Social Work 9th edition. It's a $240 book at SDSU's bookstore and I don't have $240 to spend on one book. I found a used copy locally but it's the 7th edition as opposed to the 9th edition. How much different will the text be between the 7th and 9th edition? Looking purely at the length, it appears the 7th edition is about 35 pages longer. Will I be okay with the 7th edition? It was released in 2010 as opposed to 2016.
I work in substance use treatment and use this book! I also have used this one a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Workbook-Addiction-Addictive-Behaviors-ebook/dp/B008KZUHUK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515849679&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+addiction
I use a lot of the worksheets and interventions with clients either individually or in groups.
I used this book: https://www.amazon.com/Social-Work-ASWB-Clinical-Guide/dp/0826172016/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468955898&sr=8-1&keywords=lcsw+exam
I read through that twice, took the practice test included with the book, and then took the official ASWB practice exam.
We used Winning Grants Step by Step in my grant writing class and I really liked it. Short and to the point.
Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing and Writing Successful Proposals https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118378342/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2O4lxbZV4GHS5
I would search college programs that have focuses on geriatric social work. If you want to pursue a masters they could point you in the right direction. It sounds like you are already doing good volunteer work so keep it up!
Check out books on Amazon for geriatric social work. I like the book below which is authored by a licensed social worker who works primarily with those populations.
http://www.amazon.com/Days-Lives-Gerontological-Social-Workers/dp/1929109210
Congrats! Any tips for studying and/or study guides you'd recommend?
I'm thinking of this one Dr. Dawn Apgar PHD ASWB Clinical Exam Guide
I bought this book when I was working with adolescents inpatient - http://www.amazon.com/The-Adolescent-Psychotherapy-Treatment-Planner/dp/1118067843.
I searched Amazon and found that they have a group edition as well. I didn't use the book as the be-all and end-all of course, but I found it really helpful to have so many different objectives and suggested interventions listed out. It was a really good tool for sparking ideas, which you could then build off of using your own training.
I'm reading through a chapter a week of the book Laws of Leadership with my supervisor and every week I'm finding something I can bring back to my work. My education did so little to prep me for leadership, and honestly, I think one of the faults of this field is that we take someone who was good at their job and promote them without considering their leadership potential.
I also would suggest listening to the Manager Tools podcast.
Management of Mental Disorders is an excellent resource for what you're after. But have a read of the description and reviews to to confirm if it is the right resource for you. I've used it and it covers all the major areas of mental illnesses and disorders plus possible treatment programs.
Just gonna upvote here because this is pretty much what I would've said. :)
Identifying triggers, teaching healthy communication skills, writing action/crisis plans, going round and round on actually FOLLOWING the action/crisis plans, teaching age-appropriate expectations/limits/consequences/discipline, going round and round on structure/consistency/routine in actually FOLLOWING age-appropriate... well, you get it.
It often feels like you make very little progress but I've learned that's because my interventions are so short-lived (my unit is short term/intensive). It is really hard to see progress in ~3 months. Metrics really helped in identifying progress when it feels like all you're doing is putting out fires. I also found pretty good success using brief solution-focused therapy (I used this book).
I actually like this job. Families are often less guarded in their home environment. Sometimes it can be really distracting (TV, visitors, so many other toys for kids to play with and ignore you over!) so you have got to be comfortable setting limits. It does feel like I make a difference when I see a whole family interacting in a healthier way or get feedback on something I didn't even realize they'd heard. And I get a lot of clues from the home environment that I wouldn't have in an office. Plus I get to do some fun stuff that I couldn't do in an office... like demonstrate what "positive engagement" looks like (oh look, it's family fun night, we're gonna make brownies and play Stop Think and Relax!). Modeling is powerful stuff. Some of these families have forgotten that they even CAN enjoy time together...
Boyfriend bought me The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime that I have been trying to finish between coursework and readings for months. Really good!