A Word After a Word After a Word Is Power: The Thesis and the Imperative of Social Work Writing

ABSTRACT

Social workers must be writers. The thesis provided students with an important opportunity to hone crucial writing and critical thinking skills, which enhanced their abilities to serve their clients. I share what I learned working with thesis writers about the significance of social work writing. I also discuss ways social workers should and can develop their writing as a powerful tool for advancing knowledge, practice and social justice. Although I describe encounters with students and teachers, to maintain their privacy, I have changed some details and all identifying information.

KEYWORDS:

• writing
• reflection
• social work

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Debra Carney

Debra Carney, MFA, codesigned the Writing Counseling Program of the Smith College School for Social Work in 1988. She continues to teach in and oversee the program which offers individual consultations and small group workshops to student on all aspects of social work writing. She has worked with hundreds of thesis writers on their compelling and illuminating projects.