From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do.

In my interview with Ashton Hayes, she shares her journey starting off as a paralegal working in family law. Her career took on a new trajectory as she discovered she felt she could do more hands-on work as a social worker.  Ashton Hayes (Bachelor of Social Work (Hons); Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice), is an accredited mental social worker with many years of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and works collaboratively with each client to create a safe and positive therapeutic experience. Ashton utilises a number of different modalities and creative approaches, in consultation with her client, in order to create a supportive environment. Ashton is also a clinical supervisor and leadership coach who uses a trauma-informed approach to support supervisees and leaders in their roles as well as helping them to achieve their career goals. She talks about how she felt children were being left behind in family law and the legal system. So she made the move from family law to social work.  Some key parts of this interview You’re allowed to ask for support Don't engage in comparative suffering  Watch the power, clients are inherently powerless in the system Take time to nurture yourself, you can't pour from an empty cup Supervision is VERY important Watch the golden girls for self-care  Joining groups with other social workers Keep a reflective journal   https://willowtreewellbeing.com/  https://willowtreewellbeing.com/support-for-professionals link to the therapod mentioned  https://therapyblanket.com.au/products/therapy-pod Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work