This presentation introduces the concept of ‘Template Thinking’ and how when unchecked, can lead to moral erosion and polarization in society. Templates are generally thought of as cut-outs used as a pattern for processes such as painting, shaping, or drilling. Cognitive templates are thinking shortcuts or ‘cut-outs’ that allow our thoughts and perceptions to be easily understood. Social media is an example of how these templates warp and hijacks our thinking. To authentically help others, it is paramount that we transform template thinking. This conversation will explore several methods to shift templates and transform how we think personally and professionally.

Our communities have seen a drastic rise in programs which embed social workers in police and fire departments, widely known as co-response programs. Research has shown that embedding social workers into these first responder organizations has led to complex dynamics. As such, it is imperative to discuss the ethical implications of these programs to ensure we, as social workers, are upholding our Code of Ethics. This session will discuss the complex ethical issues that arise in this up-and-coming social work practice, how to understand the profession's role in these programs, and what is happening legislatively that we must be aware of to ensure we are prepared to practice ethically. The time is right to be ethical!

The time is now to reevaluate modern conceptions of the environment in social work practice, going beyond the psycho-social relationships that have typically shaped the person-in-environment perspective. In this interactive session, we invite practitioners into our strengths-based process as an Equine Assisted Services (EAS) provider, centered around our equine partners. Participants will be able to pinpoint at least three strengths in their environments, identify theoretical approaches that advocate for the inclusion of the environment in practice, and envision possible applications and outcomes of this holistic environmental approach in their respective practices.

Developing resiliency is vital to the health of students who have experienced trauma due to long absences from school and pandemic-related traumas. While schools are grappling with how to respond to the needs of these students, school social workers are poised to make the change students and educators need. This session will provide social workers with specific brain aligned and trauma informed strategies to collaboratively transform classroom and school experiences for diverse students across grade levels.

As the name of the approach suggests, Attachment Informed Grief Therapy is grounded in a set of assumptions about the central role of attachment in how people form relationships, how they grieve, and how grief therapy helps them manage the dysregulating impact of bereavement and integrate their loss.  Using examples from her own practice, the presenter will illustrate how sensitivity to variations in client attachment experience and attachment related needs makes for a more robust, trusting client-therapist relationship, reduces the likelihood of relational rupture, and supports the achievement of therapeutic goals.

Forced displacement of individuals and families is a very stressful human event. Even more so if one is a member of the LGBTQIA+ immigrant community. In this session we will explore the impact of wellbeing equity on the LGBTQIA+ immigrant communities and the importance of utilizing trauma informed and strength-based practices. It is paramount for social workers practicing in these communities to be culturally competent and proficient, and mindful of factors influencing these community members.

1.5 Cross Cultural Credits

Importance of Providing Culturally Relevant and Affirming Care to Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
Presenter: Steven Haden

This workshop is designed to help mental health clinicians and administrators develop new skills and gain critical knowledge to enhance the delivery of quality, culturally relevant and affirming behavioral health interventions for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Topics include: Spectrums of sexuality and gender; using inclusive and affirming language; intersectionality; the history of LGBTQ+ behavioral health care; barriers to treatment; health and mental health disparities; population-specific competencies; cultural relevancy; trauma-informed care; effective treatment models; coping skills; systemic biases; internalized oppression; coming out; gender dysphoria; administrative inclusiveness; and population-specific barriers to care.

This session from the NASW National Conference is offered as a replacement for a virtual forum session that was cancelled.

1.5 Clinical Social Work Credits

Change is One of the Hardest Things We'll Do

Presenter:
Isis Bey, LCSW, CCTP II

How many times have you heard someone make a New Year's Resolution, Try to lose weight, or stop drinking coffee? Oftentimes, as helping professionals, we forget how difficult it is to change. It’s a Brain Thing. Change doesn’t happen in a linear process. YET, it is a PROCESS. This workshop helps professionals to further understand the change process  and how to support those they serve through this challenging journey."

Creating Social Worker Resilancy through Trauma Informed Supervision
Presenter:
Virginia Lee Bagby, LMSW

This presentation will provide attendees with knowledge and concepts for the practice of Reflective Supervision in Trauma Informed Programs. The workshop provides training in evidence-informed supervision practices, and tools to enhance staff engagement, prevent and identify vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, and creating collaborative and protected professional space for the supervisor and staff member to process the work. The presentation  emphasizes the use of agency/organization mission and Trauma Informed tenets in the establishment of Reflective Supervision (RS) Practices in Social Work programs and provides lessons learned from implementing RS at the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

This session from the NASW National Conference is offered as a replacement for a virtual forum session that was cancelled.