Webinar Details

Embracing Brokenness and Reclaiming Life:  Wabi Sabi and Kintsugi in Oncology Social Work Practice

Session Description:
This presentation will examine the application of concepts from the ancient philosophies of wabi sabi and kintsugi as sources to inform innovative intervention techniques in today’s complex world.  Wabi sabi is rooted in Zen Buddhism and offers a frame of reference which does not try to hide flaws, but rather embraces and appreciates imperfection in ourselves and others.  Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together in a skillful and loving process of repair and restoration. Participants will leave with creative techniques to integrate wabi sabi and kintsugi concepts into practice. Using didactic sharing, discussion and engaging activities, this session will delve into finding meaning in the imperfect along with strategies to reconstruct the often shattering impact of cancer.   Application to our own professional experience of imperfection, brokenness and impermanence will also be explored to promote our own resilience in the demanding work we do.

*Please note that this webinar will not be recorded at the speakers request to encourage open discussion in a safe and defined space.

Speakers:

Debra Mattison, LMSW, OSW-C, FAOSW University of Michigan School of Social Work
Debra Mattison, LMSW has extensive clinical experience working as an oncology social worker and in palliative care and integrated healthcare.  She is a Certified Oncology Social Worker and a Fellow of the Association of Oncology Social Work.  Currently, Debbie is a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a group facilitator at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.   Debra has been active in AOSW as a past member of the Board of Oncology Social Work Certification, serving on conference planning committees, as an abstract mentor and is currently co-chair of AOSW Spiritualty SIG.

 

 

 

Sandra Blackburn, MSW, LSW, Abramson Cancer Center
Sandra Blackburn, MSW, LSW, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice (2015) and currently serves as an oncology social worker at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Over a long career at Penn Medicine, she has served in various roles that support patients and families, including patient representative (advocate) and patient navigator. Sandra works directly with patients and families from various oncology populations and has co-founded, and currently co-facilitates, two caregiver support groups, the Writing a Life program, and a group based Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. She serves on the Patient Experience Committee of the Abramson Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, has presented at national conferences on various topics, and serves as a field instructor for MSW students. She is an active member of AOSW and currently serves as the co-chair of the Spirituality Special Interest Group.

Learning Objectives:
After attending the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least 3 main concepts regarding philosophies of wabi sabi and kintsugi.
2. Apply philosophies of wabi sabi and kintsugi to the cancer experience for both patients and oncology social workers.
3. Examine and apply innovative interventions related wabi sabi and kintsugi to clinical practice with diverse patients and practice settings and in supporting social workers and interprofessional team members.

CE credits: 1.5, which will be available for $25.
Click here to view Continuing Education information.
Category: Clinical/General
Educational Level: Intermediate

 

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK BOARDS (ASWB):
This organization, Association of Oncology Social Workers, ACE Approval #1351, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/11/22 – 11/11/25.  Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits

*This course is not approved for NJ social workers, as ACE approval is not accepted by all Boards. Please check the ACE jurisdiction map for a list of jurisdictions that currently accept ACE.

NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S STATE BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK:
Association of Oncology Social Work, Inc., SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0320.

Completion Requirements:
Social workers must successfully complete a quiz with a 75% passing grade and answer evaluation questions to earn credit for both live and recorded events.