Two years ago I made what felt like the impossible choice to leave my career as a Clinical Social Worker and Forensic Interviewer. I had spent almost 20 years treating children and families who were affected by abuse, neglect, trauma and grief and while it was the most rewarding work imaginable I completely lost myself inside of it. I was considered an “expert” in my community and I got a lot of significance and security from my work but I also paid a high price. In the end, I had to make a choice and I chose me. This felt like the most selfish decision of my life but it turned out to be the most rewarding as it has led to increased self-awareness, self-compassion and a passion for helping others brave their own breakthroughs.

The most important client you will ever have on your caseload is you.

The journey from old status quo to new status quo is never easy and it is not supposed to be. 

Our identities are much bigger than our titles, accomplishments, successes and failures.

Our identities are much bigger than our titles, accomplishments, successes and failures.

Self-sovereignty gives you control of your story.

Boundaries are one of the most challenging obstacles we face in our personal and professional lives. Learning to set and adhering to our own boundaries is a wonderful way to preserve our energy and practice self-care. Setting boundaries tends to bring up a great deal of emotion and most people find it so challenging that they ignore the practice all together and live with frustration, disappointment and struggle to act on their own behalf. This “talk” weaves personal stories with fundamental truths about the power of self-sovereignty, rebellious self-acceptance and the importance of investing in ourselves.

Recognize the inner dialogue that makes boundaries so challenging to set and maintain

Begin the process of dismantling strongly held beliefs about why we tend to label boundaries as “selfish” and placate people and situations rather than respond congruently.

Define taligned with our values is an invaluable self-care technique.

Learn tactical strategies to set personal and professional boundaries and be able to sit with the related discomfort.

Set to the beloved story, The Wizard of Oz and incorporating family therapist, Virginia Satir’s “self-esteem toolkit” Lisa weaves her personal experiences and storytelling to take you on your own journey “home”. This talk incorporates rich metaphors and fun props to create an unforgettable experience that resonates with audiences everywhere. 

We all brave storms in our lives and the journey through them is paved with obstacles, challenges, fear, surprises and so much opportunity.

We have multiple resources and self-care tools within us that are always available to help us find our way.

A tribe of imperfect, authentic and vulnerable people are great sources of inspiration, encouragement and incredible traveling partners.

Outsourcing our power is a barrier to growth, especially when we discover that we have had the power all along…we just had to believe it for ourselves.

Lisa Brooks, LCSW and Ashley Swinson, LCSW collaborate to bring this wellness program designed for healthcare professionals who are experiencing workplace frustrations, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, or burnout, likely driven by at-risk clinical/medical populations, high performance demands, or toxic work cultures. Service providers such as mental health therapists, nurses, first responders, social workers, and others are encouraged to attend. Through the use of psychoeducation, experiential learning, and speaker testimonials, participants will leave with increased self-awareness, a rejuvenated perspective, motivation for applicable change, and new ideas for deeper self-care practices. This program is versatile and flexible, in that it can be customized to respective audiences. The presenters are willing and eager to offer seminars, workshop intensives, focus groups, etc. in the hopes of joining the community to cultivate health and wellness.

Increase one’s understanding and self-awareness of vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. 

Explore one’s relationship between self-awareness and self care, and how this promotes increased job satisfaction and overall wellness. 

Greater understand boundary-setting (physical, emotional, mental) and its role in reducing burnout. 

Identify and incorporate personal values into the professional setting to enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout. 

Explore self-compassion and its role in daily self-care practices and work routines. 

Identify symptoms of a toxic work culture and understand the importance of contributing to a positive work environment with intention.

Explore the role of management and how agencies can leverage compassion and self-care practices for employees to enhance job satisfaction, promote healthy and safe work environments, improve community perceptions, and serve clients more effectively. 

Recognize that one is just as important and deserving of the care we give our clients.