Anti-Oppressive Social Work
Do you want to learn how to be an anti-oppressive social worker? Hey, me too! Here are some of the resources I’ve been learning from.
Websites
Abolitionist Social Work Toolkit – A collection of articles, case studies, and more about the intersection between social work and abolition.
Boston Liberation Health – This site provides tons of free info and readings on the Boston Liberation Health model, a theory and method of practice which helps people liberate themselves from various forms of oppression.
Dope Black Social Worker – Kim Young, LCSW is a revolutionary who offers coaching, mentoring, $12 webinars, and social work hangs. You can also follow her on Instagram: @dopeblacksocialworker
Podcasts
1619 – An NY Times podcast that uses storytelling to explore the untold history of U.S. slavery and its impact on the present.
The Melanated Social Work Podcast – Four men of color in the field of social work host a podcast where they discuss mental health, social justice, politics, music, and so much more.
Liberation Labs Radio – Robyn Mourning hosts this thought-provoking show on anti-oppressive healership, business, and relationships.
Books
My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, SEP – Menakem takes the reader on a journey to heal their own racialized trauma, based in Somatic Experiencing practices.
Shattered Bonds by Dorothy Roberts – A harrowing, well-researched exploration of the structural racism and classism within the U.S. child welfare system.
Social Justice in Clinical Practice: A liberation health framework for social work – A practice-oriented academic text that explores how to use the Liberation Health model in clinical practice. (You can also find lots of free info on the Liberation Health model on the Boston Liberation Health website).
Supervision for Social Workers
“The supportive and affirming environment Rebecca creates has greatly added to my supervision experience… I truly feel Rebecca’s compassion and care for me as a clinician… as well as her empathy and understanding for her clients.”
– Elizabeth jefferson, msw
A Warm Supervisory Approach
If you’re seeking a clinical social work supervisor who shares your values, I may be a good fit.
In many ways, I take the same approach to supervision that I do with my clients, in that I…
- Look for and point out my supervisees’ strengths
- Provide feedback and suggestions based on my experience and expertise
- Rigorously consider ethical dilemmas using a systems perspective and anti-oppressive lens
- Encourage all types of self-care, including personal and political advocacy
- Use my sense of humor and self-disclosure where appropriate
- Am transparent about when I am out of my depth, and assist with linkage to experts or specific resources
Clinical Modalities & Perspectives
- Systems Perspective
- Humanistic / Rogerian Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed
- Anti-Oppressive
- Abolitionist
Clinical Social Work Experience
- Intake and assessment
- Community support
- Inpatient psychiatric settings
- Psycho-social rehabilitation programs
- Medical case management
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Populations
- Age 20+
- Older adults
- People with mood and personality disorders
- People experiencing homelessness
- LGBTQIA+
“With her keen eye, professional knowledge and personal skills, [Rebecca] picked out my strengths and encouraged my learning based on that. [Rebecca] has set a standard for what I will always look for in a supervisor and what I will always strive to achieve.”
– Dhruvi patel, msw
Interested in supervision? Contact me.