Second year

So far so good. I forgot how much I was looking forward to my second year and its super clinical focus. I must say, although we knew we couldn't hand pick our internships I am bit disappointed that in my advisement group alone there are 3 people placed at the 2 internships I was reeeeeally gunning for. Messed up. I also am really intersted in hospital work, so I would love to explore psychiatric SW work in the future. However, in wit hthe current state of licensing this would not = LCSW hours :-(

Ahhh well.. I am looking forward to Northside. it will be nice to apply some of our practice skills and to find a new creative approach in working with children. Maybe this is exactly the kind of practice I was made for? I think it would be interesting and rewarding to observe families and practice interventions. I learn so much better when there is action going on and I can observe. Maybe play therapy is it? I think couples therapy would be awesome too. I'm starting to get really excited about jobs! We're really doing this.

I really hope that my supervision works out. My supervisor is already not increadibly available, and we did not immediately click personality wise. But I'm going to ive him the benefit of the doubt seeing as he has been there for 30+ years. But maybe he's burnt out?

I have also made it my personal campaign to get the word out about licensing. I am a natural born leader, if for no other reason then being a control freak, and stubborn and impatient, but I just want to dive in! I really hope that clinical social work has a future, and that people start taking it seriously. I just read an article that is doubtful as to curriculum keeping with clinical practice theory and clinical staying within the profession. I will definitely count myseld among those who will continue this trend, and keep it in the realm of SW values.

Others are in a prime position to take up our jobs in this state if we don't start claiming our stake and helping people to realize what we actually DO as social workers. I'm so sick of people assuming I am going to be sitting behind a desk all day in the social services office, or doing home visits for foster care...period. NOT IT PEOPLE. I was just reading a section from a licensing verdict in the NYS court that stated that the jury decidedly say NO difference in scope of practice between a clinical psychologist and a clinical social worker. I just wish that the world would realise that. We are to be valued and respected for what we do!

Strangely enough, SW's don't promote themselves as they should under their earned titles. Why should we not give credit to our profession by showing the world that the important things we do are under the umbrella of SW values and education? Why can't we make the world aware of how qualified we are? Lately easing stigma for drug treatment and intervention has been demonstrated in prominant advertising around the city. If we can make tx seem more appealing and normative, then we will continue to work without worry of losing our jobs. If healthcare works in our favor, maybe we can treat people as they should be treated.

ugh! So many thoughts, my mind is wandering. I think NASW should start a CSW awareness campaign and put us on the map and make us a reliable option for clients. Argh. The working world awaits.

MSW Internship-and the beginnig of my social work career.

The first few weeks of school have been hectic, but good so far. I am trying to maintain my sanity with my CONSTANT running to class, to FP (filed placement) straight to work until midnight or after and repeat. I work, have class hours and attend FP for about 56+ hours a week, plus homework and research. It leaves very little time for fully focusing and truly absorbing reading, but I think as themes and theories are compounded by life experience, fp, and research, they will sink in more. I am enjoying the curriculum, and the course load seems manageable if I buckle down every spare moment. I hope my friends don't disown me, but there will be little time for leisurely dates.

My FP is at a small agency uptown that deals with finding services for clients on parole, work-release or recently having served a full sentence. We find housing, services, and provide group work support for relapse prevention and anger management, and provide general counseling and support. I hope to take advantage of my contact hours as much as possible and hope to establish myself as a dedicated and caring worker. The staff is young and very relaxed, fun and encouraging, so I feel at home already. Direct care really provides a forum for that. I think the work deals so much with people and caring that it is emotionally straining enough for people to impose strict rules and not act like a family anyway with their common compassion for the clients.

I also value the fact that I am working in Harlem, and within a short subway ride become a minority in a neighborhood that prides itself on its people, sometimes to the point of making their neighborhood minorities uncomfortable, or unwanted feeling. I accept the challenge and keep my head held high, feeling empathy for the fact that for these residents, this microcosm I thrive in for a few hours a week is possibly their global reality.

Wow. I just sat in on my first real day of interacting with clients. Working with this new population I think is going to be wonderful, and trying, and full of falter and learning. Even though I knew to be cautious of it, I've already been struck with the realization that I need to discard any pretenses and just be myself if I am to be affective with these clients. I surely took in more than I can put into words today, and I'm sure there will be lots of observations to follow. I found the familiar comfort that I found working with the MR/DD population, people in need are people in need, and there aren't a particular set of gloves to handle them with. The underlying draw of empathy and desire to provide care usurps any preconceived notions of marginalized populations, and it is such a liberating thing to experience.

Sitting in the anger management group, everyone went around to say something about themselves. Some shared more than others, and some went into real detail about their depression and loss in the past few months. I listened actively, but felt a bit helpless, wanting to be able to say something magical or offer something. Then, I was kinda put on the spot by the facilitator and nervously tried to offer something to a participant. It's going to be a long way to go before I feel like I'm am in the green and am free to speak and have something of value to offer.

After the ice was broken, the second group, relapse prevention, was much better for me. I felt accepted, and the group made a point to invite me in. I felt proud of them, they were strong and supportive and really on each others' sides. At one point, someone got emotional and everyone was cheering him on, proclaiming their love, and one man got up to embrace him. As I sat next to him, I resisted the urge to rub his back like I would one of my MR/DD guys. It was really beautiful to see the common strength of the group supporting their peer. Human strength and beauty truly reside in us all, no matter how we are labeled or what mistakes we have made. It makes me value life more. Value freedom, and choice and acceptance. Well, time for sleep now, btu more reflection to come.