We social workers have some terminology confusion, some branding obfuscation. I'm sure most of the readers of this blog know what a social worker does. But while doing some networking this weekend (with people less familiar with the mental health field), I ran into some issues.
"What do you do?"
"I'm a social worker."
"Oh, like helping the homeless get housing?"
Or - "Got it. You work in a nursing home."
The problem is that social work is truly a broad field, encompassing research, administration, community work, and direct clinical care.
How about "I'm a therapist"?
"Yes, my son has a therapist for his speech."
"Are you an OT or PT?"
I usually go with the term "psychotherapist", and that seems to work well. Usually.
Well? What do you say? What would you say?
Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com.
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