Relational Practice: a social work podcast

Trigger alert- there is a small amount of swearing in this episode. It is an emotive topic for us! A Critical, Timely Deep Dive for Professionals and the Community We understand it’s the Christmas period, and this is a heavy topic. But we also know that for many people navigating high-conflict relationships, the holidays can be the most dangerous and suffocating time of the year. This episode is dedicated to providing timely validation and understanding. Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they move beyond isolated incidents of physical violence to examine the overarching, strategic pattern of coercive control. Why This Episode is Essential Listening Right Now: The festive season often acts as a catalyst for coercive control. External pressures like financial strain and forced family proximity are frequently weaponized to intensify patterns of domination. For practitioners, this is a critical window for intervention. By framing these holiday stressors as strategic tactics of entrapment, rather than isolated incidents of "stress", we provide a psychological lifeline for clients. Understanding these dynamics is essential for trauma-informed validation and navigating the heightened risks survivors face this time of year.What You Will Learn in This Deep Dive: Defining the Core Harm: We discuss the foundational research of Evan Stark, who defines domestic violence not by the use of force, but by the systematic deprivation of liberty and autonomy. The Blueprint of Domination: Understand the sophisticated, chronic pattern of behaviours, including isolation, micromanagement, economic abuse, and surveillance—tactics that create chronic fear and entrapment. The Psychological Toll: We explore the link between chronic abuse and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and why survivors often feel trapped, using the Hostage Syndrome analogy to explain the impact of learned helplessness. Lethal Risk & Assessment: Coercive control is consistently identified as a precursor in approximately 97% of intimate partner homicides. We detail why the control, not just the physical punch, is the core lethal risk factor. This episode details trauma-informed interventions for social workers, emphasising the need to re-establish a client's autonomy and safely document the pattern of control. 🚨 Need Support? If this episode has raised any issues for you, please reach out to the following services in Australia: Emergency: Always call Triple Zero (000).Lifeline 13 11 141800RESPECT: Confidential counselling and support. Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7).Men's Referral Service: For men concerned about their own use of violence. Phone: 1300 766 491.13 Yarn 13 92 76 For our international listeners, please contact your local domestic violence or crisis support services.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our new YouTube page for more content! Send any practice stories, episode suggestions, or anything social work related to relationalpractice01@gmail.com. If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content. Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

"Stop asking, 'What is wrong with you?' Start asking, 'What happened to you?' In our new episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive deep into applying a Trauma Lens to Emotional and Behavioural Regulation. Think about an Iceberg: the behaviour you see is just the tip. Beneath the surface are protective, biological responses rooted in trauma. Key takeaways for practitioners:✅ Definition: The shift from being 'trauma-informed' to 'trauma-responsive' (SAMHSA).✅ Neurobiology: Understanding the Polyvagal Theory (Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic, Dorsal Vagal) and why a body gets 'stuck on alert.'✅ Strategy: Why we must prioritize co-regulation (Regulate-Relate-Reason) to promote individual healing. We advocate for a focus that promotes using a reparative relationship in an intentional way. Whether you work with children, families, individuals or groups, this discussion will fundamentally change how you view 'challenging' behaviour.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our new YouTube page for more content! Send any practice stories, episode suggestions, or anything social work related to relationalpractice01@gmail.com. If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content. Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

In this critical episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, we centre the social work imperative: closing the harmful gap between progressive legal policy and inconsistent judicial practice in family violence matters. We tackle the tension where the legislative shift toward safety meets the judicial default of contact, often at the expense of protective mothers and their children. We have intentionally taken a gendered position on this topic. The Policy Promise: Shifting the Paradigm - We analyse the critical implications of the Australian Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and proposed UK changes, which explicitly mandate child safety as paramount and remove presumptions for equal time. This systemic change reflects an overdue recognition of risk. We review sobering ANROWS research that underscores intimate partner violence as a major risk factor for filicide, demanding a trauma-informed response from all systems. The Practice Problem: The 'Contact at All Costs'- Default across both the public (Child Protection) and private (Family Law) dispute systems, we examine the persistent challenge where judicial officers frequently default to ordering contact (even supervised) with the violent parent, regardless of the documented history of harm. We question the social work ethics and rationale behind this pervasive 'contact at all costs' culture—a practice that often re-traumatizes children and severely undermines the efforts of protective mothers and social workers advocating for safety. The Roadmap to Intervention: Reframing "Best Interests"- Referencing international trends, we argue that the judicial "best interests of the child" principle must be reframed through a trauma-informed lens to mean "safety at all costs" when violence is a factor. We discuss the urgent need for:Systemic Cultural Change: Moving from risk management to genuine protection.Enhanced Tools: Better risk assessment frameworks for judicial decision-makers.Trauma-Informed Training: Essential skill-building for all judicial and legal professionals to understand the dynamics of violence and the experiences of children and protective women. Join us as we advocate for the judicial and systemic reform necessary to ensure that the law’s promise of protection becomes a consistent, trauma-informed reality for children and their families Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and send your comments to relationalpractice01@gmail.com. If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content. Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

It's time for a radical reframe: stop seeing complex behaviours as "disorganization" and start recognizing them as brilliant strategies for survival. This week, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM), an advanced attachment framework that explains how trauma forces the brain to adapt by strategically blocking information. The DMM breaks self-protective strategies into two main categories: Type A (Cognitive) and Type C (Affective). Individuals using Type A learn to inhibit negative feelings, relying heavily on logic and habit, often appearing "cool and businesslike" to maintain safety. Conversely, those using Type C exaggerate their emotions and rely on affective signals, blocking out factual coherence, which can lead to volatility. These are not flaws; they are adaptive methods developed to survive danger. Understanding the DMM's focus on information processing is a game-changer for clinical practice. Therapy guided by the DMM doesn't seek to eliminate behaviours, but to help clients realize their adaptive significance before introducing the missing information (feelings for Type A, facts for Type C). Learn how this model is also highly effective for risk assessment in child protection and legal settings, ensuring professionals make truly informed decisions. Don't just treat the symptoms; understand the strategy! Connect with us on social media! Send practice stories, questions or comments to relationalpractice01@gmail.com For more information about DMM look at this webpage DMM Model - Family Relations InstituteIf you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content.Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey for a special Q&A episode where they tackle your most pressing questions about the complex world of social work.In this insightful and essential discussion, Jodie and Rose pull back the curtain on the profession, addressing:The Biggest Misconception: What is the most common misunderstanding about what a social worker actually does?Meaningful Participation: What practical strategies are employed to ensure children have a genuine voice and truly participate in decision-making processes?The Intersection: How do the critical areas of trauma, child protection, and Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) connect and interact in practice?The Systemic Hurdle: What is identified as the single greatest systemic challenge currently facing the social work sector?Professional Growth: An in-depth look at the role and importance of professional social work supervision.Whether you're a student, a seasoned practitioner, or simply curious about the vital work of social workers, this episode offers clear, expert-led answers to illuminate the challenges and dedication within the field.Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Ever wondered what’s really going on when a client shuts down in a session? Or why a seemingly calm conversation can suddenly feel tense? This episode of Relational Practice dives into the powerful framework of Polyvagal Theory, a game-changer for social workers. Join hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they explore the Polyvagal Autonomic Ladder—Ventral Vagal-safe, social and connected, Sympathetic- flight and fight, and Dorsal Vagal-shutdown. They break down how understanding these states can transform your practice, helping you to recognize a client's unconscious reactions and build a stronger, more attuned therapeutic relationship and recognize your unconscious reactions. Learn about neuroception, the body's secret detective that's always scanning for cues of safety and danger and discover the need for co-regulation. This isn't just theory; it's a guide to helping clients move from a state of threat to one of safety, fundamentally changing how you engage with trauma and distress. Tune in to discover why a regulated social worker is the most powerful tool in the room. We want to hear from you! Please send us any practice stories, questions, or episode ideas to relationalpractice01@gmail.com or message us via Facebook and Instagram.Also, be sure to check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content.Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

On this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the profound role social workers play in supporting people through grief and loss. They approach this topic from a holistic, "person-in-environment" perspective, providing a practical and insightful guide for practitioners. Dr. Park and Rose Mackey explore several key grief theories that social workers use to inform their practice:The Kübler-Ross Five Stages of Grief (1969): This theory outlines the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The hosts emphasize that these stages are not always a linear progression and that individuals can experience them in any order.The Dual Process Model (1999): This model highlights the natural oscillation between a "loss orientation" (focusing on the grief and emotions related to the loss) and a "restoration orientation" (focusing on rebuilding one's life and adjusting to the changes).The Continuing Bonds Theory (1996): This theory challenges the idea that grieving requires letting go. Instead, it suggests that maintaining a healthy, ongoing connection with the deceased is a natural and healthy part of the grieving process.Disenfranchised Grief (1989): This powerful concept describes grief that isn't openly acknowledged, socially supported, or mourned publicly. The hosts discuss how this can include losses that are not socially sanctioned, like the death of a secret partner or a pet. The episode also highlights the crucial importance of cultural competence in practice. Dr. Park and Rose Mackey stress that social workers must be self-aware of their own biases and respectfully navigate diverse mourning rituals and cultural expressions of grief. They note that unresolved loss can often manifest in complex and challenging behaviours, making grief a foundational vulnerability that social workers frequently address. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the social work field, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. We want to hear from you! Please send us any practice stories, questions, or episode ideas to relationalpractice01@gmail.com or message us via Facebook and Instagram.Also, be sure to check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content.Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Join hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they dive into the complex world of ambiguous loss, a type of grief that social workers often encounter but may not have a name for. In this episode of "Relational Practice," they're joined by special guest Dr. Kenny Kor, a leading expert on the topic.What You'll Learn:What exactly is ambiguous loss? Dr. Kor breaks down the concept, based on the foundational research of Pauline Boss. You'll discover how this unique form of grief applies to situations where a loved one is either physically absent but psychologically present (like a missing person or a child in foster care) or physically present but psychologically absent (like a family member with dementia).Why is this so vital for social work? The hosts explore how an ambiguous loss framework helps practitioners better understand the unspoken pain of children, parents, and caregivers in the child protection and out-of-home care systems. They'll also discuss the Mitchell research and its six dimensions of ambiguous loss, providing a lens to see a family's struggles in a new way.The HEAR Practice Model: Dr. Kor introduces the HEAR practice model, a powerful tool he co-developed. This model offers a clear, step-by-step guide for social workers to navigate these difficult situations. The episode provides real-world examples, showing exactly how to apply the model to help families find clarity and healing in the face of ongoing uncertainty.Practical Resources: The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing valuable resources and tools you can use in your own practice. Don't forget to check the show notes for a link to the academic paper on the HEAR model! Got a burning question about social work practice? Or maybe you just want to know more about us? Now’s your chance to ask! We're planning a special Q&A episode, and we want to hear what's on your mind. Send your questions our way on Facebook, Instagram, or email us at relationalpractice01@gmail.com. We can't wait to see what you've got! Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice Music by Hannah Park Editing by Angus Pinkstone Episode Resources:Pauline Boss webpage https://www.ambiguousloss.com/ Kor, K., Park, J., Dear, R., & Fabrianesi, B. (2024). Responding to children's ambiguous loss in out-of-home care: The HEAR practice model. Child & Family Social Work, 29(1), 248–258. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13072

On this episode of Relational Practice, we explore the crucial topic of practitioner resilience. We challenge the myth of the "superhero" social worker and instead, frame resilience as a skill that can be developed. The episode defines resilience not as a personal trait, but as the ability to adapt and grow in the face of adversity, influenced by both personal coping skills and external support systems. We discuss common stressors like high caseloads, bureaucracy, and the emotional toll of vicarious trauma and burnout. You'll hear practical strategies to help you build resilience, including: Mindful self-awareness: Recognizing the early signs of stress. Creating boundaries: Learning to set clear limits between your work and personal life. Building a supportive network: Utilizing peer supervision and mentorship. Engaging in restorative self-care: Differentiating between passive and active self-care as a professional necessity. We hope you'll take away the message that self-care is not selfish, but essential for a sustainable and impactful career. Got a burning question about social work practice? Or maybe you just want to know more about us? Now’s your chance to ask! We're planning a special Q&A episode, and we want to hear what's on your mind. Send your questions our way on Facebook, Instagram, or email us at relationalpractice01@gmail.com. We can't wait to see what you've got! Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice Music by Hannah Park Editing by Angus Pinkstone

You know that feeling when you're listening to a podcast and you need a dictionary just to understand the title? In this episode of Relational Practice, we're tackling a topic that often gets buried in academic jargon: critical reflection. We'll talk about why over-the-top language can be so frustrating—and even harmful—in a profession built on connection. We're cutting through the noise to get to the heart of the matter. What does it actually mean to critically reflect on your own practice? We'll explore the difference between "reflection on action" and "reflection in action," and give you practical tools to go beyond just thinking about your day. But it's not just about self-reflection. We'll also dive into how to critically evaluate the information you encounter daily, from case notes and agency policies to news reports and social media feeds. We'll give you a set of questions to help you dig deeper and challenge your own assumptions. Join us as we explore how this foundational skill can help you become a more discerning, ethical, and effective practitioner. Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics torelationalpractice01@gmail.com Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice Music by Hannah Park Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Have you ever found yourself wondering why some clients adapt to new situations with ease, while others seem to struggle immensely? In this episode, we're diving deep into two fundamental, lifelong processes that shape every individual's development, from childhood through adulthood: temperament and socialization. These aren't just concepts for parents; they're crucial for anyone working with people. We'll start by exploring Thomas and Chess's groundbreaking research on temperament. We'll break down their nine key traits and the three primary temperament types – the "Easy," "Difficult," and "Slow-to-Warm-Up" individual – providing practical examples to help you understand the diverse ways people react to their world. Next, we'll delve into socialization, examining how individuals learn to navigate society. Discover how culture is transmitted and essential social skills are developed through family, peers, education, and media. Finally, we'll connect these powerful concepts, demonstrating why this knowledge is indispensable for social workers, caregivers, and any professional interacting with individuals. You'll learn how to apply this understanding in your practice to foster a "goodness-of-fit" between an individual's unique temperament and their environment, ultimately empowering them to thrive. Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice Music by Hannah Park Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join us as we unpack kinship care, a vital arrangement where children who can't live with their biological parents are raised by relatives or close community members. You'll learn why this is Australia's preferred out-of-home care solution and how it aligns with the Child Placement Principle. We'll clarify the difference between known and unknown kinship carers and reveal the critical role of kinship care assessments in ensuring child safety, meeting their needs, and identifying potential risks and necessary supports. Yet, these care arrangements often face significant hurdles. We'll examine the stresses of emergency placements, the intricate nature of pre-existing relationships, the challenges of limited placements that can push practitioners to seek unknown kin, and the common frustrations with bureaucracy and inadequate support for carers. To truly grasp the unique emotional world of kinship carers, we'll introduce the concept of ambiguous loss. Ultimately, we'll highlight the ongoing initiatives to enhance kinship care practice through specialised tools, culturally responsive methods, and relationship-based practice. Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Also, check out our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelationalPractice Music by Hannah Park Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey, private practice social workers in NSW, Australia, as they delve into the critical topic of foster care assessment on this episode of "Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast".This discussion explores the nuances of assessing foster carers' capacity, differentiating it from parenting capacity assessments. Jodie and Rose will share their insights and practical experiences, examining key areas that should be considered in foster care assessments, including motivation to foster, personal background, household dynamics, parenting capacity, and compliance checks.The episode also highlights the current global and Australian shortage of foster carers, discussing its causes and consequences, such as the increased use of emergency accommodation and residential care for vulnerable children. They'll touch upon the unique motivations of foster carers, and the essential qualities beyond specific skills that contribute to successful caring.Tune in as they consider the impact of carer shortages on children, the potential for approving inappropriate carers, and the critical need for targeted support to prevent burnout and promote carer retention. Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Rose Mackey and Jodie Park for a vital and in-depth discussion that demystifies formal parenting capacity assessments. They'll answer the questions you've always had: Why are these crucial evaluations conducted, and what do they truly involve? In this episode, Rose and Jodie explore the fundamental purpose of these assessments, revealing how their aims shift depending on the context. You'll learn how they inform critical decisions in child protection cases, guide judicial outcomes in court settings, and assess suitability for adoption and fostering. They then pull back the curtain on the "how-to," detailing the comprehensive areas covered. Rose and Jodie will walk you through examining a child's unique needs, understanding a parent's history and functioning (including mental health, substance use, and trauma), evaluating direct parenting skills, and assessing environmental and social supports. They'll also delve into the critical aspects of parent-child interaction and a parent's capacity for insight and change. But it's not just about the process. Rose and Jodie shine a light on the essential skills required for this complex work: from sharp analytical and observational abilities to sophisticated communication and writing. They discuss the critical need for deep theoretical knowledge – from child development and attachment theory to trauma-informed practice – and specialized expertise in challenging areas like abuse, addiction, sexual abuse, mental health, and family violence. Understanding "the system" itself is also key. Whether you're a practitioner, a student, or simply curious about how these assessments shape the lives of children and families, this episode offers an invaluable look into the intricacies of formal parenting capacity assessments. Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Hey there, social workers! Tune in to Relational Practice with Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they keep digging into how we assess parenting capacity. This episode, " Beyond the Checklist: Unpacking Informal Parenting Capacity Assessments" is all about the super important role of those daily interactions and observations. They're key to understanding what's going on with parents, guiding our casework, and figuring out the best ways to help. Jodie and Rose chat about crucial observation skills, like checking out relationships, how people solve problems, manage emotions, and if their words match their vibe.They wrap things up with a powerful real-life example, showing how those everyday observations and formal assessments come together to understand a mom's parenting capacity and her drive to make changes, especially when aiming for reunification. You don't want to miss out on future talks that are super relevant to your practice (like their next episode on formal parenting capacity assessments)? Then hit that follow button and subscribe to their social media! Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Ever wonder what truly makes a capable parent? Join us in this foundational episode as we delve into the fascinating world of parenting capacity. While essential for child and family practitioners, the insights we uncover are universally valuable, focusing on the core skills of assessment.Forget dry definitions! We're going beyond the surface to explore the practical tools you need to evaluate capacity in any context. Learn how to sharpen your observation skills, master the art of insightful interviewing, and hone your analytical abilities.We'll then weave together crucial theoretical frameworks, showing you how understanding trauma, child development, family systems, the ecological perspective, and the nuances of human development (including temperament, personality, socialization, and psychological development) can illuminate the complexities of parenting.Finally, we'll tackle the critical aspects of risk assessment and effective decision-making, equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of this vital area. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply curious about the dynamics of family and human potential, this episode will lay a powerful foundation for understanding and assessing capacity in all its forms. Tune in and unlock a new level of insight! Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

What role does professional judgment play in your social work practice? We are tackling this crucial topic on the next episode of Relational Practice: a social work podcast, out now. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful conversation!Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Rose and Jodie for an insightful conversation diving deep into the world of supervision!We'll explore:Supervision in all its forms: From those everyday informal chats that keep us connected to the structure of formal sessions that guide our growth.The power of connection: Discover how nurturing collegial relationships can enrich your professional life.The vital link: Unpack how supervision directly impacts your practice and, most importantly, your wellbeing as a practitioner.This is your invitation to connect, learn, and reflect on the essential role of supervision in our professional journeys. We can't wait to have you join the conversation! Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Alright, get ready for round two of our deep dive into attachment! This time, we're getting super practical and showing you some real-world tricks to truly get how your clients' past relationships are shaping them now. Think of it as unlocking a whole new level of understanding!Just a heads-up though, we're still finding our feet with the tech side of things, so there are a couple of tiny moments where the sound might get a little wonky. Don't bail on us though – it's super short and the good stuff kicks right back in! Trust us, it's worth sticking around to totally level up your client care game! Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.comMusic by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone

Join us for part 1 of our deep dive into the world of attachment with our latest podcast episode! We start to explore the fascinating science behind attachment, unravelling the concept of internal working models and the diverse spectrum of attachment styles. Discover how adopting an attachment lens can revolutionize your social work practice, providing profound insights into your clients' behaviours, their worldviews, and the complex tapestry of their emotions. Part two will demonstrate practical strategies to foster deeper understanding of how client’s attachment and their experience of relationships. Tune in and transform your approach to client care!Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.comMusic by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone