What Would Dr. Meyers Do?

Understand the long-lasting emotionally traumatic repercussions for the victim/survivor of childhood and adolescent sibling abuse.

It really does take a village. How did two social workers capitalize on their resources to serve themselves and those they serve?  We all need to be nourished. Your greatest resource begins with you; putting yourself out there and building community to get the fuel you need.

Why is it so challenging to convey empathy and to sit with silence? These seemingly simple offerings to others come weighted with our own discomforts. Learn the value of these experiences and gain insight into your own challenges.

As we strive to help others, we must also contend with our own fears, concerns, and anxieties. Dr. Meyers talks with social work students about how perfectionism and a rigid sense of right and wrong must be restructured so that mistakes are not perceived as failures.

When is it time to end therapy? And whose decision is it? Is the client resistant to the work or has your work been successful? Dr. Meyers challenges her listeners to consider whose need is really being tended to, when the therapist feels the client should stay in treatment.

In the first of a series on Sibling Abuse, Dr. Meyers outlines what exactly sibling abuse is, and what it looks like. Although sibling abuse still remains under the radar, it is the most common form of family violence and extremely damaging. Dr. Meyers’ research on emotional and physical sibling abuse revealed its traumatic impact.

Born and raised in Slovakia with a history of abuse, foster care, gangs, and drugs, Social Worker Tomas and Dr. Meyers explore how his traumatic past and subsequent abandonment issues play out in his work with the homeless population. Does this shared connection help or hinder the clinician-client relationship?

Simple gestures from clients may have significant meaning. Dr. Meyers and Molloy University social work students talk about the symbolic meaning of gifts from clients; and, their dis/comfort with self-disclosure.

Petrina Williams, MSW discusses her traumatic upbringing  inclusive of abuse and abandonment. Together we explore how this effects her ability to connect with clients.

In the classroom, Dr. Meyers finds herself the subject of students’ desires to know more about her. This is a learning opportunity as clients often demonstrate interest in the personal lives of their therapists. Dr. Meyers delves into the curiosities of her students and faces her own discomfort and reactions.

What happens when a clinician feels closely connected to her client? Petrina Williams’ attraction to her abusive, mentally ill client is rooted in a shared vulnerability.

Therapists regularly process their work with clients in supervision. Dr. Meyers reveals her experience participating in a supervision group that felt very much like therapy and compelled her to gain some uncomfortable insights.

We all want to be seen for who we are. What happens when our clients’ perceptions of us don’t match who we truly are, or how we want to be perceived? Join three Molloy University social work students as they grapple with this discomfort.

Social Worker Amanda Sanchez talks about her own intergenerational mental health issues and how she has worked intentionally to overcome her trauma and resounding anxiety. Her resilience and insight allow her to heal, and work well with children.

Sometimes, a therapist can identify closely with her client, sharing similar life experiences. This can make it challenging to maintain objectivity. Dr. Meyers openly reveals her emotions and thoughts as this occurred with her client.

Molloy University Social Work student and Veteran Petrina Williams shares her fear of entering an internship working with Veterans. Although she identifies with the population, she questions her ability to be empathic.

Have you ever wondered what clinicians and social workers are REALLY thinking and feeling as they help others navigate their lives? This podcast is all about learning: about the dynamics of a clinical case; the emotional journey of the clinician; and YOU. My guests and I will talk about our challenges, questions, and anxieties about the work as well as our own personal histories as we strive to un...