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Upcoming events
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To the Members of the Greater Washington Society of Clinical Social Work, I want to wish each and every one a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
As we begin 2025, I reflect on the year that was. We gathered in 2024 to meet and mingle at several events, including the GWSCSW Membership Holiday Party on December 14 at Clyde’s of Chevy Chase, MD, the annual Legislation & Advocacy Brunch on October 20 at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chevy Chase DC and the GWSCSW Happy Hour in September in Arlington VA. These are the start of what I anticipate will be many events where we continue to come together in person to catch up, network, and renew the bond of human kindness.
Several awards were bestowed at the Holiday Party: Congratulations to Judy Ratliff recipient of the Fran Thomas Legislative Excellence Award and Nancy Harris recipient of the Nancy Harrington Above and Beyond Award, the establishment of a scholarship for MSW students honoring Margo Aronson was also announced at the Holiday Party. I want to extend a special Thank You to the Membership Committee for planning the Holiday Party and the Happy Hour, as well as the L&A Committee for planning the annual L&A Brunch.
The New Year brings even more training and workshop opportunities for members, including a February workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Social Work featuring Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, and a planned workshop with Kenneth Hardy, PhD for the fall. We are also looking to hold workshops on Allyship, the First 3000 Hours, and Starting an Independent Practice. Please contact Ed Geraty, our Education Branch Director, for information on presenting a workshop. I would encourage you to check all the opportunities available to members, be it a workshop of interest, presenting a workshop, networking events or other opportunity to connect socially, or volunteering on one of our many committees — the sky’s the limit.
In what is one of the most joyous times, it is no secret to any of us that the world is in a moment of global turmoil. During moments like these, we seek to find remedies in any and all ways that we know how. I again encourage everyone to practice some self-care and take time to do things and be with those that make us happy and whole. I ask that we remember our mission as Social Workers, and the benefits we provide to our clients and others with our knowledge and humanity. Remember that ours is a community of diverse backgrounds and differing world views shared in the professional endeavor of Social Work. Let us continue to foster a feeling of connection and the sense that ours is a Society for everyone.
I continue to welcome and encourage your feedback. What could make the Clinical Society more inviting and appealing to you? Of course, not every suggestion can be enacted, but I believe some very helpful information will emerge from your feedback. What would be helpful? What would be enjoyable?
I want to foster a feeling of connection and the sense that this is a Society for everyone.
Thank You for your support of the Society!
Karla J. Abney, MSW, MSN, LMSW
President
Low Cost Therapy for MSW StudentsGWSCSW's low-cost therapy program to help MSW students who cannot afford therapy at usual rates to get therapy while they are still in school. | Social Justice Branch
How has systemic racism impacted your clinical practice? How do you measure up as an anti-racist clinician? How often do you consider the effect of systemic racism on the issues bringing your clients to therapy? Racism is but one important force that has shaped all of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Thus, in order to cultivate emotional intimacy with our clients, we must, as clinicians, first be willing to engage with the insidious nature of racism and sit with a great deal of discomfort. We must be willing to enter a brave space within ourselves before we can foster one with our clients. |
mentoring programThe purpose of the Mentor Program is to provide a link between a Mentor, who is an established member of the profession, with a graduating social work student, a recent graduate, a social worker re-entering the field or one new to the area. The program is open to all GWSCSW Members no matter what area of concentration or special interest he or she has in the field of social work. | Study Groups for MembersStudy Groups promote ongoing social work education, collaboration, peer leadership, and the exploration of a wide range of clinical interests. The GWSCSW Continuing Education Committee has developed procedures to make it possible for GWSCSW members in Study Groups to be granted Continuing Education Units (CEUs). |
WELCOME TO OUR WISDOM
Episode 6: Welcome to Our Wisdom -- Robert Taibbi: How Clinicians Evolve Over Time - As we change and develop as clinicians, our practices often mirror our shifting directions. Meet Bob Taibbi--clinician, professor, author of 11 books (!), workshop presenter and respected thought leader. During his 46 years in practice, he has shifted his methods to reflect a changing client caseload and meet the needs of who his clients are today. In this episode, Bob explores the flexibility and fluidity of our profession as he traces his experience from community mental health to teaching, writing and working in private practice. He is a popular CE presenter at GWSCSW and shares his innovations in working with individuals, couples and families. | The Greater Washington Society of Clinical Social Work is run by committees of volunteers who offer their time and professional expertise. In return they receive opportunities to develop professional connections and visibility and to have interesting and fun interactions with colleagues. We all receive the many benefits that the society provides through their generosity. The following offers brief descriptions of the committees. Please think about volunteering! | News & Updates
Lobbying Expenses FY 23MD- $23,633.36 Total Lobbying Expenses = $36,133.36 Membership dues = $95,319.61 |
Benefits of Membership
GWSCSW . . . Advocates for YOU - Provides educational events for licensure renewal - Connects you with peers - Provides professional support for your career
- Exchange views and obtain information through our interactive listserv
- Promote your practice through our Therapist Finder - an online listing of fully licensed members searchable by the public
- Receive our lively and informative quarterly newsletter, (News & Views) and even become a published author by contributing an article
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Be a part of a safe, liberated, and action-oriented Society that is in alignment with anti-racist values
Be informed about the current legislative issues affecting the mental health field through our Legislative Program
- Attend (or host) Wine & Cheese networking events
- Access the members-only sections of the website - including the member directory, professional resources
- Participate in the Mentoring Program
- Join a committee that fulfills your interests (a great way to meet fellow professionals and to quickly feel connected)
- Attend Continuing Education events at discounted member rates, present continuing education workshops; and track your CEU attendance through the website
ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION BRANCHGWSCSW advocates for the profession in all three jurisdictions and is part of the national efforts with the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA). | COMMUNICATIONS BRANCHStay up to date on everything GWSCSW and learn about everything | COMMUNITY BRANCHJoin this active community and
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EDUCATION BRANCHGWSCSW offers professional education to help clinicians meet their continuing education requirements. | SOCIAL JUSTICE BRANCH GWSCSW is committed to building a more inclusive, safe, liberated, |
