The Maryville Online Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) program is all about connection for its students. Through hands-on experiences focused on diversity, self-care, social justice, and generalist social work practice, there’s ample opportunity for enrolled students to engage with a community of like-minded learners and professionals in projects based on real-world scenarios. Such was the case of Samantha and Alli, who were both drawn to the online program from various pathways of life – yet became best friends through educational discovery and a passion for advocacy. Samantha Found Flexibility and Accessibility in Maryville With on-campus out of the picture, Samantha […]

Tables of Contents What Is Grief Counseling?Benefits of Grief CounselingDifferent Grief Counseling Techniques and InterventionsGrief Counseling for ChildrenGrief Counseling for TeensGrief Counseling for AdultsFamily Grief CounselingGrief Counseling ResourcesThe Importance of Grief Counseling Grief is the emotional response to a loss, typically that of a loved one. Grief can encompass many different emotions — sadness, anger, guilt — as well as have significant mental and physical impacts on those suffering from it. Many people are familiar with the five stages of grief that Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross coined in her book On Death and Dying more than 50 years ago. Kübler-Ross […]

The U.S. experienced a dramatic surge in violent crime during the pandemic, according to a 2022 report by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ). Even though CCJ’s data suggests a slight downturn in violent crimes as the pandemic wanes, it found that the homicide rate as of mid-2022 was 39% higher than it was in the first half of 2019, the year before COVID-19 took hold. It also reported an 8.1% increase in reported domestic violence episodes after lockdowns were imposed. First responders — including police social workers — can play a key role in helping communities cope with violent […]

At once immensely rewarding and enormously challenging, social work is one of the most honorable professions a person can pursue. But the stress and pressures of the job can be draining. In March 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked both child and family social worker and clinical social worker among the 25 most stressful jobs in the country Fortunately, the social work profession has begun to recognize how self-care for social workers can alleviate some of the stress that comes with the job. By incorporating self-care into their regular routines, social workers can maintain a healthy perspective and continue […]

At first glance, mental health counseling and social work can seem very similar: As two of what are called the helping professions, both involve providing support to people in need. According to the Mental Health Wellness Association, social workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists are all considered mental health professionals. But while counselors and social workers both operate in mental health, the focus and scope of their work differs. Individuals who are interested in a career as a mental health professional may choose to pursue a focused degree, such as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Defining Mental Health Counseling […]

Advocating for social justice and change, helping to mitigate people’s suffering, and improving communities are just a few examples of what a social worker does. Enhancing people’s well-being, specifically vulnerable, oppressed individuals, is the profession’s key mission, according to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Social work is characterized by meaning, action, and diversity. Social workers’ responsibilities — relating to the interactions between people and various socioeconomic constructs — can lead to the enhanced well-being of marginalized individuals and communities. For example, social workers address oppression in vulnerable communities, ensuring equal access to opportunity. Social workers also advocate for […]