Social Work Me

On episode 49, Michele gathers with hobbyist illustrator and author Brittany Sciolla for a great conversation to support parents, caregivers, and those connected with kids on ways to enjoy connective opportunities and to intentionally tap into those moments. This is not a “doing more” conversation but one that allows parents and caregivers to recognize and relish the moments that are already prese...

On Episode 48, Matt is joined by an international guest- Yasmine Loupis who is an Australian social worker, rehabilitation case manager, and podcaster. Yasmine specializes in the area of rehabilitation and brings a wealth of experience in supporting people who experience long-term problems with movement, thinking and emotions resulting from an accident or sudden injury or illness, as well as the p...

On episode 47, Michele is joined by a former youth she was connected to during her time in child welfare. On the episode Reilly discusses: ·      His lived experience growing up in foster care ·      Managing multiple moves and uncertainty ·      His educational pursuits from graduating high school, attending trade school for carpentry, and then his current role at Edward Jones as a Financial Advi...

*This episode contains details and stories that may be triggering for some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised  On Episode 46, Matt is joined by friend and former colleague Stacey MacLean who is a Licensed Counselling Therapist, Burnout Coach, developer of the 'Beat Burnout Blueprint', children's author as well as co-owner of Pathfinder Wellness Retreats in Fredericton, New Brun...

On Episode 44: Pt 2, Matt Barnes and naturopathic doctor Dr. Mason Bresett ND continue their discussion on the foundations of supporting high performance.  Both Matt and Dr. Mason share insights from their respected fields and experience working with high performers towards holistic health and wellness. Matt brings his  experience from the field of social work and mental performance consulting whi...

On Episode 44, Matt Barnes sits down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Mason Bresett ND to discuss the foundations of supporting high performance.  Both Matt and Dr. Mason share insights from their respected fields and experience working with high performers towards holistic health and wellness. Matt brings his  experience from the field of social work and mental performance consulting while  Dr. Mason...

On Episode 43, Rachael Fowler chats with Alex Ni, a leading neurotechnologist and CEO of Divergence Neuro, discussing the fascinating world of neurofeedback and biofeedback.  Alex explains how these technologies can support mental health—not only for those facing challenges but also as powerful tools for prevention and performance enhancement. The conversation explores how biofeedback and neurofee...

On episode 42, Rachael sits down with Corrie Elliott, a Registered Psychotherapist and children's author who brings her wealth of experience working with children, couples, families, and individuals in private practice to the world of storytelling. Corrie shares the journey behind her books, Ellie’s Emotional Adventure and the newly released Ellie’s Emotional Adventure with Fear. These books...

On Episode 41 we are thrilled to welcome Kelly Spencer , a mindful life enthusiast involved in many different roles. Kelly is an award-winning businesswoman and the proud owner of Indigo Lounge Wellness + Eatery, a beloved community space she’s nurtured for over 13 years. As a mindfulness specialist and empowerment speaker, Kelly has inspired countless individuals through her transformative work....

On episode 40 Michele gathers with author and yoga educator; Sarah Ezrin, to unpack principles of parenting and delve into concepts of her book ‘The Yoga of Parenting: 10 Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with your Kids, and Be Kind to Yourself.’  On the episode we discuss: The structure and flow of her book – containing postures, breath breaks, 'parenting in practice&ap...

On Episode 39, Matt is joined by guest Carrie Haynes who is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, group facilitator, podcaster, adjunct professor and mentor focusing on assisting clinicians and guides in leading impactful groups. Carrie is the host of the podcast- 'The Art of Groups' and has a wealth of experience in training and guiding fellow therapists in developing and integrating grou...

On Episode 38, Matt is joined by guest Jerry Reynolds PhD, LSW, MSW who is an assistant professor in the Social Work department at Ball State University and is the current president of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS). Jerry has a doctorate in social work with 20 years of experience in the field and his experience as an athlete, coach, researcher, professor and social worker has led...

On Episode 37, host Rachael Fowler explores the remarkable impact of therapeutic gardening for individuals with dementia alongside guest Rebekah Churchyard, MSW, RSW, PMP.  Join us as we delve into Green Care Farms Inc.'s mission to foster purpose, belonging, and vitality through sustainable, organic practices. Our guest, Rebekah Churchyard, shares her journey spearheading this initiative, wh...

On Episode 36 Matt is joined by Clinical Psychologist- Dr. Elizabeth McMahon Ph. D. who has been practicing for over 40 years and is a pioneer in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for treating Anxiety, Fears and Phobias. Elizabeth worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for 32 years and has since worked in private practice in San Francisco while also writing two treatment workbooks: For Clients:...

The time has come for a new season of the podcast! Matt is back after a long hiatus with some updates on the show including new hosts, a quick snapshot of his 2 year absence and a reflection on how the show has impacted his life and career. Stay tuned for more episodes coming for Season 5! If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Ep 35 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services...

On Ep 34 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services...

On Ep 33 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services...

On Ep 32 Michele McPherson takes over the hosting duties. You may recognize her from our first ever guest on Ep 1 and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. As a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program-Michele is taking over the podcast to do a mini series on connecting with athletes, coaches, and health professionals to talk about the...

Social Work Me is back after a long hiatus with the first episode in a series on Mental Health & Performance in Sports.  Originally recorded in November 2021, Ep 31 features Amy Mausser who shares her experiences as an athletic therapist working with elite level junior hockey players. She is the former Sarnia Sting OHL Hockey Athletic Therapist and is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Certified...

On Episode 30 Matt sits down to chat with Kate Becker who is a certified EMDR therapist, Trainer, Consultant, Yoga instructor and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist based out of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Kate has been providing Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy for the past 5 years using Ketamine and Psilocybin in both individual and group settings. She is also an MDMA therapy trainee and split...

On Episode 29 Matt is joined by 2nd Year Psychology Student Quinn Bisson to interview King’s University Social Work Professor Dr. Rick Csiernik.  Quinn has been working with the homeless population and his interests in mental health and addiction have led him to develop a focus on Social Work. Coupled with the experience of taking a class from Dr. Rick, his focus is now on transitioning into the B...

On Ep. 28 Matt is joined by Clinical Psychotherapist, Psychedelic Specialist and Author- Daniel McQueen. Daniel is the co-founder and executive director of The Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder, Colorado and we take a deep dive into all things Cannabis assisted psychotherapy.  On the show we cover a wide range of topics including : Underground vs. Legal psychedelic work Group and individ...

On Episode 27, Social Worker/Psychotherapist and Author- Linda Hochstetler joins the show to talk about her new book- 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End-of-Life as well as a wide range of topics surrounding death and dying.  On this episode we cover: Linda’s path in Social Work Personal Experiences with death  Death cafes ( CBC Article) Eastern vs. Western views/culture around death  Role o...

On Ep. 26 Matt connects with the hosts of the Guerrilla Social Work Podcast- Jeff Moore & Mace Warren to discuss all things forensic psychotherapy and their practice Alpha Counselling in Utah. On this episode we cover: -Risk assessments with sexual offenders -Phallometric testing -Pornography + implications with sex offenders -Canadian vs. US laws/practices -Sex dolls + Child sex dolls -Indivi...