Because of My Intern, I'm a Better Social Worker

by Lori Sirs, DSW, LICSW

     I am one bead on the strand of my social work generations bracelet. My aunt was a CPS worker in the 1960s and 1970s, and as a girl coming of age, I was in awe of her passion for social justice, for making a difference, for doing what was right. Late night conversations with her and her colleagues were empowering for my adolescent self, whose voice was sought out, encouraged, expected. They genuinely wanted to know my thoughts. This was the first time I experienced such expectant listening; these were no patronizing, wait-your-turn conversations. Years later, I had mentors in my social work program at Boise State University and my internship placements. Each of these encouragers gave me new perspective; each of these helped me hone my own perspective. Like stringing beads on a cord, I gathered up the wisdom they shared - all the epiphanies, the lenses, the rich stories. When given the opportunity to take on the role of field instructor, I felt ready to add to the knowledge cords of other budding social workers.

     Several years into this new role, I met a particular intern, Julie Meek, who altered my life course. Also passionate about social work, Julie was the kind of intern who makes teaching a delight. She questioned things. She challenged me to consider innovative practices and to look through lenses I didn’t know existed. I thought I would be handing off beads to add to her own string of knowledge, but she grew mine exponentially and ultimately opened the door for me to pursue my doctorate.

     It all started with a request to include a practice with which she was familiar, poi spinning, as an activity in one of our therapeutic groups. Poi spinning is a practice that originated with the Maori of New Zealand but has become a popular flow art internationally, modified as a pair of long socks weighted with a small sack or pouch filled with rice. These are then swung around the body rhythmically, in tandem with others, or simply however the poi spinner feels moved to spin them. Being an evidence-based practitioner, I asked her to find support for its use. She dutifully sought this out only to find that there was no published research on poi spinning specifically, but there was good support for the components of poi spinning: movement therapies that utilized rhythmic movement, sensory feedback, use of props, and expression through movement. The group activity was a hit, and we started implementing this in individual and group therapy sessions. The next couple of years found us presenting together on this innovative intervention at regional, national, and international conferences. Later, in my DSW program, I completed the first known study to look at the therapeutic impact of poi spinning for children and adolescents.

     Because of Julie, I came full circle and once again felt empowered to share my passion, tell my story, and to make a difference. Because of Julie, I am a better social worker. 

Lori Sirs, DSW, LICSW, is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education at Saint Martin's University.