018: The Truth About Social Work and Therapy They Don’t Teach You in School

This episode is real, honest, and full of practical insights for anyone interested in social work, therapy, mental health or supporting others in meaningful ways. I sit down with a seasoned social worker, Kimberly “Kim” Schuster, ACSW to talk openly about the realities of the field, from the education and licensing requirements to choosing a specialization and understanding the difference between a social worker and a therapist. We discuss how to build referral networks, what case management truly involves, and why having both social work and therapy experience can make such a meaningful impact. We also talk about where people can go to find help, how Medi-Cal and Medicaid actually work in practice, and some of the common challenges that come with navigating those systems.   We explore therapy trends with children and adults, techniques for uncovering and healing trauma, and how to build trust with clients in a way that feels authentic. We also get into the emotional side of the work, including the things textbooks can’t prepare you for, especially vicarious trauma. Along the way, we discuss misconceptions about social workers, the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on mental health, the influence of social media, and even a lighthearted debate on whether enjoying horror makes someone unusual.   Toward the end, we reflect on the qualities that make a strong social worker, finding work-life balance, and what advice we would give to the next generation entering the field. We also touch on the rising role of artificial intelligence in social work and the potential challenges and opportunities it may bring.   If you are listening to this video, I'd really appreciate your support. Please like and subscribe to the channel. It helps motivate me to keep creating more content. I'd also love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave your feedback in the comments below!