PART ONE Fort McMurray

Bremda MSW, RSW

SOCIAL WORK WEEK

SPECIAL SERIES

AS TOLD TO JERRY CORDEIRO OF THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE

TO CELEBRATE 2020 SOCIAL WORK WEEK, ACSW COLLABORATED WITH THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE. PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST JERRY CORDEIRO TRAVELLED THROUGHOUT OUR PROVINCE TO INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH NINE ALBERTA SOCIAL WORKERS WHO GRACIOUSLY SHARED A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR NORTHERN AND RURAL PRACTICES, AND THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE PROFESSION. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SPECIAL THREE-PART SERIES!

AMY PARSONS, MSW, RSW

At its heart, social work is about connection. It is about bearing witness to the vulnerability that is inherent to the human condition, and doing so with empathy, compassion and kindness. Judgement, shame and blame have no place in this profession. Social workers recognize that any of us are a few unpredictable events away from needing support.

As a mental health therapist, you sometimes hear the phrase, “I’ve never talked to anyone about this…”. When you hear those words, you know that you have established a genuine connection and created a safe space, allowing someone to be their most vulnerable and authentic self. What is shared is rare, intimate, and immensely personal. To join in a person’s achievements and setbacks, to support them in their journey, is profoundly humbling and the greatest honour.

Growing up, I was a very empathetic child. Because of this, my family often referred to me as “softhearted”. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to be a “helper” - it was an innate part of me. When I arrived at Memorial University, I began a series of courses to better understand how I could take my passion and make it my profession. I found social work and the rest is history!

My eight years of direct social work practice have varied tremendously. I spent five years working for a social-profit agency where I facilitated, coordinated, and directed family access programming. I spent nine months as the Acute Care social worker at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre and have spent over two years as a mental health therapist.

Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is supporting people in achieving their goals or assisting them in accessing supports and services that they did not know were available. Being entrusted to support people during some of their challenging times is an indescribable privilege.

And that is why I love this profession. Social work opens your eyes, your mind, and your heart. The people you meet teach you far more than you teach them. You’re a supporter, a cheerleader, and a thought-challenger, but you are never a “teller” or a “knower”. I firmly believe I am a better person because of what social work has brought to my life.

BRENDA M. SMITH, MSW, RSW

I remember growing up feeling concerned for others and wondering why things were the way they were; like why kids were starving, why people were homeless, why there were wars or bullying. I think I was destined for social work and fortunately, the universe steered me onto the right path.

I grew up a tomboy because there were very few girls in my neighborhood. In my early 20s, I applied to a college mechanic program, thinking my years of backyard tinkering would be an advantage, but I didn’t get in and was told by the college they “needed men” for the program. Not being assertive as I am now, I said nothing. My application defaulted to my second choice, Human Services, which I had chosen because nothing else was of interest. What do you know, I excelled, tutored others, graduated with honours, and went right into a structural-based BSW program at St. Thomas University.

Throughout, I focused my studies, practicums, and employment in mental health, spending several years exploring micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice as well as the diverse psychosocial facets of mental health. I honed in on clinical practice and mental health program development and loved it too. I then chose to do my MSW in Leadership, completing a thesis on bullying in health and social service professions, with a special clinical focus on psychotherapies for trauma. The accumulation of 20 years in mental health experience joined by leadership has guided me to full-time private practice.

I love how ironic it is that my journey into a field of social justice started with injustice, and how my career pathways have guided me to rich experiences in Northern Alberta, and into a perfect fusion of my leadership and clinical passions. So many times, I have been grateful for my social work and mental health background, including when I needed it to support myself and my community during a time of wildfire crisis and recovery, and now, during the global crisis with COVID. I continue to specialize in best practice trauma treatment, using advanced EMDR protocols, and taking a special interest in supporting the supporters, such as military, veterans, RCMP, first responders and front-line workers…including those in that special profession called social work.

JANENE HICKMAN, BSW, RSW

I’ve been a registered social worker for 16 years. Currently, my scope of practice is an eclectic combination of short-term counselling, critical support, and workshop facilitation. I also work to bring services and support to the rural communities in my region with a focus on holistic wellness, supported by Indigenous culture and knowledge.

A typical day for me may include facilitating trainings or workshops related to suicide prevention or intervention. I acknowledge the participants and their willingness to participate in something that may be emotionally challenging, seen as a taboo subject, or that may have a personal impact. I work hard to create a space that is respectful, supportive, and non-judgmental. Participants are tasked with homework after each of my trainings: to take time to care for themselves. Intentionally taking a few moments to reflect on the day, acknowledge any feelings that have come up for them, and do something that helps them care for themselves is key. I do this homework!

I’m honoured that my career has afforded the opportunity to help increase awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness. I’m passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide, and am a strong advocate for those who are courageous in sharing their stories and seeking out support.

As a young adult, I didn’t have the language to support my quest for justice, equity, inclusion and respect; however, these were values that supported my life and are now foundational to my practice. Humour, honesty and acknowledging we are all humans, and flawed, are also values that I bring into my work with clients and groups.

I believe in the power of connection. Connection with others helps break down barriers, reduce isolation and loneliness, and provide all of us opportunities to grow. Many individuals I’ve worked with have noted that the fear of being judged, misunderstood, or not heard are all reasons that stand in the way of them reaching out for support. Connecting with people and acknowledging that their story is their truth and offering a safe, supportive space to share their story is a gift that all of us can benefit from. So many in our community don’t feel that they have real connections, as families and friends often live in other communities or counties.

I also believe that social workers are brave. Social workers will listen, will care and will help. This willingness to sit with people on their darkest days and journey through unspeakable challenges also means that we are willing to open our hearts to the pain, suffering and injustice experienced by others.