OHIO CHAPTER MAGAZINE - March is Social Work Month Grief and Resilience: The role of social workers in our changing world
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Spring 2021
OHIO CHAPTER MAGAZINE
March is Social Work Month
Grief and
Resilience: The
role of social
workers in our
changing world
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 1
Spring 2021
A publication of the National Association of
Social Workers- Ohio Chapter
CHAPTER BOARD CONTENTS:
President
Crystal N. Dunivant 3 President’s Message
President-Elect
Tiffany Lombardo 4 Executive Director’s Message
Vice President
Chanté Meadows 5 Victim enough? How our support systems continue to burden those who need them most
Secretary
Bridget C. Branning 6 Ecological grief: An interview with Bailey Fullwiler
MSW Student Representative
Ivan T. Conard 7 The Legal Corner
BSW Student Representative
Heather Lambert
8 Licensing Board Update
Region 1 (Toledo Area) Director 9 Collective Grief and the Therapeutic relationship
Elijah Jones
Region 2 (Akron Area) Directors 10 Grief in Foster Care
Rebecca Prather and Salima Dunn
Region 3 (Cleveland Area) Director 11 Get to know the National NASW Board Candidates
LaToya Logan
Region 4 (Youngstown Area) Director 12 Social Workers Reflect on End-of-Life Care in a Pandemic
Emerson Fetty
Region 5 (Columbus Area) Director 13 Suicide Loss Survivors: How social workers can help post-vention become prevention
Rob Bennett
Region 6 (Cincinnati Area) Director 14 Understanding and Preventing Suicide as a Macro Issue
Heather Price
Region 7 (Dayton Area) Director 15 Finding Meaning in Death: Columbus Community Deathcare
Ryan Ivory
Region 8 (Canton Area) Director
17 The Impacts of Grief in Emergency Department Social Work
Leslie Fehrman Ridenbaugh
18 Ethics Committee Update
C H A P T E R S TA F F
19 Associate Degree Student Engagement Committee
Executive Director
Danielle Smith
20 Upcoming Workshops
Practice Associate
Colleen Dempsey
22 2020 State Award Winners
Development Associate
Hannah Ware
24 Hidden Pain: Vulvodynia
Contact Information 25 Grief as Self-Care
400 W. Wilson Bridge Rd, Suite 103
Worthington, OH 43085
26 Death, Grief, and Entertainment?
Phone: 614-461-4484
info.naswoh@socialworkers.org
naswoh.org 28 Membership Lists
Facebook: naswoh
Instagram: nasw_ohio
Advertising
naswoh.org/advertising
NASW Mission- Founded in 1955, the National As-
sociation of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest member-
ship organization of professional social workers in the
world, with more than 118,000 members. NASW works
to enhance the professional growth and development of its
members, to create and maintain standards for the profes-
sion, and to advance sound social policies. NASW also
contributes to the well-being of individuals, families, and
communities through its work and advocacy.
2 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 2 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Power of a Social Work
Community
Crystal N. Dunivant, the mental health the loss. He helps them understand how
MSW, LSW (she/her) field. He has been they can listen to a loved one discuss their
Board President very transparent grief without consistently being ready to act.
I
about his own He continued that when social workers hon-
journey living or the individual’s narrative and stories, they
am writing to you on an extraordinarily
with OCD. As a are also made better.
cold and snowy winter afternoon. While
the cold has made itself at home, as I result, he became
intrigued by the As we discussed all the losses that have oc-
look out the window, I cannot help but no-
science of understanding people. This desire curred in the last year, Jesse said it is impor-
tice that the days are getting longer - which I
to learn more led Jesse to pursue a double tant for social workers to slow down when-
wish I could say was bringing me some hope.
major in Psychology and Sociology. Jesse ever they have the opportunity. He stressed
I spoke about hope the last time I wrote to
shared that he experienced his own feelings the importance of making space and giving
you, but I constantly want to maintain a cer-
of grief when his father died while completing permission for ourselves and our colleagues
tain level of transparency. Since that time, my
his MSW program at Smith College. to grieve. He encourages us to become more
hope has ebbed and flowed. The incidents
comfortable with the word grief and to begin
and the ongoing challenges that have oc-
Jesse’s path eventually led him to UVA Uni- normalizing the grieving process. He said it is
curred in 2021 have simply compounded the
versity Hospital in Virginia. He worked in the okay to acknowledge the loss of things and
anxiety and grief many of us have felt over
palliative care unit for almost four years, experiences because we do not know what
the last year.
eventually transitioning into the cancer unit the future will look like, but it will be differ-
working with individuals and loved ones ex- ent than we previously imagined.
This is the thing. I have learned that I do not
have to be 100% hopeful all the time. Social periencing various levels of grief. He provided
therapy, bedside counseling, and grief and During our conversation, the word commu-
workers often talk about being hope agents
loss support groups for caregivers. Jesse loved nity kept coming up. Jesse told me that find-
and being the beacon of hope when others
the work and patients. However, to protect ing a supportive social work community has
are hopeless. However, we can easily forget
his own personal wellbeing he recognized he been important for him. This community
the humanity of the social workers who are
needed to make a more significant transition. understands the many layers of social work
trying to carry the torch when they them-
In June 2020, Jesse moved into private prac- and provides a space for him to be transpar-
selves have grown weary. I have been remind-
tice with Virginia Family Therapy where he ent while uplifting those that need support.
ed of the power of the social work commu-
works with individuals who are coping with Jesse hopes all of us can find a place online,
nity. The connections I have made have
anxiety, depression, life-limiting illness, can- in real life, in and out of social work, that
allowed me to be in the moment and to feel
cer concerns, and grief and loss. will allow us to be vulnerable and true to
whatever emotions that I need to feel. When I
ourselves.
have no hope, others are carrying the torch
for me. And my desire is to always return to I asked Jesse why it is so hard for us to talk
a position to pull from behind and lift when- about grief. Jesse informed me that “it is in- Stephanie Andrews, LSW, obtained her
ever I see the opportunity. nate for human beings to want to work to Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The
solve a problem and then move on.” The pro- Ohio State University. Stephanie is employed
For this Spring 2021 magazine submission, I cess is different with grief, however, and it with the Area
am sharing my space. I had the honor and does not move in a linear fashion. He com- Agency on Aging
privilege to interview two social workers who pares it to “surfing waves in the ocean.” Ac- as a Passport and
are committed to impacting their community cording to Jesse we all must remind ourselves Assisted Living
but were honest about their own struggles that grief is a natural human emotion and is Case Manager and
over the last year living through a myriad of an extremely individualized experience. is an active NASW
public health crises. I hope that you enjoy Ohio Chapter
our conversations and the insights that were Jesse works with people to help them grieve member. According
provided. in their own way. He stressed the impor- to Stephanie her
tance of not always pathologizing an indi- job is to ensure that those “living in the
vidual’s grief. He also helps loved ones to community have what they need to age in
Jesse Dice, LCSW, has known since high
understand that they can be supportive place.” Stephanie has been working from
school that he wanted to make an impact in
without trying to fix the situation or replace home full-time since March of last year.
(continued on next page)
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 3
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Social Workers are Essential
Danielle Smith, we witness the grief of our clients and com-
LSW (she/her) Social Workers, thank you from the bottom munities. Our agencies are often underfunded
Executive Director of my heart for everything you have done and overlooked, resulting in social workers
dsmith.naswoh@ over the past year. When my own hope was being the last to receive access to personal
tested and the grief was too much, I looked to protective equipment, many being farther
socialworkers.org
social workers for assistance, for inspiration, down the vaccine priority list, and the vast
T
for renewal. I have always been in awe of the majority not receiving hazard pay despite
he focus of this quarter's magazine power of social work - so much so that I can- working in hazardous conditions. I am sure
is grief. Though it may seem like an not adequately express my appreciation for there were many times over the past year that
odd choice considering that this the work that you do in our communities. we wished we were not essential.
edition coincides with Social Work Month, Your sacrifices, your dedication, your will-
grief encapsulates what social workers across power is carrying all of us through a time The pandemic has been and must continue to
the state are facing. I believe social work is a when we need you the most. be a wake-up call: social workers are essen-
profession of hope. We hope for a better tial, but so are the appropriate working con-
world for our clients and ourselves. We use It is a heavy responsibility being an essential ditions, commensurate salaries, and respect to
that hope as the center of our work to inch worker. On the one hand, more people than match. I am hopeful that we are making
forward toward justice, peace, and well-be- ever are seeing social workers as integral progress on elements of improving our work-
ing. Our hope fuels us to work through our members of interdisciplinary teams, as needed force at the federal and state government lev-
collective and individual grief, allowing us to providers of mental health services, and as els. You can help us with this effort by pro-
tap into our resilience. This past year of the brilliant community organizers when our moting social workers during March. For
pandemic has made it difficult to see that community cannot be together physically. On ideas, including a press release template,
hope at times, but just as the seasons will the other hand, we as social workers are hu- proclamation for Social Work Month, and
change, the snow will melt, the flowers will man beings trying to survive the pandemic social media images visit www.socialworkers.
re-emerge, we too will get through this, albeit ourselves. Many of us have conditions that org/News/Social-Work-Month. The more
different than before. With the need for social make us vulnerable to the virus, care for fam- employers, politicians, and funders see and
workers more clear than ever, this year we ily members who are at-risk, and have chil- understand social work the more they will
recognize Social Work Month under the dren who are in need of care during the day. recognize and value us as the essential work-
theme, “Social Workers are Essential.” We have suffered our own personal grief and ers that we are.
(continued from previous page)
The Power of a Social Work Community
Currently, all of Stephanie’s visits with individuals on her caseload are Setting firm boundaries has been critical in meeting the needs of her
conducted via telephone. family and providing space for her to find a little time for herself.
Stephanie told me that she misses the connection she used to experi- When I asked Stephanie what she does to take care of herself, without
ence with in-home visits. “I miss the details. I miss the stories.” Stepha- hesitation she stressed that interacting with her family and friends virtu-
nie says that every death leaves an impact, but admits that it hits hard- ally on a routine basis has helped to keep her centered. She also main-
er during the pandemic. When there has been a loss due to COVID-19, tains contact with friends from school who understand what she is going
she feels guilty about never having met that individual in-person. through and are themselves navigating this forever changed world we
are all living in. Throughout the interview Stephanie underscored that
While living through a pandemic, racial reckoning, and an insurrection none of this has been easy, but she told me that she has created an envi-
have been challenging, she recognizes that the individuals who she ronment that works best for her community, her family, and herself.
works with have also been greatly impacted by the constant change Stephanie said that she wants to continue to focus on her blessings while
and uncertainty in our country. As a result, Stephanie is intentional she works to elevate social workers in Ohio and across the country.
about allowing individuals to be heard. She supports them in finding
hope even during the most challenging of times. Thank you, Stephanie and Jesse, for taking the time to speak to all of us
about loss and the importance of shifting while we explore those feel-
Stephanie has mastered the art of compartmentalization. She recog-
ings. These discussions brought me much joy. I am grateful to both of
nizes that strategy does not work for everyone, but it has helped her
you for the opportunity to connect and thankful for your willingness to
stay on top of her work responsibilities over the last 11 months. Steph-
teach us about the significance of vulnerability and relationships.
anie created a dedicated workspace in her home that she occupies from
8:00 am to 4:00 pm. She utilizes the space to work but closes the door
“The function of freedom is to free someone else.” - Toni
at the end of the day and does not look back. According to Stephanie,
Morrison
she does not return to her home office until the following morning.
4 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021
From Left to Right:
Ms. Adrienne Hood,
Ms. Hood and
Henry’s father,
Henry Green IV,
Liz Poprocki.
Victim enough? How our support systems
continue to burden those who need them most
Colleen Dempsey, LISW-S (she/her) but also that Ohio is an open-carry state; that minimal, even compared to other gap-ridden
Practice Associate in the pictures I’ve seen of him, he had a systems that serve sexual assault and domestic
cdempsey.naswoh@socialworkers.org wonderful smile. All of that is true, but should violence survivors. She offers that a better,
it matter? Why does the perception of more trauma-informed system would include
I
t should be no secret to social workers that someone’s innocence have such impact on the offerings for housing and protection, as well
grief over the death of a loved one can be as collective compassion they receive? as crime scene cleanup in the immediate
complicated as the relationship was in life. aftermath so no one ever again has to scrub
Often people will come to grief counseling to At one point during our conversation, Ms. the blood of their loved ones.
reconcile contradictory feelings toward their Hood shared that she was reminded of the
deceased loved one: anger and regret, relief and first meeting she and her ex-husband had Even the systemic supports that do exist
despair. And we understand on an individual with the investigating detective. She shared require significant resources to access. Liz,
level that one does not have to be perfect, for that, while those first few days were a blur, with a background in professional counseling,
their loved ones to grieve them after they die. she’s sure it was within 48 hours of Henry’s understands that particularly in the realm of
So what would it mean to build systems that death that the detective on the case said to complex trauma and disenfranchised grief,
understand the messiness of life, of them, “I see your son is not a felon.” It’s not all therapy is created equal. She also
relationships and consequently, of grief. possible that the detective’s statement was believes that we need more bridges between
intended as a kindness, but the underlying victim advocacy and therapy - that therapy
In early February, I spoke with Ms. Adrienne presumptions were clear. Henry and her providers would benefit from a more
Hood, mother of Henry “Bub” Green V who family were not presumed innocent. Henry’s thorough understanding of victimology and
was killed in 2016 by Jason Bare and memory was on trial. the resources available to clients. But again,
Zachary Rosen, plainclothes Columbus the systems involved do not make it easy. One
Department of Police officers under the Many of the governmental victim assistance example Liz offered is therapy and psychiatric
hyper-militarized initiative of the time called programs in Ohio are designed around an services that can sometimes be reimbursed,
the Summer Strike Force. Ms. Hood has idea of some pure, uncomplicated victim. Liz but only when the focus of the therapy stays
spent the last four years healing while Poprocki, Executive Director of the Ohio on the qualifying crime. So as soon as a client
pushing for justice for Henry. She is a natural Victim Witness Association (OVWA) hopes to begins processing a different traumatic event
advocate, and also quick to remind that she inject some reality into these systems. OVWA or relationship, those sessions may no longer
never asked to be in this “club.” Throughout is currently working to enhance current be reimbursable, leading to possible
our conversation Ms. Hood confirmed what I systems and develop new services that meet disruption in care.
worried would be the case, that she received the real needs of homicide co-victims
little to no compassion, let alone tangible (surviving loved ones). She and I spoke about Liz offered a laundry list of issues with
support- even from places she expected she their work and her vision for more accessibility just within Ohio’s Crime Victim
would have. It seems that, despite the press compassionate systems. Compensation Fund. If eligible, the Fund can
coverage and national attention, families of cover costs for replacing damaged property or
people killed by police are largely left to fend Liz and her team are in the final stages of seized evidence, medical and therapy services,
- and heal - on their own. publishing a landmark needs assessment on lost wages and more - but it will only
the victim assistance systems for homicide reimburse, not pay upfront. Full cooperation
I asked what Ms. Hood wanted social co-victims, with a goal to develop best with law enforcement is a prerequisite for
workers to know about the experience of practices for advocates and allied accessing the fund, though one might
losing a son to police violence and she professionals. Their white paper report will be reasonably argue that such victim support
responded quickly, “Stop deciding who out this year. As she summarized the broad should never be used coercively in this way -
deserves humanness and who does not.” takeaways from the survey, she made clear that the investigation should be separated
that there are large gaps that are immediately from victim support. If a victim is found to
I want to use this space to make it clear that apparent when you hear the stories of almost have been involved in the crime, however
Henry Green was not being pursued for any co-victims. Liz shared that the systemic tangential, they will also be ineligible. A
committing a crime; that he did have a gun, support afforded to homicide co-victims is (continued on page 29)
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 5
Ecological Grief: An Interview with
Bailey Fullwiler
Hannah Ware, LSW (she/her) that makes sense, because we can feel grief Black and other people of color. When we
Development Associate about the loss of anything we have an look at superfund sites, which are highly
hware.naswoh@socialworkers.org attachment to, and we have attachments to concentrated pockets of pollution, close to
wildlife and wild places. 80% of the communities surrounding them
B
ailey Fullwiler, are majority BIPOC communities. When we
MSSA LSW is a How is your environmental justice work look at where pollution or fracking is going, it
public health social informed by social work and vice versa? is largely going into or near communities of
worker and trauma- color. And that does not just have health
informed yoga instructor Bailey: For me they are all connected. I work outcomes, it also has economic consequences.
serving in Columbus, with the Columbus Public Health Department That is really where we see the most clear-cut
Ohio. She completed her and we know that climate injustice is a public examples of how environmental racism shows
Master of Science in Social health crisis. That is why we see increases in up here in the United States. Globally, the
Administration from Case the cost of utilities, rises in particular illnesses, continent of Africa uses the least amount of
Western Reserve particularly respiratory illnesses, and both carbon, but they are bearing the greatest
University in August of 2020 and in 2021 physical and mental health impacts from burdens of climate change with droughts in
joined the Ohio Environmental Council’s living on lands that are degraded or within some areas, record flooding in others, major
Emerging Leaders Council. During her communities that do not have green spaces losses in crop production, and record heat
graduate studies, Bailey completed that are accessible, safe, and welcoming. So, with limited or no access to refrigeration or
independent research on ecological grief that for me it is all hand-in-hand, I cannot talk air condition in many areas.
is in the process of being published. Through about social determinants of health for clients
this study, she explored what ecological grief or communities without looking at how the What is the experience of ecological grief
is, individual risk and protective factors, the environment they live in is being impacted. like for you personally?
benefits and practices of mourning nature, Coastal social workers will probably feel the
and social workers’ role in addressing this worst impacts of climate change first, but I Bailey: Sometimes it really hits in the gut
form of loss. Bailey helped to coordinate and think we can all see it. Much of the research because it is disenfranchised. There are not a
facilitate NASW Ohio’s partnership with on ecological grief starts with Indigenous lot of people using language or spaces to talk
TEDx for its global Countdown initiative that populations, which is not surprising because about grieving for the environment, and there
aims to equip communities with the those communities are experiencing the are not many practices that we use to cope
information and resources to reduce carbon greatest intensity of change in their with environmental losses. There is a great
emissions in half by 2030. This series of three environment and landscapes due to where article about a community in Iceland called
virtual events highlights social workers’ role they are forcibly resettled and they typically ‘How to Mourn a Glacier'' by Lacy Johnson
in climate justice through a solutions-focused have the greatest connection to the land. that did a mourning ceremony for the first
and hopeful lens. Upcoming dates: March 1st Anytime you have a greater attachment to glacier that lost its status as a glacier in their
& 8th. Register at www.naswoh.org/events. land or a species, there will be greater grief. community - it was beautiful. We forget that
But we can see it here in Columbus and mourning is community and its action, and it
What is ecological grief and how were
bigger cities as well with increased flooding can inspire people to move forward from grief
you introduced to it?
near waterways, poor agriculture outcomes, in meaningful ways. When we do not have a
and decreased mobility in spring and summer way to process a loss and we do not have
Bailey: Like a lot of people, I have always due to poor air quality alerts. practices to mourn it, it becomes bottled up.
been interested in the human-animal bond So, for me it has been a lot about finding
and pet grief, but when I began working and Could you speak more as to how environ- other people to use this language with so that
volunteering at the Columbus Zoo and with mental justice and racial justice are inter- my losses are validated, and I can do things
environmental organizations, I took note of twined? that intuitively make sense to grieve them.
conversations with peers about their Because if I do not grieve, then it is not going
experience of missing seeing certain wildlife Bailey: When you look at who might have the to show up in my activism and that is an
and spaces that used to be in their hometowns sense of urgency regarding environmental important piece of advocating for my
such as ponds or wetlands that are no longer inequities, it is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and community and my land - knowing that I
there. They were not using the language of People of Color) communities because they have an attachment to it and when it has been
grief, but when I listened to them it sounded will and do feel the greatest level of disparity damaged there is a response.
like they were experiencing a loss - a loss of as the climate changes. Those that are
these places or landscapes that were experiencing the lowest quality of water, How do we ‘treat’ ecological grief?
important to them. When I started hearing highest exposure to lead, struggling to meet
the rising cost of utilities, and experiencing Bailey: That is the question that comes up in all
that language, I Googled it as anyone does, the research. The community in Iceland I spoke
and ecological grief came up. And of course the highest rates of resulting illnesses such as
asthma and COPD are disproportionately of is really the first one we saw in western
6 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021
(continued on page 30)
THE LEGAL CORNER
Secrets/No Secrets Policies
Glenn Karr, JD that a therapist can deny direct access to a ethical question of whether or not you
patient’s records (or a parent’s access to believe you can properly deal with the unit
Glenn Karr is an attorney their child’s records) where the therapist when there is obviously something that one
who specializes in determines that the release of the records of the parties no longer wants you to share.
might have an adverse effect on the client. In most instances, you will probably want
CSWMFT Board
In that case, the requester has the right to to end the therapy and possibly the other
complaint defense,
name another mental health therapist and party(ies) may wish to know why you are
behavioral health business
you would have to then turn the records doing that. Arguably, if the one party does
issues, and much more over to that other therapist. This section not want you to share even that
pertaining to social work has not been tested under federal HIPAA information (i.e., that they have revoked
practice. He writes the law, but at least arguably provides a way to their consent and you have no consent to
Legal Corner column as a provide some protection to direct access to share it) you will just have to say that
benefit to NASW members. your records while not entirely limiting a ethically you feel at this point it would be
requestor’s ultimate access to them. better if they sought therapy from someone
I
work with a number of therapists that else and you will provide referrals.
like to deal with couples, families, and The problem with any “Secrets” policy,
teens. In that work, they feel that which should be in written form and signed Of utmost importance, if you intend to
ethically they have to set boundaries at the by the parties, is that it is basically a work under these types of “Secrets” and
beginning of the therapy that will allow contract, and it does not override state or “No Secrets” arrangements, is to advise the
them to freely exchange or withhold federal laws regarding someone’s legal right client(s) ahead of time in some type of
information amongst the parties. This to access records. Since it is contractual, the informed consent document what can
article will discuss the appropriate use of consent to the contract can be revoked, at happen. You should state that if anyone
“Secrets” and “No Secrets” policies in least for future purposes. In other words, revokes their consent to this arrangement
therapy. although a parent might agree not to that you retain the option of terminating
request records of a teen, they could later therapy at that point. With a proper
I first came across this issue decades ago change their mind, revoke their consent, explanation ahead of time, each client,
when I was working with a therapist who and then request the records. Therefore, including the teen in the “Secrets”
had parents sign a “Secrets” form allowing you have an obligation to notify a teen, arrangement, can then evaluate how they
the therapist to deal with the couple’s teen. preferably in your informed consent form, want to proceed in terms of sharing
It seemed to make sense, because obviously that although you will attempt to shield the information. In these situations it is also
the teen would not want to disclose records from the parent(s), you cannot important to consider how you write up
information to the therapist that would guarantee that will happen unless they seek your notes. You might, for instance, not
then become available to their parents. limited therapy under §5112.04 of the include specific information unless it is
However, at least under Ohio law, there is Revised Code and pay for the sessions really relevant to the therapy you are
only one way for a teen to get that type of themselves. providing. If someone later requests a copy
assurance of confidentiality and that is of the notes, then that information will not
under §5112.04 of the Ohio Revised Code. The issues surrounding secrecy and access be in the notes.
Minors 14 years of age and older have an to information also arise in marital and
option to see a licensed therapist on a family therapy. Often, when a therapist is Although it may actually be beneficial to
limited basis without their parents’ doing couples or family counseling, they the therapy to seek these types of
knowledge, except where there is a wish to have all parties sign a “No Secrets” agreements, it can get complicated when
compelling need for disclosure based on a agreement allowing the therapist to share one of the parties no longer agrees to abide
substantial probability of harm to the all information that he or she obtains from by the agreement. In that case you are
minor or to other persons, and if the minor any of the clients with any of the other probably better off not continuing with the
is notified of your intent to inform the clients in the unit. The same problem therapy because you know at that point
minor’s parent, or guardian. Only the presents itself, however, as with the that you are dealing with at least one client
minor is responsible for paying for services “Secrets” contract in that this agreement who wants to hide or obtain information
under this option. Note that even that right can be revoked by one of the parties. In (i.e., they are going back on an agreement
to protect confidentiality is limited where that situation the “No Secrets” agreement that they previously made and that you and
there might be harm involved to the minor should spell out that if that happens the other people relied upon). In that situation
or others. Beyond that, Ohio law does therapist will have to consider terminating future therapy might not be effective
provide in §3701.74 of the Revised Code all of the therapy. This comes down to an
(continued on next page)
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 7
L I C E N S I N G B O A R D U P D AT E
Brian Carnahan important professional responsibility. There legislation is to ensure that criminal
Executive Director of the are some benefits to renewing now: convictions are not used as the sole basis for
Ohio Counselor, Social making licensure decisions. Those who have
Worker, & Marriage and 1. There is no risk of forgetting to do so monitored the CSWMFT Board over the
later, resulting in an expired license and years will recognize that the Board has
Family Therapist Board
having to pay an additional late renewal worked hard to ensure applicants are treated
W
fee; fairly and provided with opportunities to
ith the arrival of
2. By renewing now, licensees can be sure pursue their chosen career, even if they have
spring, students
the Board will be able to assist them prior criminal convictions. This legislation
in their last term
with any renewal questions and review changes what criminal offenses can be
of their programs will be
of post-program approval continuing considered as part of licensure decisions. The
applying for licensure. I
education requests in a timely manner; bill requires the Board to establish a list of
would encourage students or those mentoring
and prohibited offenses as well as establishes time
students to carefully review the Board’s
3. Renewing now will also ensure you are frames during which convictions can be
website prior to applying. On our website
not unduly reducing the time between considered. The Board is in the process of
you will find detailed application instructions,
your renewals, which can make it seem identifying specific changes to procedures and
as well as instructions for completing the
like you are renewing earlier than you rules in response to the legislation.
required background checks. Social Work
expect.
Trainees (SWTs) should also be mindful of
CSWMFT Board staff are continuing to
the expiration date of their trainee
Remember, you can complete all CE courses work remotely. The best means of contacting
registrations.
online. This applies to all license types. Once Board staff is via email. You can find staff
a licensee renews, their renewal date will contact information at https://cswmft.ohio.
To assist with managing the impacts of
return to its original date. In two years, gov/. When emailing, it is helpful if you
COVID, twice since the spring of 2020 the
renewal notices will then be sent starting 90 include your license number. Please contact
General Assembly has passed a license
days before the license is due to be renewed. me with any questions or concerns you may
renewal deadline extension. The latest was
To renew, you must submit your completed have. I can be reached by e-mail at brian.
HB 404, signed into law by Governor
continuing education (CE) to CE Broker carnahan@cswb.ohio.gov.
DeWine on November 23, 2020. The
(Note: many CE providers upload your
legislation applies to “any license, permit,
attendance information to CE Broker). You
certificate, commission, charter, registration,
can access your CE Broker account at https:// (continued from previous page)
card, or other similar authority that is issued
cebroker.com/oh/account/basic/. Once
or conferred by a state agency, a political Secrets/No Secrets Policies
completed CEs have been submitted, log into
subdivision of this state, or an official of a
your eLicense account at https://elicense.ohio. anyway and could compromise your
political subdivision of this state.” The
gov/oh_communitieslogin. Select “Renew” ability to provide unbiased advice.
legislation stipulates that no license or
under options to complete a renewal
registration with an expiration date between
application. More information can be found © 2020 Glennon J Karr, LLC
March 9, 2020 and April 1, 2021 can be Glenn Karr’s practice areas include: CSWMFT Board
at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/
considered expired prior to July 1, 2021. complaint defense; types of entities - corporation,
LLC, or sole proprietorship; independent contractor
You can find eLicense support information at vs. employee issues; leases and contractual
This extension covered about 10,000 documents; practice forms review, including HIPAA
https://elicense.ohio.gov/OH_SupportPage.
licensees. If this extension applied to your issues and audits; advice on duty to protect, abuse
Two bills were passed in the last General reporting situations; other laws and rules affecting
license, you should have received an initial
Assembly that the Board is preparing to your practice; employment issues, ADA, age
email notification in December. A reminder discrimination, unemployment compensation; non-
implement. One is HB 33. Sponsored by
was sent in February. If you think you might competition issues; responding to subpoenas and
Representatives Lanese and Carruthers, HB court testimony; how to leave a practice and set up
have missed the email, you can check your
33 requires licensees of this Board, as well as your own; multi-disciplinary practice issues; Medicare
renewal date by doing a license lookup at and Medicaid issues; and dealing with managed care
other professionals, to report animal abuse
elicense.ohio.gov. It is important to note: the plans and insurance companies.
when they become aware of it. Licensees who
extended renewal date is not permanent.
report abuse will not be considered to have Glenn Karr is presenting his three-hour ethics
Whether you renew now or later your next approved workshop, 9 Major Practice Problem Areas
violated the confidentiality restrictions when
license renewal date will not change. For Facing Mental Health Therapists, at various locations
they do so. However, there are potential throughout Ohio, sponsored by NASW. Check the
example, if your license is due to expire on
penalties for failing to report. The Board will NASW Ohio website for details and registration.
March 1, 2021, your next renewal date will Typically, the workshop is coupled with another
be making some adjustments to the rules to
be on March 1, 2023, regardless of when you three-hour workshop on supervision. Glenn’s
account for this change. The other critical workshop qualifies as three hours ethics credit for
renew during this extension period. Licensees
legislation passed was HB 263 (often referred social workers, as well as counselors, and marriage
should plan to renew their license as soon as and family therapists.
to as the “Fresh Start Act”), sponsored by
possible, as maintenance of your license is an
Rep. Kyle Koehler. The intent of the
8 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021
Collective Grief and the
Therapeutic Relationship
Hannah Ware, LSW (she/her)
Development Associate
hware.naswoh@socialworkers.org
Gabrielle Faggella
B
oth universal and intensely personal, What has been your experience as a clini- especially with grief. But, that can go
grief plays a part in all of our lives. cian navigating grief alongside your cli- sideways quickly. We need to think about
And while there have always been ents? disclosure as a strategy. If I find myself
circumstances in which social workers have having the sudden urge to share something
parallel experiences of grief with their clients, Gabrielle: I was thinking about why I am in a session, I catch myself right away.
the collective grief we share today is unique not as taxed as many people currently are, Because self-disclosure should be
and heavy. By no means have we all so I did a quick mental genogram of my thoughtful, planned. This relates to the
experienced the same level of loss over the family tree and remembered that it is filled question, “When should I disclose?”
past year - “in this together” only goes so far with premature death, including me being Because we do not want to take up the
- but we all, social workers and clients alike, widowed at a young age. Because of that, I client's emotional space or cause our clients
feel the weight. To further explore shared think, perhaps, I am more familiar with and to cater to our feelings, or even worse, feel
grief between social workers and clients, I accepting of loss than some. It is not that I that their grief is less valid in comparison to
spoke with Gabrielle Faggella, MSSA, do not grieve, but I am not as blindsided; it ours. Self-disclosure is a tool, and we
LISW-S. Gabrielle is a clinical social worker seems more familiar or expected. However, should focus more on the process and how
currently working in private practice this past year with COVID and the political that informs our empathy, than the actual
specializing in OCD and the related disorders. climate, there is a heightened intensity content. But when our experience has been
working with clients, so it is more tiring, similar to that of our clients, as they may be
Many individuals may not have identified more weathering for all of us. I am now, and especially when we ourselves are
what they are experiencing currently as fortunate to compartmentalize well, feeling isolated socially and emotionally, it’s
grief. What are some of the ways that however, because of that weathering I easy to start blurring those lines. And when
grief may manifest and be mis-identified? notice I do have to be more actively it comes to that solidarity piece, we need to
intentional about being fully present. My be asking ourselves, “Do we really need to
Gabrielle: We normally associate grief with self-talk is, “Come back, come back,” commiserate or do we need to validate?” in
tearfulness, but broadly speaking grief can because I have noticed my mind wandering order to demonstrate our solidarity. So in
manifest in any way. One thing for social more than usual and I do not like that this time when we may not be on the top of
workers and professional caregivers to feeling; I like to practice at the top of my our game, if clinicians are noticing an
recognize is you may be experiencing game. So currently, I am in the middle of a increasing urge to share with clients, they
something you would not usually identify as seven-day break, which is so important even probably need to be debriefing with
grief. You could be stoic, fatigued, feeling when we are stuck at home. Clinicians someone else and finding an outlet to
more forgetful or irritable, or just feeling grieve with and for their clients in ways that process their own grief.
“off.” I think in our field we may be tempted differ from familial grief and now, more
to say, “Well, I just have compassion than ever, care for the caregiver is How can social workers deal with being
fatigue,” when really we should entertain paramount. increasingly triggered by clients as they
and explore the question, “Is it compassion process through their own grief?
fatigue or is it grief?” Because we still put How does the reality of collective grief
Gabrielle: We need to acknowledge that we
grief in a box, we pick and choose what affect self-disclosure and how can social
can be feeling emotions very intensely based
things are “grief-worthy.” Death is seen as workers navigate this?
on something our client just shared AND be
“grief-worthy,” but if we have not lost
present for them. It is not an either/or. I can
anyone or if you are a very privileged person Gabrielle: Self-disclosure has always been a
be aware that my heart is racing, that I am
you may feel that you have no right to tricky thing for clinicians, and what we are
starting to sweat and my voice is shaking,
experience grief. Yet we are all experiencing going through is changing everything. When
AND I can be present. We can notice these
so many losses on so many levels that it comes to self-disclosure it is really
things and the way we are feeling and label
currently grief is all around us; it is hanging important for social workers to ask
them without judgment. We are amazing
in the air, sometimes a mist, sometimes as a themselves a couple questions. First, “Why
beings who are capable of this, but it is
tsunami, but it is always present. am I disclosing this?” Because self-
skills-based learning. It is the power of
disclosure can be a way to build rapport,
(continued on page 30)
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 9
Grief in Foster Care
That was not the case for my kids. They everything they could. They learned about
seemed to think they were on an adventure things their parents did that were not safe
and were very excited. As a new foster or acceptable. In addition, they lost their
parent, but also a social worker/therapist, I extended family. They lost a brother,
was confused. Did this mean the transition grandparents, cousins, and friends who
would be seamless? Did this mean they were caretakers at different periods of time.
Leslie Fehrman Ridenbaugh, LISW-S, would be happy and comfortable? Did this It would be easy for me to be angry with
LICDC-CS, HS-BCP (she/her) mean they were in denial? What I learned their parents or to be honest about their
Region 8 (Canton Area) Director over the weeks and months after is trauma shortcomings. However, I have to put all
Owner and Therapist, Ohio Family Counseling and grief may come later. my feelings aside to honor the grief they
and Consultation, LLC experience every day. I grieve for their
leslie@ohiofamilycounseling.org My children had trouble during holidays- parents, because I know they love their
they struggled when their parents no longer children, but they were not able to be their
In 2018, I became a foster parent. I was attended scheduled visits and they had a parents at that time. I grieve for the early
licensed for two years. Along with my hard time on their birthdays, but the years I never experienced with my own
husband at the time, I adopted the three surprising moments were when they had children. I do not have baby pictures. I was
children who were placed with us. Since the trouble seemingly out of nowhere. Sadness not there for their first steps. I was not able
beginning of my foster care journey, I have would wash over them and tears would fall. to protect them at times they needed
observed and experienced loss in many “I miss my first mom,” my daughter would protection and comfort. My youngest was
ways. My older two children (who are say. “I never want to see them again,” from placed in my home at two days old. He had
biological siblings) were placed at the ages my son. Different feelings would come at visitation with his parents who were
of seven and ten. They were old enough to different times for each of them. I thought working for reunification until the week of
understand they were being removed from about what they had lost. They lost their his first birthday. They made the horribly
the care of their parents. In pre-services birth parents. At this point, they have not hard decision to allow their son to remain
classes, I remember being told that when seen them in almost three years. They lost with us permanently. He does not remember
children are initially placed, they are usually their ignorance. They thought their parents his birth parents. He only knows me as his
not happy and may be experiencing trauma. were taking care of them and doing mother. I still grieve for his loss. I grieve for
(continued on page 17)
10 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021Get to know the National NASW
Board Candidates
Beginning in April, NASW members will vote for the 2021-2023 Regional Representative position on the NASW National Board
of Directors. Ohio is a member of Region IV along with Pennsylvania. The two candidates running for the position are James
Andrews and Sierra McNeil. NASW Ohio and NASW Pennsylvania will be hosting a town hall with the candidates for you to
ask questions on Wednesday, March 31 at 6:00pm. Get the Zoom link at naswoh.org/calendar.
Sierra McNeil, MSW
Our profession is rooted in advocacy for others, but it seems we have lost focus on the most important principle,
Social Justice. Social Justice is achieved through political engagement and I want to encourage more social
workers to run for office, work on campaigns and get more politically engaged to move forward the causes that
affect our clients and ourselves. Social Workers have the unique understanding of system challenges, and as
society becomes more aware of racial, economic, and health disparities, it’s imperative that we are involved and
have an impact on policy changes and development. So, let’s break down these barriers and show the masses who
we are and what we can do. If elected, I look forward to working with the other members of the board to meet
these challenges and position our organization, our profession, and our clients for future success.
James Andrews, LCSW-PA, LICSW-MA (he/him)
My name is James Andrews. I am running for
COUNSELING CENTER OF CINCINNATI
Region IV OH/PA Representative on the NASW
Board of Directors. Though a PA resident I am
connected to OH through my current doctoral
studies at Case Western in Cleveland. My bio and
platform statements will be on the national
NASW website. Today I am writing about why I
am running. The national conversation on hatred,
racism and social justice is at the forefront in a
COMPREHENSIVE
way not seen in a generation. Social work is CBT TRAINING
uniquely positioned to contribute to this national
This comprehensive online 12 week CBT course
conversation. I will work to ensure our profession’s seat at the various uses a combination of live group didactic
policy and legislative tables where this national conversation will be taking sessions together with practice and role plays,
place. I often tell my students not to ask for permission but rather to insist with an emphasis on skill building of therapy tools
on being heard and moving past those who refuse to hear or listen. Yet and techniques for CBT.
such advocacy also requires attentive listening for other’s perspectives and 12 WEEK, 21 CEU CBT TRAINING
views. It will be my goal to collaborate and partner with OH/PA social APRIL 6 THROUGH JUNE 22
workers along with my NASW Board colleagues to ensure the voice of 4:30 PM - 6:15 PM
social work is heard and respected in this national conversation. Social We use an evidence-based framework developed
workers are uniquely prepared to tackle many of the problems that face by Dr. David Burns that seeks to profoundly
improve the effectiveness of modern
our nation and world today. Problems, such as equity, hatred, psychological treatment.
immigration, mental illness, poverty, racism, social injustice, substance
$360
use, and many others. Our professional education and training well
(513) 319-9031
prepare social workers to address all these issues. I’ve had the honor of AMYHOYLELISW@GMAIL.COM
serving the social work profession in many ways, including as Past-
President of the NASW-PA Chapter and sitting on many NASW-PA
committees. I view being a professional social worker as an expression of
my life’s purpose of service. I hope to serve again for PA/OH. Thank you!
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 11Social Workers Reflect on End-of-Life Care
in a Pandemic
Kaitlynn Harrell (she/her) Emily wants to remind undergraduate and or mental condition in person.” Her advice
NASW Ohio Intern graduate students alike to take a breath and to social work students and professionals
MSW Student at The Ohio State remember that higher education is difficult as interested in pursuing a career or field
University is. If possible, Emily recommends that students opportunity in hospice is to ask questions. If
kharrell.naswoh@socialworkers.org take courses related to gerontology or the you feel unprepared, advocate for yourself and
psychology of death, dying, and bereavement be willing to learn new strategies to guarantee
W
hile social workers are not to prepare for a career in hospice social work. that you are ready to support clients and their
unfamiliar with the concept of families through one of the most difficult
adaptability, the COVID-19 times.
pandemic has required that the entire Dominique Figures,
profession completely reimagine the ways in BSW, LSW, is a
which clients can be served safely. Hospice and student currently
palliative care social workers have been pursuing her MSW
tirelessly working to support clients and their at The Ohio State
families through loss in a grief-stricken time. University and
completing her field placement experience in
Beginning her career in hospice the Dayton VA Medical Center’s hospice unit.
mere months before the Her responsibilities include completing intake While hospice and palliative care social
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted assessments with veterans that have been workers share certain responsibilities such as
traditional forms of care, Emily diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a providing emotional support to families and
Cross, BSW, LSW, is currently prognosis of less than six months to live. She connecting patients with various resources,
practicing at an agency located in works with the veteran’s loved ones to connect palliative care social workers work alongside
western Ohio. She primarily serves them with necessary resources, including the patients with the opportunity of assisting them
as a case manager, connecting clients and agency's bereavement program that provides during their hospitalization. They coordinate
families to a variety of resources related to the client’s family and friends with 13 months with the different medical teams to bring
end-of-life care and provides emotional of emotional support. Although Dominique everything together for the patient and their
support as needed. One of the most significant began her field placement experience after the families. Alexis Babik, MSW, LSW, and
difficulties to arise as a result of the pandemic COVID-19 pandemic had already begun, she Brianna Velliquette, MSW, LISW-S, work for
has been establishing channels of has been told of the many services that the OhioHealth as in-patient palliative social
communication between herself and the agency was able to offer their clients before workers and specialize in the psychosocial
families of her clients. It is challenging to get a protective restrictions were implemented. aspect of serious and terminal illnesses. Both
hold of individuals, as there are restrictions The overall culture of the agency was Alexis and Brianna agree that one of the most
preventing them from visiting the facility in able to be much more uplifting before the troubling aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic
order to protect and ensure the safety of the pandemic. Therapy dogs were brought in in relation to palliative care is the inability to
patients residing there. Emily states that, to soothe and support patients and their have visitors frequently visit the hospital.
“family support is needed now more than ever, visitors were able to come and go as they Brianna reports that “with families unable to
especially as loved ones grieve their inability to pleased. Now, the atmosphere has become be at their loved one’s bedside every day, they
physically spend time with the person they are incredibly somber. One visitor per client is are deprived of physical contact. It is also
losing.” When asked how we can better able to enter the facility each week in order difficult to describe things over the phone, as
support people experiencing grief moving to protect patients and staff from contracting the condition of the patient is unlikely to be
forward, Emily emphasized the need for social the virus. According to Dominique, “People accurately portrayed this way.” According to
workers to have excellent communication feel especially alone in their grief. Clients will Alexis, “It is difficult for patients to process
skills and become trauma informed. arrive after being isolated for a significant their diagnosis without their family there to
Identifying and challenging personal biases is period of time and feel deprived of human support them.” Social workers are having to
critical as well, for grief is a unique experience connection. As a result of reducing the number step-up to supplement that support to the best
for everyone. She says that she has had to of visitors allowed to enter the agency, loved of their ability while making sure they are
make sure to approach every situation with ones do not often comprehend the extent to adequately communicating the patient’s status
empathy. Emily says that “some people shut which medical and mental status changes have to their loved ones. When asked how the
down and do not want to know everything, impacted the client. There is a huge difference pandemic has impacted grief, Alexis
which is totally okay and it is not our place to between hearing updates over the phone responded by stating that “COVID-19 is
judge anyone based on the process in which and observing the progression of a medical impacting everyone, not just people with
they grieve.” As a current MSW student,
(continued on page 14)
12 NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021Suicide Loss Survivors: How
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Text 741741
social workers can help post-
Call line 1-800-273-8255
Individual Risk Factors
vention become prevention • Mental health problems, including
depression, bipolar disorder, and
anxiety disorders
Rebecca Prather, can also build a network of natural
• Alcohol and other substance use
LISW-S (she/her) supports around a suicide loss survivor for
problems
Region 2 Director continued support during the grief process.
rebeccaprather93@ If our capacity as the individual’s social • Loss (due to death, relationship,
gmail.com worker is not competent in the area of job, or status)
suicide loss survivor grief and trauma, • Poor impulse control
O
ne specific population in relation evidence-based research shows that • Feelings of hopelessness,
to grief that seems to not be referring the survivor to individual and helplessness, powerlessness, or
recognized as openly is the group therapy that is specific to suicide loss desperation
population of Suicide Loss Survivors. As survivors and uses DBT and CBT as well as • History of trauma or abuse (e.g.,
defined by The American Association of support groups are the most effective physical, mental, or sexual)
Suicidology (2019), a suicide loss survivor professional interventions. The support we • Prior suicide attempt (significantly
is “anyone who is close to someone who provide to suicide loss survivors after the increases risk)
died by suicide or feels affected by it is a loss as postvention, becomes prevention. • Fascination with death and
survivor. [They] do not have to be a family Again, postvention is prevention and we violence
member to feel the impact of a suicide.” need to promote Posttraumatic Growth for • History of bullying or interpersonal
We, as social workers, are continuously every suicide loss survivor, referring to violence
advocating to reduce the stigma revolving other professionals as appropriate. • Confusion or conflict about sexual
around death by suicide for the individual Continuing to check in on the anniversary orientation/identity
and for the ones around them. As social of the death, especially the two- and three- • Compulsive, extreme perfectionism
workers, we can assist others on individual, year anniversary, are also imperative, are
mezzo, and macro levels to reduce the often forgotten, and most impactful. Family Risk Factors
stigma of suicide and promote awareness • Family history of suicide
for those it impacts as suicide loss On a mezzo/macro level, a social worker • Depressed and/or suicidal parents
survivors, which are often forgotten about. can advocate for local agencies to be • Alcoholic and/or drug-addicted
Suicide loss survivors can be classmates, trained in Question, Persuade, Refer parents
teachers, neighbors, church members, (https://qprinstitute.com/) and/or join their • Changes in family structure (e.g.
family friends, co-workers: anyone that local Suicide Prevention Coalition. Social death, divorce, remarriage,
personally feels an impact after losing workers can promote that September is frequent moves/relocation)
someone to a death by suicide. National Suicide Prevention month and • Financial difficulties
that The International Survivors of Suicide
At the individual level, when a social Loss Day is annually in November. There Community Risk Factors
worker interacts with a suicide loss are also Safe Messaging Guidelines • Access to lethal means (e.g.,
survivor, the social worker needs to pay provided by reportingonsuicide.org for firearms or other lethal means)
careful consideration to risk factors and distribution. The more social workers can • Stigma associated with help-
warning signs. Depending on the nature of advocate on a mezzo and macro level, the seeking
the grief and closeness to the individual, a more we can reduce the stigma and support • Lack of access to helping services
social worker may support a suicide loss this special population. • Loss of family, friends, or idols to
survivor by stating direct interventions. For suicide
example, a social worker can say, “I am If you are interested in obtaining further • Anniversary of someone else’s
going to take you to get lunch at the local training to assist suicide loss survivors for suicide or other death
restaurant tomorrow at 12:00pm,” rather yourself, your agency, or your community, • Incarceration or loss of freedom;
than, “Can I help you with food?” or Rebecca Prather, LISW-S, is a pre-approved trouble with the law
“What can I do to support you?” Often CEU provider for workshops between 1-4
times, suicide loss survivors are unable to hours. You can contact her to obtain more This list of risk factors was developed
articulate their needs or feel like a burden information via email at by the National Center for Suicide
asking others for support. Social workers rebeccaprather93@gmail.com. Prevention Training.
NASW OHIO | SPRING 2021 13You can also read
