Search Visit Give Apply

DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Iasia Wells

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist-Associate (LCAS-A), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapist (TF-CBT),

Barriers to Self-Care for Social Workers: Threading the Needle Between Burnout and Professional Violations

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 9:00 am
Sign up for email notifications
Register for Presentation

Abstract

The presentation explores the barriers of self-care for social workers while threading the needle between burnouts and professional violations. The Powerpoint visual will discuss a systematic review on the background of self-care for social workers to help identify some barriers. Key points about barriers to self-care such as lack of resources, negative personal beliefs and time constraints will be identified. The presentation will also address systems theory and burnout theory as it relates to self-care for social workers. Burnout amongst social workers will be summarized and its correlation to professional violations. The powerpoint presentation will continue to address solutions to barriers to self-care to help decrease job turnover rates and burnouts. Furthermore, this presentation will also focus on exploring an innovative idea that could help increase self-care for social workers. Finally a dearth in research on the barriers to self-care will be explored to help consider the gaps in literature

Biography

Iasia Wells is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She began her career as the Clinical Director of two Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, where she gained experience in behavioral and psychiatric treatments. Iasia later transitioned to conduct clinical intake assessments, developing customized treatment plans, and providing effective counseling to clients. Iasia continued her Journey as a Licensed Professional conducting clinical intake assessment and developing customized treatment plans and effectively supporting and counseling clients.
She also served as a Military Family Life Counselor, utilizing her strong organizational and interpersonal skills to support military families in challenging, high-stress situations. Iasia earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Iasia’s comprehensive education and training in clinical social work including trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Clinical Supervisor etc., gave her the ability to quickly connect with individuals and establish trusting relationships.
Iasia’s passion for helping others led to her capstone project exploring research on the barriers to self-care for social workers at the University of Kentucky, with the aim of making a positive impact on the social work field. In 2023, she was elected as a commissioner for her town, where she has already made notable improvements in her community.