DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Brianna Henning

LCSW, DSW Candidate

More than Just a Physical Illness: How the COVID-19 Pandemic has Psychosocially Impacted Women from the Feminist Perspective

Concentration - Clinical Social Work

Abstract

Historically, women have faced a myriad of mental health concerns at higher rates than men; these concerns include higher rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Women also tend to face higher rates of domestic violence and other forms of violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, serving as a tipping point that has worsened psychosocial health outcomes for women. Globally, due to the pandemic, women have faced even higher rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD/traumatic stress, and domestic violence compared to their male counterparts. With women seeking mental health services at higher rates than men, it is critical for social workers to have the proper knowledge and training to work with the population. This presentation aims to provide a systematic review of the literature demonstrating these issues, along with information on how social workers in the therapeutic setting can utilize feminist theory in practice when working with women facing these concerns. This presentation concludes that when considering the unique needs of women within this context, it is imperative to understand these distinct issues, how to provide best care, and how these outcomes will continue to further impact the social work field.

Biography

Brianna Henning is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker whose work involves treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, severe trauma, postpartum issues, and chronic illnesses. Much of her work focuses on helping women, as she recognizes their unique psychosocial needs and the intersectionality of their identities. She currently works as a clinical supervisor and psychotherapist at Pillars of Wellness, where she provides individual therapy, supervision, and serves as a field instructor for MSW students. She has also developed a therapeutic program designed to help clients with chronic illnesses.

Brianna’s educational journey began at Indiana University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She then moved straight into her master’s program, where she received a Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University. She is currently a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Kentucky with a concentration in clinical social work.

Her research at the University of Kentucky focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic has psychosocially impacted women by examining rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, and domestic violence. Through a feminist lens, this has included a systematic literature review, a conceptual paper connecting feminist theory to this issue, and a practice application paper discussing how this knowledge can be utilized in individual social work practice.

Brianna has presented her research at the National DSW Conference and is extremely interested in bettering mental healthcare for women. She is passionate about social justice issues, advocating for those with mental health conditions, and issues surrounding women’s rights.