Psychodynamic Theory and Human Development: Interview with Dr. Terry Northcut

[Episode 148]  In today’s episode of the Social Work Podcast, I spoke with Dr. Terry Northcut, Lucian and Carol Welch Matusak Endowed Professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work about psychodynamic theory as a framework for understanding human development. Dr. Northcut is an expert in social work pedagogy, religion and spirituality in clinical social work, and bridging psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you’re curious about that last pairing, check out her 2025 text with coauthor Shveta Kumaria, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Practice – Talking Across the Divide. 

Dr. Northcut talks about how psychodynamic theory offers conceptual scaffolding for understanding our internal worlds and how early experiences continue to leave a lasting imprint. You'll learn about the epigenetic principle, how repeated interactions, particularly in childhood, generalize into "working models" or "templates" that then play out in all our relationships. We talk about how psychodynamic theory recognizes developmental deficits and how it is strength-based. Along the way, Dr. Northcut acknowledges the role of attachment, trauma, and the importance of neurobiology (the focus of Episode 147 with our Loyola University Chicago colleague, Dr. Jim Marley). 

Dr. Northcut uses a lot of psychodynamic terms like selfobject, narcissistic injury, and average expectable environment. She defines them in the episode, and I’ve created a glossary of key terms and list of referenced works.

Download MP3 [42:34]

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.  

Download MP3 [24:00]

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/

The Role of AI in Child Welfare and Community Organizing: Interview with ChatGPT-4o

[Episode 137] In today's Social Work Podcast, I speak with ChatGPT-4o about the role of AI in child welfare and community organizing and how we can use Bronfenbrenner's ecosystems framework and an antiracist perspective. That's right. I'm interviewing OpenAI's LLM, ChatGPT-4o. 

On May 13th, 2024, OpenAI released the Omni version of ChatGPT4. This was a big step forward in processing speed. You could input video audio sort of visuals data all sorts of things and it could analyze it almost in real time. I've been playing around with ChatGpt-4, the earlier version, and you know talking to it on the app and there was always a significant delay as it was thinking through things and kind of coming up with a response. But the Omni version, the response is basically in real time, and I thought what better moment than now to interview ChatGPT, because you'll hear a little bit of the thinking, right? It’ll be a slight delay but no more than you would for any live human guests on the social work podcast.

Unlike a human guest, I didn't have to coordinate schedules. All I did was I took my phone, I clicked on the app, I hit the little headset icon which activated the voice input, and I held up my phone to my microphone so that I was recording my voice like I am now, and then ChatGPT just coming right out of my phone into the speaker. So, it's good audio. it's not rich deep audio like I like to have, but you know when you record over Zoom or Skype or any of the other things that I've done in the past again it's not pristine audio either, but it's pretty good

This is the first time I've interviewed a chatbot. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the interview. Please text me or leave a voicemail for me at (215) 948-2456. If you leave a voicemail, please let me know if you're ok with me including your message as part of a follow-up podcast episode.

Download MP3 [31:02]

Living with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease: Interview with Allan Cole, PhD

[Episode 136] In today's Social Work Podcast, we speak with Allan Cole about his experiences with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease. 

Parkinson's Disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 6 million people worldwide. It is a a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. I’m releasing this episode in April because April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, chosen because it is the birth month of James Parkinson, who first identified the symptoms of Parkinson's disease more than 200 years ago. 

Full disclosure – before this episode I knew that my childhood hero Muhammad Ali and the actor Michael J. Fox had Parkinson’s, but I didn’t know they had Young Onset Parkison’s Disease. I also assumed that it was a terminal illness that significantly decreased your lifespan like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269) and ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease). I was wrong. 

And that’s why I spoke with Allan Cole, a person who lives with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease. He also serves as the Dean of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. And, as you’ll hear in today’s episode, Allan's personal and professional journey is one of vulnerability and profound empathy, qualities that resonate deeply within the social work community.

In today’s episode, Allan shares his personal journey with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease, acknowledging diversity of experiences people have with Parkinson’s. We explore the emotional landscape of receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis, the misconceptions surrounding the disease, the difference between disease and illness, living well with Parkinson’s, the need for more research and awareness, what social workers should know about working with people with Parkinson’s Disease, and the importance of empathy and support in navigating its challenges. I appreciated how Allan spoke about his journey in the context of his many privileges, acknowledging that his ability to be vulnerable was a manifestation of his privilege. 

In the years since his diagnosis, much of Allan’s scholarship and advocacy has centered around caring for people living with Parkinson’s disease. He has written or edited several texts on Parkinson’s disease, including the 2021 Oxford University Press book, Counseling Persons with Parkinson’s Disease, and two books on lessons learned from Parkison’s Disease: Discerning the Way (Cascade, 2021), and Jumping to the Skies (Cascade, 2023). He also has two books of poetry, Riding the Wave (Resource Publications, 2023) and In the Care of Plenty (Resource Publications, 2021). He moderates a website called PDWise.com, a hub he created for sharing personal stories, experiences, and wisdom gained from living with Parkinson’s, which encourages personal connections and opportunities for learning.

Download MP3 [46:06]

Social Work Pioneer

Hey there podcast listeners Jonathan here. I am humbled and honored to let you know that I have been selected as one of 25 Social Work Pioneers for starting the first podcast by and for social workers. The NASW Social Work Pioneers® program celebrates some of the most influential social workers in the nation. 

My bio on the Social Work Pioneers page: https://naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Workers-Pioneers/NASW-Social-Workers-Pioneers-Listing.aspx?id=950

There is no way I would have been considered for this prestigious honor had it not been for you, the long time devoted listeners of the social work podcast. You have welcomed me into your morning and evening commutes, bus rides to class, your workouts, and wherever you learn on the go. 

When I started the podcast in 2007, I hoped that a handful of social work students would find my summaries of practice theories useful. I handed out social work podcast bookmarks and gave workshops at social work conferences to let folks know what a podcast was. Fifteen years later, episodes have been assigned to hundreds of thousands of students and downloaded millions of times. There are now dozens of social work related podcasts all around the world, including Dave Niven's Social World Podcast from the UK. Mim Fox and Ben Joseph in Australia have been doing amazing work with co-construction of podcast episodes. And of course, Shimon Cohen's Doin the Work Podcast right here in the USA. 

I want to thank the folks who nominated and wrote letters of support including social work pioneer Linda Grobman, publisher of the New Social Worker magazine. Jennifer Luna, who you'll hear from in a forthcoming episode about building your social work brand and who interviewed me 14 years ago for the one-year anniversary of the Social Work Podcast. And Allan Barsky, social work professor at Florida international University whom I've had on the podcast several times talking about ethics and social work. To learn more about this year's inductees into the social work hall of fame, you can go to NASW's website or search NASW social work pioneers. 

Again, thank you for all of your support throughout the years. I'm truly honored. But don't think this means I'm going away. I have a bunch of really exciting episodes coming out this year. Thanks for listening.

Download MP3 [04:11]

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (Part 2): Interview with Lisa Damour, PhD

[Episode 135] Today’s episode is the second of a two-part series with Lisa Damour about her 2023 book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents. In today’s episode, Lisa and I talk about how decades of research on the gender binary can provide insight into the emotional lives of adolescents across the gender spectrum. We talk about intersection of race and gender. We end our conversation talking about how it is important to help teens express their emotions, but perhaps more important to help them regain control. 

In Part 1, we talked about the difference between adolescent distress and adolescent mental illness, how the COVID-19 pandemic made it more difficult for parents to distinguish between normative adolescent distress or pandemic-related mental health concerns. She talks about the most destructive myth that is out there about adolescent mental health and what we as parents, professional and a society can do about that. Along the way Lisa shared some practical tips about to manage a teenage meltdown, a story about swimming pools, and she encourages us to think critically about the research that is being done on adolescent mental health and how the news media is portraying adolescent distress.   

Download MP3 [34:38]

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (Part 1): Interview with Lisa Damour, PhD

[Episode 134] Today’s episode is the first of a two-part series with Lisa Damour about her 2023 book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents. In today’s episode we talk about the difference between adolescent distress and adolescent mental illness, how the COVID-19 pandemic made it more difficult for parents to distinguish between normative adolescent distress or pandemic-related mental health concerns. She talks about the most destructive myth that is out there about adolescent mental health and what we as parents, professional and a society can do about that. Along the way Lisa shared some practical tips about to manage a teenage meltdown, a story about swimming pools, and she encourages us to think critically about the research that is being done on adolescent mental health and how the news media is portraying adolescent distress. 

In Part 2, we’ll talk about how decades of research on the gender binary can provide insight into the emotional lives of adolescents across the gender spectrum. We’ll talk about intersection of race and gender. We’ll end our conversation talking about how it is important to help teens express their emotions, but perhaps more important to help them regain control.

Download MP3 [31:38]

Eliminating the ASWB exam from the Illinois LSW law: Interview with Joel Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE

[Episode 133] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is an interview with Joel L. Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE about the legislative process that NASW-IL went through to eliminate the requirement that BSW and MSW graduates from accredited social work programs in Illinois had to take the ASWB licensing exam in order to get their LSW. 

Joel has served as the Executive Director of the 5,000 member Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) since October of 1999. 

He shares the story about how and why the legislation changed. We talked about how the legislative process works, from connecting with other social workers online about pressing issues, to reaching out to NASW staff and volunteer board members, supporting prospective legislative candidates, meeting with your elected officials and how NASW state chapters serve as a resource for social workers and legislators.

Download MP3 [27:33]

Loving someone with suicidal thoughts: Interview with Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

[Episode 132] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is an interview with Stacey Freedenthal, Ph.D., LCSW about her book Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do (New Harbinger Publications, 2023). Stacey and I talk about how she drew on her personal and professional experiences to write a book for families, friends and parents of someone who is suicidal. She talks about why and how families can create support teams, when and why it might not be appropriate to reach out to others, and how to navigate reaching out even when the suicidal person doesn't want you to. We talked about how to find support on social networks like Facebook. She talks about how friends and family can feel manipulated by a suicidal loved one, even if the suicidal person isn't being manipulative. Throughout the interview, Stacey speaks to families AND social workers. 

 Dr. Freedenthal is an associate professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, and a psychotherapist in private practice. She lives in Denver, CO, with her husband and their collection of cats.

 

Download MP3 [32:54]

 

So, so great to talk w/@socworkpodcast today abt my book Loving Someone w/Suicidal Thoughts. We had a rich conversation abt different things friends & family experience, like fear & guilt, *feeling * manipulated, secrecy vs. getting support, hope & recovery, & also how to help. pic.twitter.com/H3oZ2MAvOL

— Stacey Freedenthal (@SFreedenthal) October 1, 2022

Feedback Informed Treatment: Interview with Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.

[Episode 131] In today's episode, I speak with Scott Miller, Ph.D. about how we can use feedback to improve client outcomes. Scott is one of the developers of Feedback Informed Treatment, or FIT - an "empirically supported, pantheoretical approach for evaluating and improving the quality and effectiveness of behavioral health services. It involves routinely and formally soliciting feedback from clients regarding the therapeutic alliance," client outcomes, and using that information to improve services (https://centerforclinicalexcellence.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FIT-what-is-it-2020.pdf).  

Scott

Download MP3 [49:02]

Self-care and Cultural Humility in the 2021 NASW Code of Ethics: Interview with Allan Barsky, MSW Ph.D.

[Episode 130] Today’s episode is about the 2021 revision of the NASW Code of Ethics to include self-care and cultural humility. To unpack these two new additions, I spoke with Allan Barsky, Professor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and former Chair of the National Ethics Committee of the National Association of Social Workers. 

Bio [CV]

Allan Barsky received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work, his MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. His teaching and research interests include social work practice theory and skill development, pedagogy, conflict resolution, professional ethics, and substance abuse. His book credits include Ethics and Values in Social Work (Oxford University Press), Clinicians in Court (Guilford Press), Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions (Oxford University Press), Interprofessional Practice with Diverse Populations (Greenwood), Successful Social Work Education: A Student’s Guide (Cengage), and Alcohol, Other Drugs and Addictions (Cengage). Dr. Barsky was awarded the “Distinguished Teacher of the Year” by CDSI students in 2005 and 2020, the “Researcher of the Year – Scholarly and Creative Works” by FAU in 2007, and FAU Scholar of the Year in 2020. Dr. Barsky chaired the National Association of Social Workers “Code of Ethics Review Committee” (2016-2017) and was awarded NASW’s “Excellence in Ethics Award” (2015).

Download MP3 [33:40]

The Power of Podcasting in Social Work Education

[Episode 129] Today’s episode is about the Power of Podcasting in Social Work Education. Shimon Cohen, founder and host of Doin' The Work: Frontlines of Social Change, and I read the article we wrote for New Social Worker Magazine about podcasting for social work education, taking a few detours along the way to explain what is on the written page. 

We talk about how to integrate podcasting into assignments and class discussion, and highlight the use of podcasts as a way of addressing systemic inequities. For the transcript of our episode, please check out our article at: https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/technology-articles/power-podcasting-social-work-education/

To download the Winter 2021 issue, go to: http://www.socialworker.com/magazine/digital-edition/the_new_social_worker_digital_issues and click on "Winter 2021." To download the full-color print issue, go to http://newsocialworker.magcloud.com

Download MP3 [39:43]

Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: Interview with Holly Oxhandler, Ph.D.

[Episode 128] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is a conversation with Dr. Holly Oxhandler (https://hollyoxhandler.com/). 

I speak with Holly about the definitions of religion and spirituality,  similarities and differences in religious and spiritual affiliation between social work professionals and their clients, how to address religion and spirituality in practice, and her experience as the co-host of the CXMH podcast (www.CXMHpodcast.com).  

Download MP3 [45:05]

Both/And or Either/Or: Social Work and Policing

[Episode 127]. Today’s episode is the audio recording of a Facebook Live discussion that happened on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 called Both/And or Either/Or: Social Work and Policing. Following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 and countless other Black people by police over the past 200 plus years, two perspectives have emerged about social work's role with law enforcement. To be sure, these perspectives have been articulated for years. But in the midst of the largest and most sustained period of protests against systemic racism and support for Black Lives, these two perspectives gained particular traction after social work leaders published opinion pieces on Medium.com. The either/or perspective, articulated by UCLA social work chair Laura Abrams and University of Houston social work Dean Alan Dettlaff in a June 18, 2020 open letter to NASW and Allied Organizations, argued that "social work can either continue to invest in and collaborate with police OR affirm that #BlackLivesMatter." This letter was signed by over 1,400 social workers (full transparency, I was one of the signatories) and delivered to NASW. The Both/And perspective was articulated in a Medium.com post on June 30, 2020 by Darlyne Bailey, Charles E. Lewis, Steve Burghardt, and Terry Mizrahi. They argued that "we need to break from binary slogans of 'defunding' and replace them with a transformative platform tied to  reinvesting in social services, training guardians not warriors, and ending all forms of racial injustice in law enforcement, sentencing, incarceration, parole and probation." 

Download MP3 [1:00:49]

Shared Trauma in the COVID19 Pandemic: Interview with Carol Tosone, Ph.D.

[Episode 126] In today's episode of the Social Work Podcast I speak with Carol Tosone, Ph.D., Professor of Social Work and Director, DSW Program in Clinical Social Work at NYU's Silver School of Social Work.

Carol and I spoke on April 1, 2020 about her insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, psychotherapy, technology and shared trauma. Because of everything that was happening in the world, it took me nearly 5 weeks to publish the episode. Although five weeks is a quick turnaround for me, it was an eternity in an environment where life was changing daily.

I was excited to speak with Carol. On September 11, 2014, I published an episode with her about the concept of "shared trauma." This episode, along with the first interview I did with her in December 2009 on psychoanalytic social work, are some of the most widely assigned episodes in schools of social work.

In today's episode we talked about how the concept of shared trauma can help us to understand what's going on in a global pandemic, how we can think about the role of technology-mediated services, and what social workers can do to care for themselves while caring for others.


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From Suicidal to Inspired: Interview with Kevin Hines, Greg Van Borssum, and Matt Runnalls

[Episode 125] In today's social work podcast, I speak with three men on a mission to prevent suicide. Matt Runnalls, Kevin Hines, and Greg Van Borssum shared their stories of managing suicidal thoughts, self-care, caring for others, and building a global network of support for suicide prevention.

I spoke with Matt, Kevin and Greg at the American Association of Suicidology annual conference in April 2018. Kevin's movie, Suicide: The Ripple Effect premiered the evening of our interview. These three guys were so pumped up about suicide prevention, so full of inspirational quotes and stories, that by the end of the interview I found myself speaking with the cadence and phrasing of a motivational speaker. Published on World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 as part of National Suicide Prevention Week 2019 and Suicide Prevention Month 2019.
#WSPD19 #NSPW19 #SPM19

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Therapists as Writers: Interview with Lori Gottlieb

[Episode 124] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is an interview with Lori Gottlieb - NY Times best-selling author, advice columnist for The Atlantic, and therapist. We talked about how her experience as a writer influences her work as a therapist, and how her therapy informs her writing. We talked about how she takes a client’s story out of the therapy room and turns it into something that therapists can appreciate, and non-therapists can get excited about. Lori reads from her 2019 New York Times bestseller and Amazon Best Book of April 2019, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. We ended our conversation talking about how difficult and necessary it is for therapists to be the client.



Download MP3 [41:04]