How do Trauma-informed Social Workers Support their Communities?
Welcome back to the Social Work Café blog!
I'm thrilled to highlight the latest podcast episode featuring two exceptional guests: Emilia Barrow and Cassandra Cuttler.
Both are experienced social workers and private practitioners based in Albury-Wodonga, and they have recently joined forces to create a groundbreaking trauma-informed hub.
In our conversation, Emilia and Cassandra shared their vision for this unique centre, which combines their eclectic practices to meet the diverse needs of their community.
Trauma-informed social work, a topic that proved immensely popular in season one of the podcast, serves as the cornerstone of their hub.
My previous conversation with Dr. Andreia Schineanu on this subject was one of our highest-ranking episodes, highlighting the importance and interest in trauma-informed care.
What makes Emilia and Cassandra’s hub stand out is their systemic approach, which ensures that both clients and staff are seen and supported as whole individuals, not just as a set of “symptoms”.
This holistic perspective is deeply embedded in their practice, acknowledging that everyone has experiences of trauma and that behaviours are often attempts at coping with these experiences.
By understanding the whole person and looking beyond presenting problems, they aim to uncover what is truly going on for someone.
Their commitment to lifelong learning is another key aspect of their service delivery. They emphasise the importance of continuous professional development, ensuring that their staff is well-equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in trauma-informed care.
One of the most exciting aspects of their hub is the focus on early intervention trauma-informed training for other local services.
Emilia and Cassandra recognise the widespread exposure to trauma among staff in various sectors and aim to provide essential training to help these professionals cope and thrive.
This initiative is particularly important as it extends the benefits of trauma-informed care beyond their immediate practice with individuals, positively impacting the broader community.
In terms of their favourite technique, Emilia’s passion for narrative therapy and Cassandra’s strength-based perspective beautifully complements their trauma-informed approach.
Narrative therapy involves walking alongside clients as they reauthor their stories, helping them gain a sense of control and empowerment.
On the other hand, the strength perspective focuses on identifying times when clients have felt empowered before, using these moments as a springboard for their therapeutic journey.
The creation of this hub represents an important advancement for social work in their region.
By pooling their resources and expertise, Emilia and Cassandra are creating a centre that not only provides therapeutic services but also elevates the profile of social work in Albury-Wodonga.
Their collaborative effort is a testament to the power of working together towards a common goal, showcasing the profound impact of trauma-informed care.
I am incredibly grateful to Emilia and Cassandra for reaching out to me and sharing their journey on the podcast.
Their work is a great example of innovation and dedication in social work, and I am excited to see how their hub continues to evolve and make a difference in their community.
Stay informed.
Dr. B
