Seleni Spotlight: Social Workers of Seleni

March 2023 -  This month we’re celebrating National Social Work Month and the social workers in our lives. We sat down with our own Alison Baker, Allison Peck, and Nneka Symister for this month's Seleni Spotlight to talk about how social work has changed over the years and what they love most about being a social worker in the field of maternal mental health.  

Tell us about what drew you into working in this field helping and healing people?

AP: I was drawn to this field when I became a parent myself. I realized that I needed to develop further as an adult and become more educated about my behaviors for the benefit of my children. We are so fortunate to have so much evidence-based research, and a plethora of theories, information, frameworks, and concepts that can help us in determining our own philosophy of how we want to raise the next generation. 

AB: I have always been drawn to people’s stories and experiences. Even as a child, I was curious about the ways families functioned, the different rules and rituals, and how the parts fit together. One of the central tenets of social work is always exploring the “goodness of fit” between the individual/couple/family within the greater systems of influence, and that has great resonance with me.

What are some of the hurdles you help individuals and families overcome?

AP: Adjustments – including emerging adulthood; the transition to marriage and/or being in partnership and becoming a parent; parenting; relationship issues; and addressing trauma and mental health obstacles throughout the lifespan. This is a collaborative process — my clients and I are in it together to better understand what they need, what is getting in the way, and constructing strategies to support them in achieving their goals.

What are some of the societal challenges social workers help clients face?

AP: There has been an evolution of gender norms and a new questioning of implicit biases. We can call into the spotlight specific issues to be addressed and discussed with greater education, knowledge, and nuance. Societal expectations and realities are shifting as humanity accesses more consciousness, mindfulness, and compassion. 

NS: Dealing with one or more "ism. " For example,  but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism  or ageism, individually or systemically. It's impossible to not address how any one of these affects a person's life, whether in the way they see themselves, how they are seen, or how they navigate space. 

What excites you about being a social worker in the field of maternal mental health in today’s world?

AP: Maternal mental health in today's world is more publicly acknowledged than it ever was previously. With increased global awareness through the internet and social media, we are now hearing celebrity voices, royalty, and people from all walks of life addressing issues from pregnancy loss (and pregnancy healthcare issues) to trauma around birth experiences, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, infertility and reproductive health issues, and more. 

AB: I am very excited about being a social worker in the field of maternal mental health. Seleni’s new course, Black Perinatal Mental Health, is an example of the need to identify and understand how systemic racism impacts the lives of our clients.  As a social worker trained to use a multi-cultural and systemic lens, I feel this only enhances my work in the field of maternal mental health, as there are many layers of context and impacts on any one individual, couple and family. The more we are able to understand all of the factors that are influencing systems and our clients, the more we can then address issues in comprehensive ways that lead to  sustainable change. 

What’s most rewarding about your work?

AP: To know that when you help a parent, you help a child, and thereby create more of the changes we want to see in our communities and in the world. Personally, I continue to develop and grow through education, inspiration, and mindfulness practices. There is inherent joy and fulfillment in helping others on their path, and observing their growth and positive changes as they explore what is best for them. I really enjoy being supportive, helping others attune to their authentic self, and clarifying their vision and goals for their family.

AB: I feel extremely privileged to be allowed into the worlds of my clients. I deeply value the trust my clients bestow in me, and how we are both learning throughout the process. To feel seen is a natural and basic right that we all deserve, but because of many different factors, it is not unusual for people to express to me the experiences of feeling unseen, misunderstood, and even invisible. To be allowed into someone’s world, and to create a space where that person feels seen and understood is invaluable to me as a clinician and can be deeply transformative for us all. 

NS: The experience of seeing people heal is most rewarding  to me. Many individuals and couples  are in a difficult place when they arrive at therapy, and that place can sometimes feel  hopeless. So when they experience self discovery,  and learn tools to deal with life's challenges,  they walk away feeling whole and  empowered.  It is a rewarding feeling.