Episode 16
Evelyn Plattenberg-Smith is a Registered Social Worker with a Master in Social Work and a Master of Arts in International Development Studies. She shares how her passion for helping people turned into a job working in a men’s homeless shelter. Together we discuss the importance of self in a helping relationship, working with a vulnerable population requires this! A homeless men’s shelter is one place where self-loathe is ever present. Evelyn discusses how she works with helping men identify the self-hate they carry with them and how aligning negative behaviours with personal values; personal values that may first need to be discovered.
She also discusses the importance of language and how we miss the opportunity to connect with someone through making assumptions and using language that has different meanings for both people. Discussing the impact of family of origin and why understanding, not blaming, family of origin plays a role towards recovery.
Please note, any and all information provided by this podcast should not be used as a substitute to seeking professional guidance that may be relevant to your own personal situation. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for mental health therapy.
Show Notes:
Ottawa Distress Centre – https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/
Victim Services – https://victimservicesontario.ca/