EP104: Social Work in an Online World

Many social workers and other helping professionals dedicate their careers to supporting others while carrying unresolved childhood trauma of their own. In this episode of Social Work Talks, NASW member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW, speaks with social work educator and author Adam McCormick about his brand new NASW Press book, Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood Trauma. McCormick examines how adverse childhood experiences can shape professional practice, workplace relationships, self-perception, and overall well-being. He discusses the ways unresolved trauma may influence helping professionals throughout their careers and offers insights into the healing process, emphasizing self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. This conversation explores the importance of addressing the emotional impact of childhood trauma, not only for personal well-being, but also for sustaining an effective, ethical, and compassionate social work practice. Social workers, counselors, therapists, and other helping professionals will gain valuable perspectives on the connection between healing, professional development, and long-term career sustainability.

What does it take for social workers to build political power and have a seat at the table where decisions are made? In this episode of the NASW-NY Power of Social Work Podcast, our guest Brian Romero, MSW, shares with co-hosts Gideon Mosse and Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), NASW-NYS, insights on political engagement, advocacy, and the growing movement to strengthen social work's voice in public policy. Hear advice for emerging macro social work and social justice leaders and learn how NASW-NY PACE advances the profession through political action. Listen now and discover how to build a stronger political future for social work.

As sports betting, online gambling, and prediction market apps continue to grow, so does the risk of increased gambling addiction. In this episode of Social Work Talks, experts from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and its Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling discuss the warning signs of problem gambling, what drives gambling behavior, and how social workers can help through awareness, screening, and evidence-based treatment. Hosted by NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health Makeba Royall

Anime is often viewed as harmless entertainment, but some content can include explicit sexual themes that influence adolescent development and mental health. In this episode, we explore with our guest Jermaine Wall, LCSW-S, owner of Crescent Counseling why social workers and mental health professionals should consider digital media use as part of assessment and treatment planning. Listen now and join the conversation wherever your normally listen to podcasts, or on our website: https://www.socialworkers.org/news/nasw-social-work-talks-podcast We also discuss the complex intersection of anime, sexual content, identity development, and clinical practice through a research-informed, clinically grounded perspective. Learn why digital media should be part of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, how anime and other online content can shape adolescent behavior and development, and what social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals should consider when assessing risk and developing treatment plans.

Social Work Talks sits down with NAMI New York State to discuss the growing need for stronger mental health advocacy, policy reform, and collaboration between social workers and individuals with lived experience. This episode explores efforts to address insurance prior authorizations, mental health care access, and the movement to recognize mental health as a constitutional right in New York State. Tune in for an important conversation on reducing stigma, advancing mental health equity, and strengthening support for communities statewide.