March is Social Work Month and we are proud to employ so many incredible social workers who make a difference in our community every day. Today, meet Elizabeth!
Elizabeth is an IICAPS clinician, working with youth with serious mental health diagnoses.
1.Why did you decide to become a social worker and decide to work in social services?
I wanted to become a social worker due to a profound loss of a friend to suicide. This experience heightened my awareness to the need for accessible mental health services and strengthened my commitment to challenging stigma’s around mental health and mental health treatment.
What’s one tip you’ve found helpful for your clients?
One tip that I have found to be helpful for our clients is starfish breathing or 5 finger breathing! It sounds silly but starfish breathing or five finger breathing is a mindfulness exercise that can help reduce anxiety and stress. This exercise involves tracing the outline of each of your fingers while breathing in and out. This technique is helpful for younger kiddos, teenagers, myself, and even some parents!
Why do you think FCA’s work is integral for the community?
I think FCA’s work is integral to the community because we are helping to strengthen families and providing support and resources to families. Knowledge is power and increasing access to knowledge and resources only creates a stronger and healthier community!
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the relationships we are able to build with the children and families we serve. Every day, I enter homes where trust in mental health providers waivers or is minimal. Consistently showing up and demonstrating our commitment to their families wellbeing, trust begins to grow. This trust is foundational to healing and growth process.
