Relational Practice: a social work podcast

Ever wonder why a delayed text message or a slight shift in tone can send an adult's nervous system into absolute freefall? It's because the body never forgets the quiet relational ruptures of childhood.

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey take a deep dive into one of the most pervasive, misunderstood issues in clinical practice: abandonment trauma. While we often picture dramatic life events or overt caregiving ruptures, this conversation shines a light on the "quieter" wounds, the subtle, unsaid experience of ambiguous abandonment...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey sit down for a deeply honest conversation with Dr. Adam McCormick, Professor of Social Work at St. Edward's University and author of Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood Trauma.

Drawing on his background as an educator, researcher, and former child welfare practitioner, Adam shares how both his academic work and personal lived experience led him to explore the unspoken links between childhood adversity and caregiving careers.

Together, they explore why so...

Let’s dismantle the most common misconception in social work: that boundaries are about keeping people out. Boundaries aren't about building fortresses; they are about managing the gate.

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, private practice social workers Dr Jodie Park and Rose Mackey explore what it means to maintain safe, ethical, and protective boundaries. Using the work of social worker, Lauren Finemore, they break down the "boundary spectrum”, from rigid brick walls to weak chicken wire and discuss the ideal "picket fence" balance of structured flexibility.

This...

Why can trauma make a memory from decades ago feel like it happened yesterday, while wiping other events out entirely?

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, private practice social workers Dr Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the neurobiology of trauma and memory. They break down how the brain processes information normally versus how it shifts into survival mode under extreme stress.

This conversation is for everyone, whether you are a clinician, case manager, or anyone working directly with trauma, or if you are a survivor...

"We were taught to be empathic. Nobody taught us what to do when it starts to hurt."

Think of a client whose story has stayed with you, one you’ve carried home, or that found its way into your sleep. That isn't a sign that something went wrong. That is empathy doing exactly what it was designed to do. But how do we sustain that empathy over an entire career without burning out?

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey unpack the ne...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions regarding aggression, violence, and antisocial behaviour. We recognize this content may be distressing, so please prioritize your well-being while listening.

Aggression is a topic that sits at the very heart of social work practice, yet it is rarely "one-size-fits-all". In this episode, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the nuances of aggressive behaviour, moving beyond the surface-level outburst to understand the underlying drivers.

Whether you are navigating a heated argument with a client or assessing purposeful, goal-directed harm, the distinction between Reactive...

💡 How confident do you feel responding when a client dissociates mid-session?

Dissociation is everywhere in our caseloads, yet so many practitioners feel unsure about what it actually is, how to assess for it, and how to safely respond in the room.

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr Jodie Park and Rose Mackey strip away the jargon fog to talk about the gaps between what we see and what we know. We map out the 4 levels of dissociation, dive into the neurobiology of "dissociative collapse" and look at...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions about self-harm (non-suicidal self-injury). We recognize this content may be distressing. Please prioritize your well-being while listening.

Discovering that a young person may be hurting themselves often triggers a level of fear and uncertainty in practitioners and caregivers that few other topics can match. Despite how common it is, self-harm remains a deeply misunderstood aspect of adolescent mental health. Far too often, the subject is buried under layers of social stigma and silence, or met with responses that, while well-intentioned, fail to provide the actual support a young...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey go beyond the catch-all term of "stress" to explore the specific psychological injuries that social workers sustain on the front lines. We often feel that our exhaustion is a personal failure, but today we reframe it as a predictable biological and ethical response to a high-pressure system.

Drawing heavily on the work of Vikki Reynolds, we dismantle the "Just Stressed" myth and look at why burnout is often actually "Ethical Conflict", the pain of being forced to work against...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey are joined by Professor Joanne Spangaro, a distinguished researcher and academic leader whose career is defined by a deep commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV). With a professional journey that began in 1984 as a sexual assault counsellor, Jo brings over four decades of frontline experience to her high-impact systemic research.

We dive into Jo’s influential work as a researcher, specifically her critical examination of the implementation and impact of routine screening for intimate partner violence (IPV). We discuss th...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey tackle the heavy weight of professional fallibility. We often feel that because we work with human lives, we aren’t allowed the luxury of being human ourselves, leading to those 3:00 AM "mistake loops" in our minds.

Using the seminal work of Professor Eileen Munro, we dismantle the idea that errors are simply acts of incompetence. Instead, we explore how the high-pressure environments of child protection and social work naturally trigger cognitive biases and mental shortcuts.

In...

In social work, we are often taught to "reflect" on our practice, but there is a deeper, more transformational layer called reflexivity. In this episode, Jodie and Rose break down these two distinct but interconnected methods for professional growth.

Using the analogy of the Rearview Mirror (looking back at an experience) and the Mirror (looking at ourselves in the present moment), we discuss how to elevate our practice across any setting. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, we explore how to move from simply observing a situation to truly transforming our professional identity and th...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive deep into the most essential tool in a practitioner’s toolkit: the art of truly hearing what isn't being said. They are joined by Ross Judd, an expert in communication and organizational culture, and the author of Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections.

For social workers on the front lines, whether in child protection, disability, or crisis intervention, clients often "test the waters" with surface-level complaints before sharing their true stories. Ross introduces his R.E.O.S.T...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey explore a strategy often mistaken for kindness or "being an easy person," but which actually carries a high psychological price tag: Appeasement.

We examine this issue through a multi-lens theoretical approach to promote deep sense-making for practitioners. By linking Attachment Theory, the Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM), and Polyvagal Theory, we move beyond seeing appeasement as a personality trait and instead recognize it as a sophisticated neurobiological survival map used to manage unpredictable or dangerous environments.

In...

In this heavy but essential episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey confront the "national crisis" of domestic violence and the predictable patterns that lead to intimate partner homicide. Moving beyond media narratives that describe these tragedies as "senseless" or "out of nowhere," this discussion utilizes research from 2024–2026 to map out the "Path to Lethality."

We dive deep into criminologist Jane Monckton Smith’s 8-stage homicide timeline, exploring how a relationship moves from "fast-tracked" romance to coercive control, and ultimately to the terminal stage of homicide.

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the complex world of supervised birth family contact. Moving beyond the idea that supervision is a passive task, this discussion explores the high-stakes clinical skills required to protect a child’s emotional and psychological well-being during family visits.

Drawing on research and listener feedback, Jodie and Rose break down the essential "Supervisor’s Toolkit" and provide actionable insights for decision-makers.

Key Discussion Points:

What happens to parenting when the "private" family unit becomes a "public" system? In this episode, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey explore the "Glass House" of foster care, a space where personal lives are visible to the state and parental autonomy is reshaped by systemic oversight.

We’re moving beyond the media debate to discuss what it really means to be a Public Parent. To succeed, foster carers must embrace a hybrid identity that balances the intimacy of private parenting with the weight of public accountability.

We break down the co...

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive deep into the intricate world of Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). Unlike traditional PTSD, which often stems from a single acute event, complex trauma results from prolonged, repeated experiences—often within a relational context where escape is difficult or impossible.

We explore:

Trigger alert- there is a small amount of swearing in this episode. It is an emotive topic for us!

A Critical, Timely Deep Dive for Professionals and the Community

We understand it’s the Christmas period, and this is a heavy topic. But we also know that for many people navigating high-conflict relationships, the holidays can be the most dangerous and suffocating time of the year. This episode is dedicated to providing timely validation and understanding.

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they move beyond is...

"Stop asking, 'What is wrong with you?' Start asking, 'What happened to you?'

In our new episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive deep into applying a Trauma Lens to Emotional and Behavioural Regulation. Think about an Iceberg: the behaviour you see is just the tip. Beneath the surface are protective, biological responses rooted in trauma.

Key takeaways for practitioners:

✅ Definition: The shift from being 'trauma-informed' to 'trauma-responsive' (SAMHSA).

✅ Neurobiology: Understanding the Polyvagal Theory (Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic, Dors...

In this critical episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, we centre the social work imperative: closing the harmful gap between progressive legal policy and inconsistent judicial practice in family violence matters.

We tackle the tension where the legislative shift toward safety meets the judicial default of contact, often at the expense of protective mothers and their children. We have intentionally taken a gendered position on this topic.

The Policy Promise: Shifting the Paradigm - We analyse the critical implications of the Australian Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and proposed UK...

It's time for a radical reframe: stop seeing complex behaviours as "disorganization" and start recognizing them as brilliant strategies for survival.

This week, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM), an advanced attachment framework that explains how trauma forces the brain to adapt by strategically blocking information.

The DMM breaks self-protective strategies into two main categories: Type A (Cognitive) and Type C (Affective). Individuals using Type A learn to inhibit negative feelings, relying heavily on logic and habit, often appearing "cool and businesslike" to maintain safety...

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey for a special Q&A episode where they tackle your most pressing questions about the complex world of social work.

In this insightful and essential discussion, Jodie and Rose pull back the curtain on the profession, addressing:

Ever wondered what’s really going on when a client shuts down in a session? Or why a seemingly calm conversation can suddenly feel tense? This episode of Relational Practice dives into the powerful framework of Polyvagal Theory, a game-changer for social workers.

Join hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they explore the Polyvagal Autonomic Ladder—Ventral Vagal-safe, social and connected, Sympathetic- flight and fight, and Dorsal Vagal-shutdown. They break down how understanding these states can transform your practice, helping you to recognize a client's unconscious reactions and build a stronger, more attuned ther...

On this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive into the profound role social workers play in supporting people through grief and loss. They approach this topic from a holistic, "person-in-environment" perspective, providing a practical and insightful guide for practitioners.

Dr. Park and Rose Mackey explore several key grief theories that social workers use to inform their practice:

Join hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they dive into the complex world of ambiguous loss, a type of grief that social workers often encounter but may not have a name for. In this episode of "Relational Practice," they're joined by special guest Dr. Kenny Kor, a leading expert on the topic.

What You'll Learn:

On this episode of Relational Practice, we explore the crucial topic of practitioner resilience. We challenge the myth of the "superhero" social worker and instead, frame resilience as a skill that can be developed.

The episode defines resilience not as a personal trait, but as the ability to adapt and grow in the face of adversity, influenced by both personal coping skills and external support systems. We discuss common stressors like high caseloads, bureaucracy, and the emotional toll of vicarious trauma and burnout.

You'll hear practical strategies to help you build resilience, including: <...

You know that feeling when you're listening to a podcast and you need a dictionary just to understand the title? In this episode of Relational Practice, we're tackling a topic that often gets buried in academic jargon: critical reflection. We'll talk about why over-the-top language can be so frustrating—and even harmful—in a profession built on connection.

We're cutting through the noise to get to the heart of the matter. What does it actually mean to critically reflect on your own practice? We'll explore the difference between "reflection on action" and "reflection in action," and...

Have you ever found yourself wondering why some clients adapt to new situations with ease, while others seem to struggle immensely? In this episode, we're diving deep into two fundamental, lifelong processes that shape every individual's development, from childhood through adulthood: temperament and socialization. These aren't just concepts for parents; they're crucial for anyone working with people.

We'll start by exploring Thomas and Chess's groundbreaking research on temperament. We'll break down their nine key traits and the three primary temperament types – the "Easy," "Difficult," and "Slow-to-Warm-Up" individual – providing practical examples to help you understand the dive...

Join us as we unpack kinship care, a vital arrangement where children who can't live with their biological parents are raised by relatives or close community members. You'll learn why this is Australia's preferred out-of-home care solution and how it aligns with the Child Placement Principle. We'll clarify the difference between known and unknown kinship carers and reveal the critical role of kinship care assessments in ensuring child safety, meeting their needs, and identifying potential risks and necessary supports.

Yet, these care arrangements often face significant hurdles. We'll examine the stresses of emergency placements, the...

Join Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey, private practice social workers in NSW, Australia, as they delve into the critical topic of foster care assessment on this episode of "Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast".

This discussion explores the nuances of assessing foster carers' capacity, differentiating it from parenting capacity assessments. Jodie and Rose will share their insights and practical experiences, examining key areas that should be considered in foster care assessments, including motivation to foster, personal background, household dynamics, parenting capacity, and compliance checks.

The episode also highlights the current global and Australian shortage...

Join Rose Mackey and Jodie Park for a vital and in-depth discussion that demystifies formal parenting capacity assessments. They'll answer the questions you've always had: Why are these crucial evaluations conducted, and what do they truly involve?

In this episode, Rose and Jodie explore the fundamental purpose of these assessments, revealing how their aims shift depending on the context. You'll learn how they inform critical decisions in child protection cases, guide judicial outcomes in court settings, and assess suitability for adoption and fostering.

They then pull back the curtain on the "...

Hey there, social workers!

Tune in to Relational Practice with Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey as they keep digging into how we assess parenting capacity. This episode, " Beyond the Checklist: Unpacking Informal Parenting Capacity Assessments" is all about the super important role of those daily interactions and observations. They're key to understanding what's going on with parents, guiding our casework, and figuring out the best ways to help.

Jodie and Rose chat about crucial observation skills, like checking out relationships, how people solve problems, manage emotions, and if their words match their...

Ever wonder what truly makes a capable parent? Join us in this foundational episode as we delve into the fascinating world of parenting capacity. While essential for child and family practitioners, the insights we uncover are universally valuable, focusing on the core skills of assessment.

Forget dry definitions! We're going beyond the surface to explore the practical tools you need to evaluate capacity in any context. Learn how to sharpen your observation skills, master the art of insightful interviewing, and hone your analytical abilities.

We'll then weave together crucial theoretical frameworks, showing you how understanding...

What role does professional judgment play in your social work practice? We are tackling this crucial topic on the next episode of Relational Practice: a social work podcast, out now. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful conversation!

Don’t forget to send your practice stories or podcast topics to relationalpractice01@gmail.com

Music by Hannah Park

Editing by Angus Pinkstone

Join Rose and Jodie for an insightful conversation diving deep into the world of supervision!

We'll explore:

This is your invitation to connect, learn, and reflect on the essential role of supervision in our professional journeys. We can't wait...

Alright, get ready for round two of our deep dive into attachment! This time, we're getting super practical and showing you some real-world tricks to truly get how your clients' past relationships are shaping them now. Think of it as unlocking a whole new level of understanding!

Just a heads-up though, we're still finding our feet with the tech side of things, so there are a couple of tiny moments where the sound might get a little wonky. Don't bail on us though – it's super short and the good stuff kicks right back in! Trust us, it's wo...

Join us for part 1 of our deep dive into the world of attachment with our latest podcast episode! We start to explore the fascinating science behind attachment, unravelling the concept of internal working models and the diverse spectrum of attachment styles. Discover how adopting an attachment lens can revolutionize your social work practice, providing profound insights into your clients' behaviours, their worldviews, and the complex tapestry of their emotions. Part two will demonstrate practical strategies to foster deeper understanding of how client’s attachment and their experience of relationships. Tune in and transform your approach to client care!

...

Let's talk POWER in social work! It's a word we use a lot, but what does it really mean in our daily practice? In our latest episode, we're getting personal, sharing our own experiences and grappling with the complexities of power dynamics. How do we actually empower others? How do we balance strengths-based approaches with advocating for change? Join the conversation!

Share your stories with us at relationalpractice01@gmail.com (you can stay anonymous!). We'll feature your voice in upcoming episodes.

In this podcast, we'll talk about professionalism not from a social work education position, but from the perspective of how a client might see you, or how you might see yourself.

We'll challenge you to consider how a client might know you are professional. What might this mean to them? For workers, we'll discuss what professionalism means for you. How do you know that your practice is professional?

Tune in, and let's explore these questions together. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!