12 Systemic self-care

Abstract

Incorporating self-care into the social work curriculum can both help students to develop this practice competency and support a trauma-informed approach to education. The term, however, lacks a clear definition within the context of social work values. It is narrow and individualistic in focus and tends to disregard the role and influence of systemic structures. This focus on the individual is a symptom of neoliberalism, which is having a detrimental, divisive effect on the social service and education sectors and places responsibility of wellness on the individual out of context.  The goal of this chapter is to explore the concept of self-care, and offer realistic and meaningful approaches to self-care, particularly as it relates to social work education, faculty, staff, and students. The new term proposed in lieu of self-care, is systemic self-care. Systemic self-care be defined as a wholistic and authentic approach to individual and social wellness and resilience-building that includes attention to the biological, psychological, social, environmental, systemic, and political influences on the self. Ways to support systemic self-care in social work education are proposed: 1) Develop opportunities to build community in and outside of the institution; 2) Establish a culture of systemic self-care; and 3) Use critical reflection to develop self-compassion

  1. Consider what is and is not within your control: Sphere of control
  2. Assess your mental health and work/life balance:
  3. Read up on self-care from a systemic perspective
  4. Complete a self-care assessment to take inventory of your current self care practices: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/quiz-practicing-enough-self-care
  5. Build your systemic self-care practice

 

License

WES 1001: Communicating in Small Groups Copyright © by lorigauthier. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book