Neurobiology for Social Work: Interview with James Marley, Ph.D.

[Episode 147] Today's Social Work Podcast is about the brain. I spoke with Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work associate professor James Marley, Ph.D. in 2016 about the structure of the brain, neurotransmitters, and how social workers can use this information to work with clients, particularly around issues of medications.  

In today’s interview, we talk about how trauma literally writes itself into the brain; why understanding neuroplasticity gives hope to clients who feel stuck; the importance of being a critical consumer of neuroscience headlines—because clients read them too; and how social workers—often the first to hear about new symptoms or med side effects—can respond with confidence and compassion. We also get into brain basics: structures like the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and how meds like SSRIs trick the brain into adjusting. We talk about how social workers can talk about the medical side of medication without talking beyond our training, including the neurobiology of side effects, withdrawal, and why you shouldn’t go cold turkey off your meds. If you’ve ever felt underprepared to talk about the brain—or wondered why it matters for your practice—this episode is for you.

Now, I know what you're thinking. 2016? But you're posting this almost a decade later. Yes. That is true. The interview was fantastic and has been listened to by thousands of BSW and MSW students at Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work. But, the information is so good that I wanted to get it to everyone (and Jim approved).  

Download MP3 [45:07]

The Evolving Landscape of Social Work Practice: Technology, Advocacy, and the Interstate Compact with NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet

[Episode 146] In today’s episode of the Social Work Podcast I talk with NASW CEO, Dr. Anthony Estreet, about what he sees as some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of social work. These include the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the urgent need for social workers to organize and advocate, the Social Work Interstate Compact, and NASW's renewed vision for the organization. 

Bio 

Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, earned a bachelor’s in science in psychology from Bowie State University, an MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University, a doctorate in social work at Morgan State University, and an MBA at the University Maryland-College Park. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest intercollegiate African American fraternity.

He has been a professor and chair of the Master of Social Work Program at Morgan State University since 2013. Estreet is also founder and chief executive officer of Next Step Treatment Center in Baltimore, which provides substance use treatment and mental health services. He was vice president of the NASW Board of Directors but stepped down from that role after being considered a candidate in the search process. Estreet also served as president of the NASW Maryland Chapter and is an active member of the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Black Social Workers.  

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Experimental Research Design (Part 2): Interview with Bruce Thyer, PhD, LCSW

[Episode 145] Today’s episode is the third of a three-part series on research design (and the second of a two-part series on Experimental Research Design) with Dr. Bruce Thyer, Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University.

 

Dr. Thyer is a Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University. He is also an Extra-Ordinary Professor with North-West University in the Republic of South Africa and an adjunct faculty member with the Tulane University School of Social Work. Previously he held the position of Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia. Dr. Thyer received his MSW from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Georgia and he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Thyer has been a long-term promoter of the evidence-based practice model within social work. His work is largely informed by social learning theory and has taken a recent turn in the direction of exposing and discouraging pseudoscientific theories, interventions and assessment methods within social work practice.

Download MP3 [19:16]

Experimental Research Design (Part 1): Interview with Bruce Thyer, PhD, LCSW

[Episode 144] Today’s episode is the second of a three-part series on research design (and the first of a two-part series on Experimental Research Design) with Dr. Bruce Thyer, Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University. Today's episode is all about experimental research

 

Dr. Thyer is a Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University. He is also an Extra-Ordinary Professor with North-West University in the Republic of South Africa and an adjunct faculty member with the Tulane University School of Social Work. Previously he held the position of Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia. Dr. Thyer received his MSW from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Georgia and he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Thyer has been a long-term promoter of the evidence-based practice model within social work. His work is largely informed by social learning theory and has taken a recent turn in the direction of exposing and discouraging pseudoscientific theories, interventions and assessment methods within social work practice.

Download MP3 [21:37]

The Power of One: Single System Design with Bruce Thyer, PhD, LCSW

[Episode 143] Today’s episode is the first of a two-part series on research design with Dr. Bruce Thyer, Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University. Today's episode is all about single system design, also referred to as single subject design. Bruce and I dive into why social workers should know about them, whether they can be used with manualized interventions, and what their core components are. I asked about the kinds of measures and assessments that work best and where to find them. We discuss real-world examples, the nuances of designs like AB, ABC, and beyond, and how to use single subject designs for complicated, multilayered problems. I wanted to know if they work across levels of practice—micro, mezzo, and macro—and whether they’re appropriate for evaluating evidence-based practice. When I told Bruce I had concerns about the generalizability of SSDs, he reminded me that the requirements for generalizability are almost never met, even in rigorous large scale studies. We end with a discussion about publishing SSDs and how to use SSD with the complicated problems and issues that nearly all clients present with. It’s a fascinating conversation about a method that can help social workers evaluate practice in a way that’s rigorous, practical, and client-centered.

 

Dr. Thyer is a Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean with the College of Social Work at Florida State University. He is also an Extra-Ordinary Professor with North-West University in the Republic of South Africa and an adjunct faculty member with the Tulane University School of Social Work. Previously he held the position of Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia. Dr. Thyer received his MSW from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Georgia and he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Thyer has been a long-term promoter of the evidence-based practice model within social work. His work is largely informed by social learning theory and has taken a recent turn in the direction of exposing and discouraging pseudoscientific theories, interventions and assessment methods within social work practice.

Download MP3 [33:13]

Social Roots of Youth Suicide: Interview with Anna Mueller, PhD

[Episode 142] Today's episode is an interview with sociologist, Anna S. Mueller, PhD. Luther Dana Waterman Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Senior Research Program Leader of the Mental Illness, Suicide, and Addiction Section of the Irsay Institute at Indiana University. Anna and I spoke about why Anna and her colleague, Seth Abrutyn, looked at the social roots of youth suicide at Poplar Grove, the social factors that they found contributed to youth suicide contagion and clusters (including the rigid cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and high level of connectedness); the role of social workers in school-based multidisciplinary practice; and practical steps that schools and communities can take to address youth suicide.   

Anna and Seth's book, Life under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide and What to Do About Them is available at the publisher's website for 30% off using the code: ASPROMP8.

 

Download MP3 [29:40]

How Do You Feel? Interview with Jessi Gold, MD

[Episode 141] In today's episode I speak with Jessi Gold, MD about her 2024 book, How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, a powerful, honest, and often funny exploration of mental health and well-being, both in and outside of healthcare. 

In today's episode we explore the prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals, particularly the paradox of empathy leading to vulnerability. Dr. Gold describes burnout's symptoms and her personal experience with it, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and authenticity in the workplace. The conversation also offers advice for social workers on writing about their experiences and maintaining their humanity within demanding systems. Finally, Dr. Gold stresses the importance of acknowledging the impact of work on mental health and advocating for better support systems. 

In her deeply relatable and beautifully written memoir, Dr. Gold shares stories from her own journey in academic medicine and those of her patients, pulling back the curtain on the often-toxic culture of healthcare that expects resilience in the face of trauma and burnout. Through wit and vulnerability, she challenges us to rethink what it means to truly care for others—and ourselves.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider, caregiver, or simply someone trying to balance work and life, this book is a must-read. Dr. Gold reminds us that while systemic barriers remain, there’s always room for hope, healing, and finding meaning in the work we do. Let’s dive into her story.

Key themes include:

• The importance of vulnerability and storytelling in addressing mental health stigma.
• Practical tips for healthcare providers to prioritize their own mental well-being.
• How societal expectations around medicine influence mental health discourse.
• Highlights from How Do You Feel?, offering strategies for patients and providers alike to have better conversations about mental health.

Download MP3 [42:18]

The Greatest of All Plagues: David Lay Williams, PhD on Economic Inequality

[Episode 140] In today's episode I talk with David Lay Williams, Professor of Political Science at DePaul University about his 2024 book, The Greatest of All Plagues: How Economic Inequality Shaped Political Thought from Plato to Marx. 

The interview with Dr. Williams highlights several reasons why economic inequality is dangerous, drawing heavily on the ideas of historical thinkers.

Social Conflict and Instability: Dr. Williams emphasizes Plato's view that economic inequality creates a divided society, leading to conflict and instability. He points to Plato's concept of a city divided into two—one of the rich and one of the poor—constantly plotting against each other. This resonates with contemporary observations that rising inequality correlates with the growth of authoritarian populism, social distrust, and political instability.

Erosion of Community and Sympathy: Adam Smith, often seen as a proponent of free markets, believed that extreme economic inequality hinders the development of community and mutual sympathy. Smith argued that a large gap between rich and poor makes it difficult for sympathy to flow between these groups. He was particularly concerned about the lack of sympathy from the wealthy toward the less fortunate, citing a biblical example of a rich man ignoring a beggar. Dr. Williams suggests this lack of sympathy can undermine social cohesion and shared responsibility.

Undermining of Democracy: The interview touches upon the potential threat to democracy posed by economic inequality, particularly through the influence of charitable foundations established by the wealthy. While not directly addressed by Dr. Williams, he references the work of Stanford political theorist Rob Reich, who argues that foundations can perpetuate the power of wealthy individuals and potentially undermine democratic processes. John Stuart Mill also expressed concerns about foundations, viewing them as potentially imposing the will of the wealthy on future generations.

Obstacles to Individual Liberty: Dr. Williams explains how John Stuart Mill, a champion of individual liberty, saw economic inequality as a significant obstacle to achieving true freedom. Mill argued that extreme disparities in wealth create an environment of resentment and distrust, hindering the development of a strong community. He believed that a certain level of economic equality was necessary to foster a society where individuals could genuinely thrive and exercise their liberties.

Dr. Williams' insights, grounded in the wisdom of historical thinkers, offer a compelling argument for why economic inequality poses a danger to society. He demonstrates that the problem extends beyond mere economic disparities, impacting social cohesion, political stability, and individual well-being. I'm excited to bring this conversation about political philosophy to social workers because social work is an inherently interdisciplinary profession. We draw on insights from every discipline and every profession in the pursuit of improving the world and making our client’s lives better. The relationship between social work and biology, psychology, sociology (biopsychosocial anyone???), politics and even economics is clear. But, the relationship between social work and political philosophy? Not so clear. Don't tell David, but I’m not even sure what political philosophy is. But that doesn’t stop me from being very excited to share today’s conversation with David Williams, professor of Political Science at DePaul University and author of the 2024 book, The Greatest of All Plagues: How Economic Inequality Shaped Political Thought from Plato to Marx. 

Download MP3 [52:10]

An Update of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Interview with Tia Dole, PhD

[Episode 139] In today's episode, I speak with Tia Dole, PhD, Chief 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Officer, about updates to 988. We talk about how 988 provides services to Deaf and hard of hearing people, crisis support in Spanish, and the September 17, 2024 launch of geo-routing for T-Mobile and Verizon customers. We talk about how geo-routing is different than geo-location, and what people should know about contacting 988 in a suicidal crisis. 

From the 988 website: 

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

 

Download MP3 [8:31]

Embracing Therapeutic Complexity: Interview with Patricia Gianotti, Psy.D.

[Episode 138] Today's episode is an interview with Dr. Patricia Gianotti, Academic Director of The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago. Patricia and I speak about the neurobiology of shame, why depth work is important, and how to think about human complexity in a therapeutic context. She emphasizes the impact of attachment failures on a person's sense of self and the role of shame in therapy. She explains the concept of loyalty contracts and how they shape individuals' beliefs and behaviors. She underscores the power of psychodynamic techniques in uncovering and addressing these dynamics. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the hope and resilience that can be found in therapy.

Download MP3 [41:17]

The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago offers a yearlong certificate program for licensed professionals, aimed at enhancing clinical skills through an integrative training method. The program incorporates advances in trauma and neuropsychological research within a framework rooted in attachment theory. Participants engage in onsite residencies that last three full days each, featuring hands-on training by nationally acclaimed faculty. In between residencies, distance learning continues through monthly 90-minute case consultation meetings and bimonthly live webinars. The program is approved for CEU Credit by the APA and NASW, and awards a total of 72 credit hours. To learn more, please visit https://www.luc-iap.com/