Disclosure - Pursuing Degree In Social Work

[Orange Phone]

Hi Everyone,

I am potentially looking to get my masters in social work. A lot of this motivation comes with some crappy experiences with social workers as I navigated "the system." I have always had an interest in mental health before I even knew I had CPTSD. So I am 50 and want to go back to school.

If anyone has similar experience would you disclose this while trying to be admitted? I think, well. I could do WAY better than that awful social worker at the hosptial, but well, why was I in? Oh yeah, it was part of my safety plan with my therapist.. um... dunno?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Freida]

No personal knowledge but I think I would leave it out -- unless they specifically ask if you have had any treatment in the past.

 

[Sideways]

Is there any particular reason you think you should disclose? For example, if you’ll need assistance with assignments of you’re applying for a disability scholarship...?

Otherwise I don’t see how it’s their business...??

 

[Friday]

Don’t lie to cops, exaggerate to doctors, or attempt to manipulate therapists. They’ll see right through you, and not be impressed.

Which is exactly what you’re talking about doing in explaining how you want to be a social worker, because social workers suck ass, and need YOU to swoop in and fix the problem... in nicer verbiage... present company excluded, of course.

It’s very tricky to insult an entire field, present company excluded, and get away with it. It can be done, but it requires total honesty (which you don’t want to do) or game. And the moment you start gaming a highly trained master manipulator? Their radar is going to start going off like craaaaaaaazy, and all those skills are going to be über focused on you. If they’re any good at their profession they’re going to be able to read you like a book, and there was no point in trying to game them, anyway.

Focus on the reasons you want to be a social worker that go beyond the bad experiences, into what would make a good experience. What you want to be able to do, not what you don’t want to do (IE be like the shitty ones).

Later? After you know the people you’re talking to? And I’m talking serious time, and really know them... Sharing bad experiences as motivations doesn’t come across the same way.

 

[ILoveLife]

Agreed with @Friday...

I think you can also be honest too - "I want to do this because I've been in the system and know that people who want to do well are needed" - there's no need to disclose actual PTSD for that, only if you want to.

(Then when you get to the field of work, you'll see the amount of beaurocracy, stupid bosses, bad action plans "from above", attempts by co-workers to minimize your job, etc etc etc, and see that even the most well meaning person sometimes has their hands tied.)

 

[Orange Phone]

Thanks all. Great insights..

For the record.. I only think the really crappy ones are the mean and rude ones. The system does suck and people can at least be kind and treat people with dignity and respect. I had one that was so mean. Just mean. Another was awful with her demeanor. Most others, some good and others not so much were at least kind people.

 

[grit]

I agreed with friday above 100%. Do not focus those that were bad. Focus what worked for you and how that can be something that gives you insight into how you may help others.

Just so your dislike for the past bad SW does not come across in your interaction, it may help to write out why you really want to help others? Hopefully it is not because some SW are bad. It is because SW worked for you and you learned a lot of great skills and you want to learn even more of these good stuff.

 

[blackemerald1]

Have you considered doing some kind of placement with a social worker before you commit.

SW can just suck because they will suck at ANY job they do. Other's mean well and miss the mark unfortunately.

Have you discussed this with a good SW who is currently in the system?

I think it is fabulous you want to return to study btw and I wish you the very best!!

 

[Orange Phone]

Thanks Sietz and everyone.

I have actually discussed it to a degree with a good friend who is a social worker. She thinks I'd be a really good one. :)

I also wonder about my confidence, which has taken a big hit the last year with the PTSD really hitting hard. (Did nor know I had PTSD until a year ago). And wonder about school. May take a class at the local community college in spring to get my feet "wet." And see how it goes..

 

[Stephernovas]

I’m a social worker by trade. While It was just after graduating I had my trauma and developed PTSD, I’ve always been honest with just about everyone with the PTSD and life in general. It makes you down to earth and a realist. Most are too scared to admit they have issues but if you are confident in sharing yours (enough to build rapport), then you’ve easily won the battles that many other social workers without your insight are still fighting. As long as you learn how to use it effectively, you have a HUGE skill set others could only wish they had to connect with clients better.

I like to think it’s all about presentation with any personal information when advocating for yourself to get into a program or whatever. People in the review committees/admissions actually prefer those who have learned through personal experience. That makes you WAY more relateable.