Day of Learning and Sharing a Success
On December 8th TREATI hosted its fourth annual Day of Learning and Sharing for Risking Connection Associate and Faculty trainers and other invited guest. This year the keynote speaker was Lynn Sanford, LCSW. Lynn is a licensed independent social worker who began working with survivors of sexual assault in l973 and with children who have sexual behavior problems in 1983. In the past twenty years, she has served as Clinical Director for: an outpatient trauma clinic; a 40 bed staff-secure facility for teen boys convicted of crimes against people; a 16 bed long-term locked psychiatric unit for teen girls; and most recently, a day school and residential treatment center for 95 latency-age children with profound learning differences, mental illness or attachment issues. She is the author of Strong at the Broken Places (1990, 2004) and The Silent Children (1980). Sanford is also co-author of Women and Self-Esteem (1984) and In Defense of Ourselves (1978). As well as providing training and consultation on a national basis, she is an Associate Professor at the Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work. In 2002, Sanford received the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Work Practice.
Lynn’s topic for the Day of Learning and Sharing was Shame. She covered guilt vs. shame; shame as “The eyes turned inward”; the origins of chronic shame; anger + shame = rage; shameful behavior makes sense out of chronic shame; interventions; dealing with our emotions and countertransference; making amends and the power of groups.
Lynn is a marvellous speaker, warm and human, very knowledgeable about our populations, and so respectful of both the clients and the workers. She is also quite funny.
Many participants wrote on their evaluations that they got more than they expected from the day.
The community of trainers is very powerful. It is inspiring to see so many great minds working together to change the world and to give our clients the best possible treatment.