social work information, facts and topics

swiftsocial work information, facts and topics

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NSW BRANCH OF AASW

Autumn 2013

Celebrating Social Work.

Welcome to the Autumn 2013 edition of SWIFT!

In this edition, we focus on the work of Pam Joseph, FamilyAdvocate, Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group (ALDS).Pam’s interview gives insight into the manifold challenges faced by people affected by leukodystrophy, showing us the complexities ofthis genetic condition as well as the multifaceted nature of geneticcounselling. I’m sure you’ll all enjoy reading it. A very big ‘thank you’ to Nives Crvenkovic for her expertise in transcribingPam’s interview.

Annie Crowe provides you with the latest branch news in With thePresident. Annie recently MC’d the memorial of the great ClaireBundey, a true social work pioneer. Part of Annie’s report reflects onwhat social work and its values are all about.

An important event on the social work calendar is World SocialWork Day. Branch Management Committee member Amanda Boydprovides an account of celebrations which took place at the AuroraHotel in Surry Hills on 19 March to mark this occasion. The frontcover photos of this edition of SWIFT are a collage from thesecelebrations.

As usual, this edition includes flyers for our upcoming professionaleducation program. There’s an impressive range of workshop topics,relevant to many areas of social work practice – six in total – chosencarefully by the NSW Branch Professional Development Committee.For a snapshot of what’s on in terms of professional education at thebranch, check out Sue Noisen’s update, From the ProfessionalEducation Committee.

Due to popular demand, the Winter 2013 edition of SWIFT willfocus on aged care. Guest editors for this edition will be Leith Cooperand Christine Sanderson. As many of you know, Leith was theEditor of SWIFT for many years, while Christine is convenor of theAged Care Practice Group. We warmly welcome their contribution tothe next edition.

Finally, we encourage you, the reader, to contribute to SWIFT in anyshape or form, be it a photo, a letter to the editor, or an article.

Stay warm and see you next edition!

— Tereza Crvenkovic, Deputy Editor

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New South Wales Branch2012 SWIFT ADVERTISING RATES & SPECIFICATIONS

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Editorial

SwiftCOPY DEADLINES 2012

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Please send all contributions to the AASW NSW Branch Office,

PO Box 1173 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

or email [email protected]

AASW (NSW) BRANCH NEWSLETTER

Editor: Annie CroweDeputy Editors: Tereza Crvenkovic

Nives CrvenkovicDesign: Breakout Media Communications

Photography: Annie Crowe, Nives Crvenkovic,Tereza Crvenkovic

The views, opinions and advice expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and

contributors, and not necessarily those of, orendorsed by the Branch Management Committee

(BMC). AASW NSW Branch, 87–97 Regent St, Chippendale 2008.

This week I was the MC at amemorial ceremony for DrClaire Bundey. Claire was 90years old when she recentlydied and left behind her alifetime of teaching, mentor-

ing and supervision. She was greatlyloved and respected. As I sat there, in aroom with 2,000 years of social workexperience in it, I listened to some ofthe most prominent social workers ofour time telling us about this womanand her achievements. As theydescribed the closeness and quality oftheir relationships with her, it rein-forced to me so strongly what socialwork and its values are all about:

Social work is first and foremost aboutcaring and communication. We seek toenable people to be the best they can bethrough these two qualities.

Social work is about mediation andresolution. We seek peace in our timethrough these two skills.

Social work is about equality andstrength. We seek justice through thesepolitics.

Social work is about humour and fun.We seek pleasure in these things.

Those who pioneered our professiontreasure these principles and theirwhole lives are guided by them. Thoseof us who continue to develop this pro-fession need to take our direction fromthese pioneers who are so clear aboutwho we are and what we need to be inorder to truly do credit to social workand all that it stands for.

Our profession continues to grow inimportant foundational areas:

Practice Standards – Associate ProfessorWendy Bowles has developed practicestandards to take us confidently into atleast the next two decades

National CPD Program – Jane Britthas presented a national CPD programwhich encompasses both Australia-wideand local application, to ensure thatsocial work practitioners are skilled andready for challenging times

Code of Ethics – the many who workedon developing a code of ethics whichenshrines the safety of our clients andprincipled practice of our professionals.

I believe there are some areas we needto focus on and improve:

Social workers tend to be humble anddo not speak loudly of their achieve-ments. We remain unsung.

Social workers could build up theirsocial profile further with a more activeinvolvement in the media and betterpromotional material.

Social workers take on lower paidpositions in health and welfare. Ourskill set is often undervalued.

Successive AASW administrationshave been made aware of the concernsand time and attention is being given toimprove on these areas.

The NSW Branch too, is doing its bitto improve the profile of social work.

A very successful Social Work Day cel-ebration was held at the Aurora Hotel inSurry Hills, with guest speaker AssociateProfessor Sue Green, from UNSW. Itwas gratifying to see a strong contingentof students attending.

The NSW Branch CPD program is stillthe strongest in Australia, attracting fullattendance to all courses.

Our student representative, KyleeEilersen, is actively engaged with otherstudent groups on various campusesand has put a proposal to the BMC tostart up the first ever student advisorygroup of the AASW.

The face-to-face meeting with AASWCEO, Glenys Wilkinson and nationwidebranch administrative staff was held inour rooms in Sydney.

I will be attending the face-to-facemeeting with the other branch presi-dents in Melbourne later this month.

The Living Histories Project – beingdone in conjunction with the RetiredSocial Workers group – is ongoing andhas recorded two more people, JaneHelsham and Tess Hayward. NivesCrvenkovic, NSW Branch ProfessionalOfficer, also recorded a video of pro-ceedings at the Claire Bundey memorialto be added to this rich archival history.

So, as we hunker down for winterthere’s much to be getting on with.

I am looking forward to warm fires,warm dogs, red wine and lots of roastdinners.

— Annie Crowe

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EQUALITY AND STRENGH

With the President

“Social work is firstand foremost aboutcaring andcommunication. Weseek to enablepeople to be the bestthey can be throughthese two qualities.”

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Award winners receive

To make a nomination

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Are you doing great work in mental health?

2012 Mental Health Matters Award winners with the NSW Mental Health Commissioner, John Feneley and the Minister for Mental Health,

The Hon. Kevin Humphries, MP

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ward winners with the NSAAwMatters

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Parliament House.The awards are presented at the launch of Mental


President

Annie [email protected]

Liaison Director

Anita [email protected]

Vice President /

Private Practice

Siraj [email protected]

Treasurer

Kamal [email protected]

Ethics / Promotions

Biljana [email protected]

Professional Education

Suzanne [email protected]

Promotions

Amanda [email protected]

Student Representative

Kylee [email protected]

Professional Education

Suzanne [email protected]

Private Practice

Jenny [email protected]

Naomi [email protected]

Angela [email protected]

NSW BRANCH SUB-COMMITTEESProfessional Education

Convenor: Suzanne [email protected]

Newsletter

Editor: Annie [email protected]

Promotions

Convenor: Amanda [email protected]

NSW Branch Ethics Group

Convenor: Bijana [email protected]

If you have any ideas or concernsyou’d like to discuss, or if you’reinterested in joining one of thebranch sub-committees or theNSW Branch Ethics Group, pleasecontact the appropriate convenor.

AASW NSW BRANCH PRACTICE GROUPSAged CareChristine Sanderson [email protected] HIV/AIDSLeo Barreto [email protected] InjuryMartine Simons [email protected] RehabilitationPamela Cohen [email protected] of Social Work Services in Principal Referral Hospitals Kate Baker [email protected] White [email protected] Joseph [email protected] Social Work Managers Linley Power [email protected] Singleton [email protected] HealthMaike Kaehler [email protected] Rivers Interest GroupRosalie Kennedy [email protected] ObstetricsSheila Sim [email protected] Social WorkersAngela Cotroneo [email protected] Care Social Workers GroupAlexis [email protected] PracticeSiraj [email protected] Interest GroupDiane Bell [email protected]

WORKING PARTIESRetired Social Workers GroupMary Doughty (Contact AASW NSW Branch office for details)

AASW NSW Branch

Management Committee 2013

AASW NSW OFFICE

87 Regent StreetChippendale NSW 2008

Mail: PO Box 1173 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012Tel: 02 8394 9850Fax: 02 8394 9895Email: [email protected]

Staff: Diana Kolic (Branch Manager). Nives Crvenkovic (Professional Officer)Tereza Crvenkovic (Project Officer – SWIFT)

Resources: The AASW NSW Branch Officehas a variety of social work journals andnewsletters from 1958 to the present; con-ference papers dating from 1947; paperspresented to the NSW BMC (formerlyCoM) in the 1960s; NSW Branch AnnualReports; NSW BMC minutes and miscella-neous information from national office.

If you would like to use these resources for research, please call the AASW NSWBranch Office.

REMINDER TO MEMBERSIf you’d like to change any partof your contact details eitherlog in as a member and updatethis information yourself (your User Name is yourmember number) or contact the AASW NSW branch office.


Our program has commencedwith a bang this year. Wecommenced the year withSarah Maguire offering a

variation on her popular DialecticalBehaviour Therapy workshop where thefocus of the program was the practicalapplication of skills. This was followed bySpecial Topics in Couple Counselling withGeraldine McKay and Pamela Seraskerisand most recently a new workshop, MoodDisorders: Assessment and TreatmentApproaches with Dr Sarah Edelman,author of the popular Change yourThinking: Overcome Stress, Combat Anxiety& Depression and Improve your Life withCBT. All workshops were over-subscribedwith waiting lists, and we receivedpositive feedback from participants.

In April, we offered a workshop onBuilding Resilience in Social Workers in AgedCare together with the Social Workers inAged Care Practice Group at LiverpoolHospital.

May sees Assessment on the Run with RobynBradley and Priscilla McCorriston, fol-lowed by Loss through the Life-Cycle withErla Newhouse in June. July sees AnIntroduction to Narrative Therapy andMental Health with Josie McSkimming.

During the second half of the year we areoffering a new program, Anxiety Disordersin Children and Adolescents, in addition toour ever-popular courses in CognitiveTherapy, Supervision for Social Workers,Domestic Violence and CoupleCounselling.

I encourage you all to take advantage ofthe workshops offered and build thoseCPD points!

Remember book early as our programsare filling very quickly.

If you would like to see a specific pro-gram added to our calendar or have anycomments or feedback for the commit-tee, please contact me via Diana Kolic atthe Branch office.

Until the next SWIFT.

Suzanne NoisenConvenorProfessional Education Committee

From the Professional Education Committee

Field Educators Needed!

If you can provide a supervised placement for a

(Strathfield Campus) in Semester two (from approximately August to November 2013) or

can act in the capacity of an external supervisor or liaison visitor, we would love to

hear from you.

To register your interest, please visit our website: http://www.acu.edu.au/230654

or contact the Field Education Manager, Maree Delaney

02 9701 4195 [email protected]


Volunteers In Community Engagement (VOICE) is recruiting forvolunteers with skills in social work to support well-established andrespected community based organisations who deliver effectiveyouth programs. Youth programs have proven to be a successful way of supportingyoung Indigenous people to improve their social and educationalskills, leading to employment opportunities and further education.By providing opportunities to develop leadership skills, andparticipate in sport and recreation activities, youth are less likely tobecome involved in destructive behaviour, which have long termhealth and social complications. VOICE requires volunteers with experience in social work totransfer skills and knowledge to local youth workers. Volunteers willrun training for staff as well as facilitate programs that focus onleadership development, skills training, careers development,education, and sport and recreation. Applications are open forJune/July 2013. Programs run from 4-6 weeks.

For more information or to apply please visitwww.voiceaustralia.org.au/program/wasc

Volunteer social workers required in Indigenous Communities.

June-July 2013. 4-6 weeks.

The Ethics and Practice Consultation service is afree service for AASW members to discuss andprocess ethical dilemmas and practice issues. The service is a national service based in the

AASW national office in Melbourne. Please ensure when calling the service that

you include the area code (03).

CONTACT (03) 9642 2307 [email protected]

FREE SERVICE


What is leukodystrophy?‘Leukodystrophy’ and the related

term ‘leukoencephalopathy’ refer to agroup of conditions that affect themyelin, or white matter of the brain andspinal cord.

Leukodystrophies are degenerativedisorders and most are genetic. Thismeans that a person’s condition iscaused by a genetic change that altersmyelin and causes deterioration in thefunction of the nervous system. Someforms of leukodystrophy are sex-linkedand primarily affect men, while othersare autosomal, which means there is anequal chance of disease in both malesand females.

The pattern of symptoms variesbetween different leukodystrophies andeven between people with the sameleukodystrophy, but they are all progres-sive. This means that although theremight be periods of stability, the condi-tion doesn’t go into ‘remission’ as yousee in some other neurological condi-tions. In everyone, the conditionworsens over time, so that a person’sskills are lost. For example, a child mayhave started to walk, be developing quitewell until perhaps pre-school, and thenstart to lose their coordination, theirspeech, vision, hearing, mobility ormaybe have seizures. This is becausemessages are not getting through fromthe brain to the muscles in affected partsof the body. Sometimes there’s cognitiveloss, but not always. Older children maybe aware of what’s happening; someyounger children worry about what’shappening to their bodies but othersseem to ‘take it as it comes’ – everyone’san individual. Either way, it’s very dis-tressing for their parents and families.

Although it’s usually assumed that car-riers (someone with one affected copyand one healthy copy of the gene) don’texperience symptoms, in at least oneform of leukodystrophy, it’s possible fora carrier to become symptomatic. Thesesymptoms are generally milder than inindividuals who don’t have the healthygene, but can still lead to considerabledistress and impairment.

While most leukodystrophies occur in

childhood, some appear for the firsttime in adolescence or adulthood. Foradults, it’s a very bleak outlook partlybecause, like Multiple Sclerosis, it’svague and slow in its onset, and can leadto losses in all areas of their life. This canaffect their relationships and even theirsense of identity.

What sort of work do you do?I’m employed as a Family Advocate

and my position is Australia-wide, somost of my contact is via phone or email.My role is to advocate for families andit’s very clearly about being aligned withthe families’needs. Because I’memployed by a peer support group, myclients are actually my employers, whichis unusual in many organisations.

As a family advocate, I generally don’tface the dilemma some other socialworkers have, where the managementwant them to do a certain thing and thefamily wants them to do something else.Of course, I’m bound by my profession-al standards and code of conduct too. Insome cases I work almost in a profession-al liaison role between the families andlocal services, making sure that the localservices understand leukodystrophy andthe families understand the services.

In a way, I’m like an interpreterbetween families and services. But wherethere’s conflict, I’m there to advocatefor the families. I also do some commu-nity education and professionaldevelopment. I use my counselling skillsin my dealings with families becausethere’s a lot of grief and loss and othercomplications with the condition. I linkthem in with local counselling servicesfor anything ongoing.

A certain amount of uncertainty andconfusing information currently existsaround the condition. But there’s thepossibility of closer dialogue between sci-entific and social perspectives in thefuture. This offers hope for a much bet-ter understanding of what can be doneto modify a genetic ‘destiny’. I can helpfamilies sit with the uncertainty whennobody in the world has the answers, butI can help them find correct accessibleinformation.

What testing is available to detectleukodystrophy?

Genetic testing is going ahead in leapsand bounds, worldwide. The white mat-ter changes are usually picked up onMRI, but some leukodystrophies can beclassified with further tests, usuallyblood or other genetic tests. For others,specific testing isn’t available yet, butthere is hope that genetic testing willprovide more answers in the future.

At the moment, for many genetic con-ditions the doctors don’t know whichspecific area of the genetic sequence tolook at. Looking at it all isn’t as useful asit might sound – there’s a huge amountof information generated, and analysingit is very complicated. I have to admit, Itry not to get too caught up in the scien-tific complications of it all because I’minterested in filling the gap on the emo-tional side and establishing good socialsupports.

In America, some states are starting toagree to newborn screening for one par-ticular type of leukodystrophy that canbe picked up on a blood test, but thereis no routine screening in Australia.

What are some of the issues facedby individuals and families affectedby this condition?

The first and most obvious one is thatit has immediate day-to-day impacts ongrief and loss around disability. Thereare emotional issues for parents whohave to confront the fact that their childhas a progressive degenerative illness.Issues around relationships are particu-larly pertinent because parents can,however irrationally, blame themselvesfor giving their child the condition.Sometimes they blame each other andsometimes the extended families. It canalso shift the relationship from parent tocarer for a child with increasing needsand increasing dependency.

Part of the assessment process withgenetic conditions is that a huge amountof information is sought by specialistsabout the extended family; and that cansometimes require families to talk aboutthings they don’t normally talk about.Sometimes families can discover things

Recently, we caught up with Pam Joseph, Family Advocate Australian LeukodystrophySupport Group (ALDS). Here’s what we talked about:

Talking Heads

Interview with Pam Joseph


they didn’t know about relationships. Itbrings a lot of stuff up to the surface.

For family members who are identifiedas being at risk of carrying the affectedgene, there are dilemmas about whetheror not to be tested (and for children,when to be tested). There also may beimplications for future family planning.

There are also practical issues aroundmobility, new equipment and modificationof bathrooms, doorways and stairs. Peoplesell their houses or have to move out ofrental accommodation because they can’tphysically get in and out anymore.

Transport is a big issue. Inability tosource a suitably modified vehicle, particu-larly if two or more family members aremobility-impaired, is a huge barrier toaccessing normal social opportunities,health and education services. Families canbecome very socially isolated as a result.

There is quite a high rate of break-down between spouses. Because of theextra pressure, it can either bring peo-ple together or blow relationships apart.

Some families have two or more chil-dren affected by the condition. For thewhole family to go out and have anysocial time is very difficult. Families canbecome very isolated and there is littlecommon experience with others whohave children the same age.

People will often say that their socialnetworks change dramatically over aperiod of time. They start to socialisemore with families who have children,who also have additional needs. Some oftheir friends really step in and becomevery close, while other people just can’tdeal with it and find it emotionally con-fronting. There’s a lot of hurt for familymembers when people who were closefriends evaporate.

Access to respite is also a significantissue, particularly due to the high-levelcare needs (suction, tube-feeding, med-ication etc) which means that respitecarers need to be suitably skilled andpaid accordingly.

In terms of the transition between pae-diatric and adult services, adolescents

with a leukodystrophy often haveextremely complex health care needsthat vary greatly between individuals.Both the different physical environmentand loss of relationships with paediatricstaff and services that may have beenpart of a family’s life for many years, con-tribute to potential feelings of loss, fearand lack of trust. In addition, adult andpaediatric services often conceptualisethe parent-child relationship quite dif-ferently, occasionally bringing parentsand service providers into conflict whenfamilies reach that time of transition.

The issue of young people in nursinghomes is becoming increasingly recog-nised as an area for better policy andplanning. This is a very real and immedi-ate issue for adults with leukodystrophy,whose condition progresses to the pointwhere either their spouse, parent orother carer is unable to manage theircare or where they have previously livedalone and become unable to do so.

Due to the complexity of the condi-tion, diagnosed individuals are almostcertainly in contact with a very complexservice system. This may include any orall acute and community-based healthand allied health services, palliative care,disability services, education services,community services (housing, finance,employment etc). The number ofappointments this involves affects notonly the individual, but also siblings andother family members.

What are some examples of settingswhere social workers would applygenetic counselling?

Genetic counselling is a specialisedarea of counselling, due to the technicaland scientific information that isinvolved. There are three universitiesproviding post-graduate qualifications ingenetic counselling: Griffith University(Qld), University of Sydney (NSW) andUniversity of Melbourne (Vic). (Moreinformation can be found on theAustralasian Society of Genetic Counsellorswebsite http://www.asgc.org.au).

Genetic conditions can and will beencountered in every area of social workpractice. As leukodystrophies are life-limiting, loss and grief counselling isparticularly relevant.

What are some of the current andfuture ethical issues involved withgenetic counselling?

As the scientific side of geneticresearch races ahead, there are manyethical dilemmas facing both families

and service providers. However, the twomain areas I encounter with people arequestions about treatment and optionsfor future pregnancy.

In terms of treatment, stem cell andgenetic therapies hold hope for thefuture; however this can raise some ethi-cal questions. People can also faceethical dilemmas in deciding what levelof treatment to pursue, and whether togo overseas to try untested treatments.They may also be faced with decisionsabout treatments as the end of lifeapproaches.

In terms of family planning, manyalternatives are becoming available thatwere not possible even a generation ago.For example, the following may be avail-able to those who wish to have morechildren: pre-implantation genetic diag-nosis, early pregnancy diagnosis with apossibility of termination, use of donoregg or sperm, and adoption. These areapproaches that people may considerbut not all are appropriate for each fam-ily. Specialised counselling is alsoavailable for people considering any ofthese options.

Another ethical issue which can ariseis the question of information-sharingwithin extended families and this can bea source of serious family tension. If anadult relative who is at risk of carrying anaffected gene decides not to be testedand decides not to have their childrentested, questions can arise about therights of all parties.

What do you do for relaxation?I think relaxation is really important,

and I try to be very aware of self-care. Ilike writing poems and short stories –I’ve had one short story and a few poemspublished. I love live music – I just gotback from the Port Fairy Folk Festival!I’m also a beginner double-bass player.Learning to sail is another activity I’veenjoyed while living in Sydney. I like totravel as well.

What’s your source of inspiration?I’m inspired by the families I work

with. When I get off the phone with afamily, I often think, I’m so lucky towork in a job where I’m surrounded bypeople who are amazing! When I seewhat these families do for each other,how they reach within themselves andfind energy, love and commitment to goahead with such incredibly complexissues, it’s truly inspiring!

*Interview transcribed by Nives Crvenkovic

Pam Joseph

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World SocialWork Day 2013

The AASW NSW Branch held its World Social WorkDay event at the Aurora Surry Hills on Tuesday, 19March. The theme for 2013 was Promoting Socialand Economic Equalities.

We were very fortunate to have A/Professor Sue Greenfrom UNSW as our guest speaker on the night. She gavean inspiring talk and spoke about how social work as aprofession should be leading the way in working withAboriginal communities to `Close the Gap’. There weremany social workers and social work students from allover Sydney sharing their social work experiences and ofcourse, enjoying the celebrations. All had a great night!

— Amanda Boyd

The rooms are located at the NSWBranch of the Australian Associationof Social Workers in Regent St,Chippendale, 3 minutes’ walk fromCentral Station.

These beautiful custom made roomshave been designed and created bytwo experienced private practitionerswith the needs of fellow practitionersand their clients in mind.

We have four rooms available whichcan accommodate large groups (up to 60), small groups, familytherapy and individual counselling.

For further information, inspectionand fee structure contact Diana Kolic on 02 8394 9850 [email protected].

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Day one topics include: Treatment maps and planning strategies Psychoeducation and motivation tips Analysing and targeting dysfunctional behaviours (e.g., substance abuse, self-harm) Arousal reduction strategies (including breathing retraining, grounding and distraction tasks) An introduction to anger management Self care for mental health professionals

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Cheques are to be made payable to Talomin Books Pty Ltd and mailed to PO Box 877, Mascot NSW 1460 If payment is made with a credit card (or if you are reserving a place), simply complete the information above and fax this page to (02) 8786 1361.

A receipt will be emailed to you upon processing. Note: Attendee withdrawals more than one month in advance attract a processing fee of $55.

No withdrawals are permitted in the 7 days prior to the workshop; however positions are transferable to anyone you nominate.

Leah is a Sydney based doctoral-level clinical psychologist with 17

years of clinical and teaching expertise in CBT and traumatology


Enquiries: AASW NSW Branch, tel. 02 8394 9850, fax. 02 8394 9895, email [email protected] NOTE: FULL PAYMENT BY CLOSING DATE IS REQUIRED TO SECURE A PLACE.

CANCELLATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND NON-ATTENDANCE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REFUND.

LOSS THROUGH LIFE-CYCLE

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY ERLA NEWHOUSE

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NSW BRANCH)

The aims of this session:

• Identify the theoretical frameworks and models forunderstanding loss and bereavement across the life cycle

• Explore the different losses including those associatedwith parenthood, mental health, chronic

Illness, diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, job loss,separation and divorce, older age and death

• Identify common reactions and typical responses to loss

• Identify the impact of grief on families and individuals

• Develop effective strategies to use when working withclients who are experiencing loss

• Awareness of useful self-care strategies.

Erla Newhouse is an individual, Couple and Familytherapist and an accredited Mental Health Social Worker.

She has over 14 years experience working in the area ofgrief, loss and bereavement. Currently, Erla works in PrivatePractice with individuals, children, couples and familiesexperiencing loss as a result of a death and or other lifecircumstances. She also provides clinical supervision forbereavement counsellors and social workers. Her interest inbereavement led her to complete her masters thesis on theimpact of the death of a child on the couple relationship.

Erla has worked in a number of organisations includingJewishCare, Royal Prince Alfred and Concord Hospitals(SSWAHS) as the Bereavement Services Coordinator. Shehas worked as a grief counseller at the institute of ForensicMedicine and Liverpool Community Health Centre, has runbereavement support groups, workshops and educationsessions, and worked as a counsellor at RelationshipsAustralia. Erla has also presented at the International Griefand Bereavement and State Palliative Care conferences

Friday, 21 June 2013, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.AASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale

(few minutes’ walk from Central Station; metered parking available in nearby streets)AASW members $180.00; Non-members $240.00 (incl. GST)

This course attracts 12 AASW CPD accreditation points

NAME MEMBER NO.

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ADDRESS

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Please send registration form and cheque payable to AASW NSW Branch, PO Box 1173, Strawberry Hills 2012.

REGULAR REGISTRATION COST INC. GST: Members: $180.00, Non-members: $240.00.

PAYMENT METHOD: CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER/DIRECT DEPOSIT/CREDIT CARD. FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS OR EFT PAYMENTS CALL THE AASW NSW BRANCH OFFICE 02 8394 9850.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY, 7 JUNE 2013.

LOSS THROUGH LIFE CYCLEAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 21 JUNE 2013.

REGISTRATION FORM AND TAX INVOICE

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AN INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE THERAPY AND MENTAL HEALTH

A Theoretical and Skills-Based Approach

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY JOSIE MCSKIMMING


Friday, 19 July 2013. 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.AAASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale



NAME MEMBER NO.

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CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 5 July 2013.

AN INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE THERAPY & MENTAL HEALTHAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2013


Ever wondered about how useful Narrative Therapy may bein your work? How exactly does it work in practice? Comeand find out at this one-day workshop, which will provide anintroduction to the main ideas of Narrative Therapy andoffer practitioners a strong foundation to pursue furthertraining in this modality. The main focus of the day will beon practical skills development aiming to apply the keyNarrative themes of deconstruction and re-storying, re-membering, and the use of outsider witnesses. There will bea particular emphasis on working with clients who arestruggling with depression and anxiety, and a considerationof context and culture in the understanding andmanagement of mental health issues. Participants with noexperience in Narrative Therapy are encouraged to attend.However those social workers with a beginning knowledge

or training from some years ago will also benefit as creativenew developments in this therapy will also be presented.Previous participants have noted the congruence of thisapproach with social work values and ethics, particularly inits emphasis on context and community in negotiatingidentity, and generating hope.

Josie McSkimming is a social worker of 30 yearsexperience, who has practised in a wide range of settings,including hospital social work, inter-country adoption, post-adoption services, drug and alcohol treatment, adult mentalhealth and couples therapy. She has been practisingNarrative Therapy since 1991 when an enthusiasticcolleague introduced her to the ideas, and is now in privatepractice in Bondi Junction.

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WORKING WITH TRAUMA PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY AMANDA BOYD AND BILJANA MILOSEVIC


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CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 12 July 2013.

WORKING WITH TRAUMA PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLEAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 26 JULY 2013.


Trauma has a significant impact on the wellbeing ofindividuals, families and communities so a thoroughunderstanding of interpersonal trauma can assist all socialworkers in their work, regardless of their client group.Thisworkshop will provide the opportunity for social workers tounderstand trauma work within a social justice human rightsframework and gain practical skills in engaging children andyoung people who have experienced interpersonal traumaie. child abuse, intra-familial sexual assault and domesticviolence, with a focus on self harm, risk taking behaviour andsafety planning. Participants will be given opportunities todiscuss and practice skills throughout the day. This workshopalso aims to provide the opportunity to deeply challengeand reflect on practice and discuss dilemmas with othersocial workers also working in similar fields.

Amanda Boyd is a Social Worker and currently the Managerof a Counselling Service in Marrickville. Amanda has workedwith survivors of trauma for the last 15 years and has worked

particularly with young people and their effects from trauma.Amanda has also had experience in teaching counsellingskills and has worked in private practice. Amanda is amember of the AASW and a member of the NSW AASWBranch Management Committee.

Biljana Milosevic is a Social Worker and currently theDirector of Jannawi Family Centre, an NGO specialist childprotection service located in south west Sydney which workswith children at risk aged 0-9 years and their families. Biljanahas worked with victims of interpersonal violence for over adecade and believes strongly in resilience based practiceand maintaining hope. She is also the current chair ofCASAC Inc, a non-funded peak representing communitybased child sexual assault counsellors in NSW. Biljana is amember of the Australian Association of Social Workers anda member of the NSW AASW Branch ManagementCommittee, also fulfilling the role of the NSW Branch Ethics Convenor.

Friday, 26 July 2013. 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.AAASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale



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SUPERVISION OF STAFF FOR SOCIAL WORKERS

A FOUR-DAY COURSE PRESENTED BY PAMELA COHEN AND ROSEMARIE TWEEDIE


Aim: To enable the achievement of a satisfactory level ofcompetence for supervising social work staff in an effective,efficient and sensitive manner. The course focuses on staff,rather than student, supervision although there are manyoverlapping skills.Process: The course will focus on the development ofsupervisory skills, techniques and knowledge, using a varietyof methods, including presentations, small group discussionand experiential learning assisted by the use of video.Assessment: After completion of the course, participantswill be asked to video a real supervision session in theirworkplace then submit it for assessment accompanied by acritical reflection. Feedback will be given in an individualcoaching session to be held in one of the trainer’s homes.The assessment attracts additional CPE points and thosewho complete the course satisfactorily will be awarded acertificate approved by the AASW.Comments from previous participants include: ‘Enjoyedthe theory and learning,’ ‘Handouts excellent,’ ‘Clear

presentations,’ ‘Small group exercises excellent,’‘Established an excellent learning environment,’ ‘Presenters’passion for the subject came through.’Pamela Cohen BA, Dip Soc Wk, MSW, MAASW (Acc). Pamis the Senior Staff Supervisor at St Vincent's Hospital inSydney. She regularly conducts this supervision course forthe AASW and for the Institute of Group Leaders. Pam hasmany years’ experience in supervision and teaching in awide variety of settings, including the University of NewSouth Wales, the Heart Research Centre and hospitals andhealth agencies across Australia.Rosemarie Tweedie BA, Dip Soc Work, Dip Urb. Studies,MA (Ed & Work), MAASW (Acc). Rosemarie is a social workerwith extensive experience as a group leader, educator andsupervisor in the health and community services sectors. Shehas implemented and conducted supervision programs forstaff in many different organisations, across both rural andurban settings. Rosemarie currently works in research andalso has a private practice in supervision.

Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th August 2013. Friday, 30th and Saturday, 31st August 2013. 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.AASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale



NAME MEMBER NO.

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ADDRESS

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CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Fr iday, 28 June 2013.

SUPERVISION OF STAFF FOR SOCIAL WORKERSAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 9 AUGUST & SATURDAY, 10 AUGUST 2013 • FRIDAY, 30 AUGUST & SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2013.





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CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 2 August 2013.

WORKING WITH WOMEN AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCEAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 16 AUGUST 2013.


The purpose of this workshop is to facilitate social workers torecognise the skills they already have to assist clients affectedby domestic violence and to provide an evidence-based modelfor approaching this work. Some of the topics to be exploredinclude: • Trauma informed practice in the context of DV• What is a strengths-based approach?• Why is this an effective approach with this client group?• Working with the client as an ally in screening, risk assessment

and safety planning• Identifying perpetrator tactics• Addressing unhelpful myths with clients• Child protection – building/ stenghthening connections

between mother’s and their children• Current impact of Ammendments to the Family Law Act –

what it means to our practice• Collaboration: advocacy and interagency work.

Priscilla McCorriston graduated as a Social Worker from theUniversity of Sydney in 1988 and is a current accreditedmember of the Australian Association of Social Workers. She

worked in a range of health-based services from 1989 – 1997.From 1997 – 2001, she coordinated the Southern Sydney SexualAssault Service. She worked with the the St George DomesticViolence Service, on a part-time basis, from 2002-2012. In 2001,Priscilla established a private practice which she has continuedto build to the present. She works with individuals, couples andfamilies affected by violence and trauma. She also providestraining, consultation and supervision to professionals andagencies working the sectors of domestic violence, childprotection and sexual abuse.

Libby Watson completed her BSW in 1987 and MSW in 2001.She is also a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.Since graduating Libby has worked in a range of fields, such assexual assault, employee assistance provision, crisis intervention,mental health and statutory child protection. In 2004, Libbyjoined the St George Domestic Violence Service on a part-timebasis. Libby also provides training to health workers, non-government organisations and universities, and has developedand presented family violence training for family law systemprofessionals across Australia.

WORKING WITH WOMEN AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

A strengths-based, safety-focused approach

PRESENTED BY PRISCILLA MCCORRISTON & LIBBY WATSON


Friday, 16 August 2013. 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.AAASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale

(few minutes’ walk from Central Station; metered parking available in nearby streets)AASW members $180.00; Non-members $240.00 (incl. GST). This course attracts 12 AASW CPD accreditation points

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This workshop aims to introduce clinicians working withchildren and adolescents to the range of common anxietydisorders and their impact on psychosocial development.The workshop examines differences in rates of anxiety andother emotional problems between the genders with a viewto understanding possible aetiologies. Early warning signs ofanxiety disorders as well as presentations of phobicdisorders, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia,generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessivecompulsive disorders in children and adolescents arediscussed during the workshop. The final topic in theworkshop deals with the management of anxiety disorders inchildren and adolescents with a special focus on the impactof the school environment on anxiety disorders.

After the workshop, participants will:

• Understand the symptoms, causes and treatments foranxiety disorders in children and adolescents

• Recognise the impact of the school and home

environment on anxiety disorders in children andadolescents

• Become aware of specific strategies that can ameliorateanxiety in children and adolescents.

Jodie Wassner is a child and adolescent psychologist. Shecompleted her Bachelor of Science (Psychology) withHonours at UNSW and then went on to complete her Masterof Psychology (Educational and Developmental) degree atMonash University. She has developed and presented manyworkshops including mental health and well-being programsfor young people and parenting programs. Jodie hasworked as a school psychologist for fifteen years acrossschools in Melbourne and Sydney. She also ran aMelbourne-based private practice specialising in youngpeople and their families Jodie is currently the Youth SeriesFacilitator for the Black Dog Institute’s Mental HealthWorkshops. Jodie’s main areas of interest are anxiety inchildren, family-related anxiety, depression in adolescenceand Asperger’s syndrome.

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CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Fr iday, 30 August 2013.

ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTSAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • FRIDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2013.


ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

HALF-DAY WORKSHOPPRESENTED BY JODIE WASSNER


Friday, 13 September 2013. 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 p.m.AASW NSW Branch Office, Level 1, 87-97 Regent Street, Chippendale



The Wellness Project for Professionals

Group Wellness.

A year-long group supervision package.10 x group sessions.1 x individual supervision session.Reduced fee for further individual sessions.+Starts June 2013.

Supervision, Journal articles, Peer support, casework review and a focus on professional self-care. What better way to be supported as a profession-al, advance your professional development and gain CPD points!

Package price $800 + GSTEarly Bird Price $700 + GST (Ends 31/05/2013)

Planning for Wellness.

The ‘Best Foot Forward’ Session. A power one-off session to consider your professional goals and planning for the year. Two hours to focus on your professional wellbeing for the year ahead.Excellent Value

$200+ GST/ 2hr session

Evening Professional Wellness.

Evening presentation with wine & cheese.

Guest speakers, great topics, relaxed environment.

$40 + GST/ session

Are you looking for a professional year full of hope, inspiration and ongoing learning?

The Wellness Project for Professionals is full of

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Individual Wellness.

One on one professional supervision sessions. Affordable, caring, hopeful and just for you.

$130 +GST/ 1hr session

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email: [email protected] tel: 0400 603 636for enquiries

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