10 Mar
Counselling, Emotions, For Parents

The Role of Social Workers

The Role of Social Workers in Counseling: Dispelling Myths and Providing Clarity

When people think of counseling, they often picture psychologists or psychiatrists. However, social workers also play a vital role in providing therapeutic support. Unfortunately, misconceptions about social workers persist. In addition, this leads to confusion about their qualifications, scope of practice, and effectiveness in mental health care. Therefore, this blog post aims to clarify the role of social workers as counseling providers, dispel common myths, and highlight the valuable contributions they make to the field.

Understanding Social Work in Counseling

Social workers are highly trained professionals. As well, they specialize in helping individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges. In fact, many social workers obtain specialized training in mental health and psychotherapy. Additionally, this equips them to provide counseling services in diverse settings. For example: private practices, hospitals, schools, community agencies, and crisis centers.

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Common Myths About Social Workers in Counseling

Myth 1: Social Workers Only Provide Case Management

Reality: While social workers do assist with case management, many are also licensed mental health professionals who provide therapy. In addition, clinical social workers assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, using evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Myth 2: Social Workers Lack Proper Training to Provide Therapy

Reality: Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) or registered social workers (RSWs) undergo rigorous training, including a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and supervised clinical practice. As well, many also receive additional certifications in trauma therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic modalities.

the role of social workers

Myth 3: Social Work Is Only for Child Welfare Cases

Reality: Child welfare is a crucial area of social work. However, the profession extends far beyond that. Moreover, social workers provide therapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns. In addition, they also support individuals facing chronic illness, grief, addiction, and life transitions.

Myth 4: Social Workers Cannot Diagnose Mental Health Disorders

Reality: In many regions, licensed clinical social workers are authorized to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, just like psychologists and psychiatrists. Also, they work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
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the role of social workers

Why Choose a Social Worker for Counseling?

  1. Holistic Approach – Social workers consider the individual’s environment, relationships, and community factors when addressing mental health concerns. Therefore, this comprehensive perspective ensures well-rounded care.
  2. Affordability & Accessibility – Compared to other mental health professionals, social workers often provide more affordable services and are widely available in community settings.
  3. Emphasis on Advocacy – Similarly, social workers are dedicated to social justice and client empowerment, often advocating for individuals facing systemic barriers to mental health care.
  4. Strong Therapeutic Skills – With specialized training in various therapeutic techniques, social workers offer effective, client-centered counseling tailored to individual needs.
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Final Thoughts

To conclude, social workers are an integral part of the mental health field. In addition, they offer compassionate, skilled, and effective therapy to those in need. Moreover, by dispelling the myths and understanding their qualifications, we can better appreciate the critical role that social workers play in providing quality mental health care.

the role of social workersLikewise, perhaps consider working with a licensed/ registered social worker like myself. Our expertise, dedication, and holistic approach can make a meaningful difference in the journey toward healing and well-being.
Furthermore, for other blogs written by Chipo- check out How To Tell If Your Teen is Self Harming 

the role of social workersAbout Chipo
Chipo is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s in Clinical Social Work. She provides compassionate and culturally competent therapy to teens, adults, and families. With advanced training in Trauma-Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness, Chipo helps clients address a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
Through a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and intersectional lens, Chipo creates a safe and inclusive environment where each client feels genuinely heard and understood. To book a session with Chipo click here

04 Mar
Anxiety, Emotions, For Parents, Self-Compassion, Uncategorized

When Your Teen Won’t Discuss Self-Harm

Discovering that your teen is self harming can be a really shocking experience. Moreover, you might be thinking: why would they do this to themselves? Or, don’t they see that I love and care for them?
Likewise, as a parent, your first instinct is to want to help your teen and to stop the harmful behavior. But, what happens when your teen won’t discuss self-harm? Firstly, I want to let you know that you are not alone and that this is a very common subject. 

1. Stay Calm and Approach with Compassion When Your Teen Won’t Discuss Self-Harm

Your teen is already dealing with overwhelming emotions. Because of this, the self harm acts as a way to help combat the overwhelming feelings and provide some relief. Therefore, they do not want you to project your negative emotions of fear, sadness, anger, shock, etc onto them. It is far more beneficial to approach from a place of calmness and compassion. So, try to empathize with your teen, and let them know you are there for them.
when your teen won't discuss self-harm

2. Create a Safe Space for Communication

Furthermore, let your teen know that you are not there to judge them. And, they may need time to come to a place where they are feeling ready to open up. So, give them that time to process things. Subsequently, most people can sense when a conversation feels forced, including your teen. Therefore, ensure that when the conversation happens, it is done when your teen feels safe and comfortable.


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3. Educate Yourself About Self-Harm

Meanwhile, it can help you provide better support when you’re aware of the full scope of what self harming entails, when your teen won’t discuss self-harm. However, it is not usually a suicide attempt, but more about relieving overwhelming emotions. Also, there are lots of books, and information on the internet related to this topic. Besides, we also have other blogs written in order to help educate you. For further reading on this topic related to self harm and why it happens in teens, click here!

4. Offer Alternative Ways to Express Emotions

There are many safer alternatives for relieving overwhelming emotions. Specifically, ice baths or cold showers can provide a similar feeling by shocking the nervous system, making your teen more adaptable to stress over time. Also, you could also suggest punching bags for overwhelming feelings of anger or rage. Additionally, crying or screaming into a pillow might also help. Some meditative options could be painting or drawing, or even something like dancing or lifting weights. Of course, having a session with a therapist or coach is a great place to express feelings and emotions. Essentially, suggest healthier options and see which one works best for your teen.
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when your teen won't discuss self- harm

5. Seek Professional Support When Your Teen Won’t Discuss Self-Harm

If your teen refuses to talk or their self-harm continues, consider reaching out to a professional. Such as: therapists, coaches, or support groups. These professionals can provide a safe and neutral environment for them to open up. In addition, let your teen know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. When Your Teen Won’t Discuss Self-Harm, Check-In Without Pressuring

Although your teen doesn’t want to talk, it’s better to still maintain contact with them with check-ins. Such as, a simple “just wanted to see how you were feeling today”. or “is there anything I can do for you?”
or, “is there anything on your mind you’d like to talk about?” could potentially initiate a conversation. 

7. Finally, Take Care of Yourself Too!

Supporting a teen who self-harms can be very tiring emotionally. Therefore, ensure you have a support system for yourself, whether it’s talking to a friend, joining a support group, or seeking professional guidance. Moreover, your well-being is crucial in providing the best care for your teen. Also, it’s better to set a good example for your teen. Similarly by showing that you are able to care for yourself and are coming from a place of peace and wellness and not a place of stress and burn-out.
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when your teen won't discuss self-harm

 

Final Thoughts

In summary, don’t lose hope and stay strong throughout this difficult time- even when your teen won’t discuss self-harm. Likewise, continue showing them love, patience, and understanding. Above all, although they may not say it, knowing they have someone who cares and won’t give up on them can mean the world to them. Finally, keep the door open for conversation. Also remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.

About Kari

I am a life coach at Pyramid Psychology. In addition, I have several diplomas applicable to life coaching; including Coaching for Adolescents, Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality. Also, I’ve taken several webinars from Gabor Mate on Trauma/Family Trauma, the Somatic Institute for Women, and have studied extensively about narcissistic personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. Empowering girls is a passion of mine, Moreover, I am blessed to be able to help and inspire other girls to break societal norms and follow their dreams as well.
To book a session with Kari click here