Does your internship feel chaotic, confusing, or overwhelming? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, we break down common communication challenges interns face and share 5 practical, confidence-building strategies to help you navigate unclear expectations, lack of training, and difficult workplace dynamics. If you’ve ever felt like a burden, an inconvenience, or like you’re expected to “just figure it out,” this episode is for you.

Whether you’re in social work, counseling, psychology, or another helping profession, these tools will help you advocate for yourself, communicate more effectively, and protect your confidence during your internship.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Talking about what Social Work Salaries actually looks like in this profession. This is a collaborative podcast with the hosts of Social Work to Wealth. Between Catherine's experience in medical social work and Taylor’s salary database with over 1,500 entries, we looked at how social workers are getting paid and why we need more transparency around it.

This episode is all about shifting the mindset that social workers should expect to struggle financially. We talk through what influences salary, how job titles can open doors, and why it’s valid to want better pay, even if you love the work you do. Catherine also shares how she’s built multiple income streams and why knowing your financial needs is one of the best things you can do for your career.

Takeaways From This Episode:

• Why salary transparency helps shift the culture of financial struggle in social work
• What the real salary landscape looks like across roles and regions (yes, some social workers are making $300K)
• Why it’s okay to leave a job simply because you need more money
• How to think about total compensation, not just your hourly rate
• How to identify job titles outside the “social worker” label
• Why diversifying your income is worth considering (and what that can actually look like)
• Tips for negotiating your salary

Mentioned resources:

• Supervision Log & Resource Guide on Amazon
• Salary Database – Submit or browse entries

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Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, breaks down what it means to be a Palliative Care Social Worker — a role focused on enhancing quality of life for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

You’ll learn how palliative social workers support the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families through psychosocial assessments, family meetings, and advance care planning — all while collaborating with nurses, physicians, and chaplains as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Catherine explains salaries, how to get started, the difference between hospice and palliative care (hint: palliative care isn’t just for end-of-life) and explores the key skills you’ll need, including:

- Communication & compassion in difficult conversations

- Grief counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention

- Navigating family conflict with cultural humility

- Self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and self-care to prevent compassion fatigue

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate exploring career paths or simply curious about medical social work, this episode offers a clear, compassionate look into palliative care and the heart of this meaningful field.

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Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, shares her personal journey as a hospice social worker, including the story of her first hospice patient and the lessons she learned supporting individuals and families through the final stages of life.

You’ll discover what hospice social workers really do—from grief counseling, crisis intervention, and family mediation, to navigating ethical dilemmas like the Right to Die and End of Life Option Act. Catherine also discusses self-care, spiritual experiences, salaries, and the deep emotional impact of this work.

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate or exploring social work career options, this episode offers a heartfelt, realistic look into hospice care, advocacy, and what it means to provide dignity at the end of life.

*Trigger Warning: Discussion of death, dying, and ethical dilemmas.

⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List

⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, I sit down with fitness coach Anthony Briseno to talk about how movement can truly transform your mental health. Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or just someone trying to balance a busy life, this conversation will give you practical ways to understand the emotional benefits of exercise, make time for movement, and use fitness as a tool to manage stress.

Anthony opens up about his journey from the business world to becoming a fitness coach, and how that shift helped him recover from burnout and anxiety. We dive into the connection between physical and emotional health—and how even small, consistent movement can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more resilient.

Connect with Anthony here:

Email: DJImic86@Yahoo.com

IG FitBodyBootCampLeagueCityTexas

What You’ll Learn:

• How exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout

• Simple ways to move your body throughout the day

• Time-saving fitness tips for busy professionals

• How to start a sustainable fitness routine and

  The mental and emotional benefits of consistent movement

• 
  

  About the Host:
  Catherine Moore, LCSW, is a mental health therapist, keynote speaker, and host of the Social Workers, Rise! Podcast. She helps social workers and helping professionals manage stress, prevent burnout, and find purpose in their work.

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  ⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List

  ⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

  ____________________________________

  Thank you to our SPONSORS

  HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

  RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Compassion fatigue — it’s called the “common cold” of helping professionals for a reason.

In this episode, we dive into the signs and symptoms every social worker should recognize, from emotional exhaustion to the subtle ways it sneaks into daily life. You’ll hear real stories, strategies for breaking generational patterns of overgiving, and why self-awareness is essential for long-term sustainability in this field.

Plus, we celebrate the incredible work of social workers through the SWAG Awards, highlighting those who go above and beyond. Whether you’re new or seasoned, this episode offers both validation and practical tools to thrive.

Sharise Nance is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Award-Winning author, Global Speaker, and Entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. She co-founded HandinHand Counseling Services to address mental health disparities in Black communities and systemic pay gaps in the field. Known as the “Compassion Fatigue Lady,” Sharise is a pioneer in combating Compassion Fatigue and Leadership Burnout in Western PA.

Join the ⁠Social Worker's Rise! Email List ⁠for more resources, courses, updates, and discounts.

Why is the word suicide still treated like it’s unspeakable?

In this episode, Suicide Prevention: Un-shaming the Conversation, we’re breaking the silence and leaning into the tough talk every social worker needs. You’ll hear powerful insights from my guest, who trains others to see that saying the word is not dangerous—it’s necessary. Together, we unpack how open conversations can actually prevent suicide, reduce stigma, and save lives. If you’re a new, seasoned, or future social worker looking to boost confidence in tough client conversations, this episode is equal parts real, educational, and inspiring.

Elyce Mandich is a mom, wife, girl's girl, relatable human, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southern California. She is the owner of The Therapy Co., a private practice that provides therapy services to women in California and the creator of "big empathy energy®" merchandise.

For Elyce, her why in becoming a therapist is connected to and inspired by personal experience when she lost her mom to suicide at 10-years-old. She believes in cultivating a strong sense of belonging and empathy - both for ourselves and for others. Elyce is passionate about suicide prevention and helping other mental health profesionals with getting comfortable having the hard conversations through her trainings on suicide.

Resources from this episode:

Suicide is Not a Bad Word Training (Recorded from September 2024, Use code RISE10 for $10 off)

Empathy Merch (Use coe BELONG10 for 10% off)

Elyce / The Therapy Co on Instagram

A Kid's Book About Suicide (Book)

Clinical Supervision Log The Rising Clinician on Amazon

Join the Social Worker's Rise! Email list here for tips, tools, courses for social workers, and more!

What happens when social work meets the world of sports?

In this episode, we sit down with the leaders of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports to explore this fast-growing specialty. From youth leagues to professional teams, sport social workers are stepping in to address mental health issues like OCD, perfectionism, eating disorders, and anxiety—challenges often hidden behind performance pressure. You’ll discover the unique settings they work in, how they support athletes both on and off the field, and why this niche is opening new career paths for social workers. Curious? This episode might just inspire your next move.

Christine Mosher is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist in private practice in Massachusetts. She is a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the NASW, and a Board Member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, where she also serves as the Co-Chair of the Clinicians Committee. Christine specializes in athlete mental health, and sees clients ages 10 and up, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Christine is also the Co-Founder of Athlete

Wellness Consultants, a consulting group that provides education and training to athletes, coaches and teams of all ages and levels about athlete mental health and wellness. AWC strives to help athletes to thrive on and off the field, promote effective communication around athlete mental health, and create a more positive and affirming sport culture. Connect here: cmosher2364@gmail.com

Jessica Joiner is a therapist and the founder of her own practice, bringing expertise and passion to the intersection of mental health and athletics. She is EMDR-trained and serves as Co-Chair of the Clinicians Committee for the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, where she helps shape the future of this growing specialty. In addition, Jessica is an Approved Drug and Alcohol Evaluator with the Department of Transportation. Her work blends clinical skill with advocacy, supporting both athletes and everyday clients in overcoming challenges and achieving lasting growth. Connect here: jessica.joiner@journeyinspiredcounseling.com

Resources from this episode

11th Annual Social Work in Sports Symposium

Alliance of Social Workers in Sports

Athlete Wellness Consultants

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