We talk about what it means to be authentic and true to yourself in your work, how this can be difficult when you are part of a minority or marginalized group, and how you can help both yourself and the people around you feel more free to be their own unique kind of social worker.

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Timestamps:

0:35 - Summary of episode

1:16 - Noah's introduction of himself and his work

3:57 - The difficulty in finding research about vulnerability and authenticity in the context of race

7:05 - Summary of research about vulnerability and authenticity

9:53 - What does it mean to you to be authentic as a social worker and why do you think it is important?

11:34 - Why has it been hard to be authentic as a social worker in the past? What has encouraged you to persevere?

14:35 - Why therapeutic approaches and agency policies/procedures can make it hard to be authentic

18:11 - Advice for people who are struggling to be more authentic in their social work practice

20:39 - Burnout makes it harder to be authentic

22:23 - Do you modify Western therapeutic approaches for clients from communities of colour?

26:37 - Having peer support or supervision from people who look like you can help you be more authentic

28:45 - Being authentic as a person of colour working with white clients or colleagues

32:33 - Being selective about vulnerability and self-disclosure with clients

35:42 - How to help colleagues around you feel free to be authentic

38:29 - Show up authentically but also value yourself in your work

REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE

McClain, A. (2020). The Power of Authenticity. National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Advocates/2019-December-2020-January/The-Power-of-Authenticity

TED. (2011, January 3). The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown [Video]. Youtube. The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown

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School of Social Work at Carleton University: https://carleton.ca/socialwork/