How words can bind us or set us free
Abstract
To start I must state my positioning in this topic, while using autoethnographic research, the research of yourself, the first role, it to explore how I relate to the research. Like many social workers, I came into social work due to my history of trauma. My childhood was marked by severe trauma, impacting my sense of safety, identity, and voice. In my 20s, I faced the toll of surviving this trauma, and during my healing journey I encountered professionals that supported my desire to help support those that have walked a similar journey. I wanted to be the voice for those who felt silenced. However, early in my career, I faced situations that mirrored my past—where my background was suppressed rather than seen as strength. This led to vicarious trauma and burnout. With supportive supervision, I found my voice and became determined to advocate for others. Hence my research and this article that stems from my passion to share a more empowering narrative around those of us that chose social work out of deep personal understanding of trauma.
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