Overview

Social workers stand at the intersection of compassion and burnout, balancing an unwavering commitment to others with the personal toll it takes. They face an unspoken crisis: how to love a profession that feels like it takes more than it gives. Nadine Boyne names what so many feel but rarely say out loud: too often, social work becomes Career Self-Harm(TM) - a cycle of chronic overwork, perfectionism, and emotional depletion. This book is a bold, compassionate call to action for social workers who are exhausted, disillusioned, and quietly wondering, 'How did I get here?' Social Work is Not Self-Harm is a provocative roadmap to shift the existing dynamic, providing a way for social workers to thrive personally and professionally. This isn't another self-care book. It's a mirror, a map, and a manifesto. Using the SAVI approach - Self-Aware, Authentic, Valuing, Intentional - this book delivers a transformative take on professional longevity: one that prioritises self-discovery, holistic well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. It introduces journey inspired by Appreciative Inquiry, inviting them to decide, discover, dream, design and do. Through these phases, readers reconnect with who they are beyond the title of 'Social Worker', map out what they truly want, and reimagine social work as a profession of flourishing rather than survival. Written by Nadine Boyne, an experienced social work leader, coach, and mentor, Social Work is Not Self-Harm is infused with a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and actionable exercises. Readers will be empowered to: Rediscover the passion that brought them to social work in the first place, (Re)Build a career that aligns with their personal values and aspirations, and Establish boundaries and practices to sustain well-being and joy in the long term. The book opens with a heartfelt recognition of the dedication, passion, and resilience that social workers bring to their roles every day. The risk to social workers in the current challenging environment is powerfully demonstrated by a new referral showing the safeguarding indications that a social worker presents, where burn-out is often reframed as commitment. Upon the realisation that the first steps needed are a decision to take action and commit to change, the reader can choose what they want. This shift is critical and is the decide phase of the process. From detailed exercises and examples designed to enhance self-awareness, social workers can discover core values, personal strengths and the 'why' behind their work. In the dream phase, readers are then invited to envisage what they want in key life domains, and are then guided into the design element of their future, both professionally and personally. The final stage of this process is do. This brings the new learning into action, with a clear framework of ongoing support and encouragement. Whether the reader is a new social worker navigating their first steps, an experienced practitioner grappling with burnout, a seasoned specialist looking to rekindle their love for the profession, or a social worker who left the profession and is considering ways to return on their own terms, Social Work is Not Self-Harm offers a timely, transformative approach. This is a call to action for social workers everywhere to be part of a movement to create change within the system - a new space in social work. This will incorporate wisdom from our ancestors and modern technology to truly re-humanise social work and create meaningful change. Social Work is Not Self-Harm paves the way for transforming self and transforming social work. This book is for anyone who's felt unseen, overextended, or on the edge of ........

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