Philosophy & Self-Care
My philosophy is to uphold the values of the social work profession through an approach that reflects competence, integrity, and recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each person. I strive to engage each client as experts of their own experience, to recognize the strengths and power that exists within each person and community, and to continually incorporate conceptual frameworks and evidence-based strategies that enable me to effectively serve individuals, families, and communities.
A a social worker, I recognize that practicing self-care is an essential survival skill in the profession. In order to serve clients and communities effectively, it is vital that I incorporate practices that enable me to maintain and enhance my own health and well-being. To prevent self-neglect and burnout, I created a checklist of self-care activities that I incorporate weekly. Engaging in intentional self-care practices each week has not only proven effective in maintaining my mental, physical, and emotional health but also shown me that scheduling time for self-care is just as important as scheduling time for anything else.
Career Plans
1 Year Plan
Within one year, I plan to obtain my licensure and begin practicing as an LMSW. Upon obtaining my LMSW, I’d like to begin working towards my clinical licensure (LCSW) while continuing to conduct practice-informed research on the issue of housing instability. Ideally, I would like to work with an organization that allows me to practice at both the micro and macro levels, as I believe social workers serve as a vital link between individuals, families, and the greater community.
5 Year Plan
In five years, I plan to have obtained my LCSW in the state of Tennessee. I’d like to be in a school-based position where I am able to strengthen my clinical skill set through serving children and their families in the public school system. I’d also like to continue working with individuals experiencing homelessness in the community through the outreach project I began in November 2020, Friends Helping Friends.
10 Year Plan
In 10 years, I plan to still be practicing as an LCSW. I strive to strengthen my clinical skill through certification in CBT, EMDR, and DBT so that I am able to assist individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. I hope to practice in an inclusive capacity that enables me to serve children, individuals, and families from all socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly those who are most vulnerable. I hope to maintain an active role within the community as a strong advocate for the individuals and communities I serve, advocating for local and state policies that address the issues of housing instability, education equality, food insecurity, healthcare, and so forth. I also plan to continue my homeless outreach project, with the hopes that its influence will de-stigmatize the public perception of individuals experiencing homeless, inform local and state policy pertaining to individuals experiencing homelessness, and encourage neighboring communities to incorporate effective, evidence-based intervention strategies with this very vulnerable population.