The Unfinished Business of Childhood: Healing the Social Worker’s Childhood Trauma Wounds

Overview

Participants will examine the adaptive behaviors developed in childhood, such as people-pleasing, over-functioning, or hypervigilance, and their connection to professional challenges like burnout, secondary trauma, and boundary difficulties. The session incorporates interactive activities and self-reflective exercises to uncover how personal histories influence professional roles and caregiving dynamics. Special attention will be given to the tension between attachment and authenticity, helping participants identify patterns that may hinder their ability to practice with alignment and integrity.

Through a strengths-based lens, attendees will explore the role of identity—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—in shaping trauma adaptations and professional experiences. The workshop also highlights the impact of emotional contagion in client interactions and offers strategies for maintaining emotional boundaries while fostering therapeutic connections. Participants will leave equipped with practical, neuroscience-informed strategies for sustainable self-care and emotional regulation. Designed for social workers at all levels, this workshop provides a safe and inclusive space to foster self-awareness, resilience, and a renewed commitment to trauma-informed practice.

CEs: 3

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Participants will identify how unresolved childhood trauma and adaptive behaviors manifest in their professional roles, decision-making, and emotional responses, using reflective exercises and case examples to deepen understanding.
• Participants will analyze and practice evidence-based strategies for maintaining emotional boundaries and managing the impact of emotional contagion in client interactions, fostering therapeutic effectiveness and professional sustainability.
• Participants will develop a personalized self-care plan incorporating neuroscience-informed strategies to support long-term resilience and align their professional practice with their authentic selves.

Tuition

• $80 – Registration Fee
• $60 – Alumni, Field Instructor, FFL, Adjunct Rate
• $45 – Veterans Rate
• Current Adelphi University Students: FREE

Faculty Bio

Adam McCormick, MSSW, PhD

Adam McCormick is a Professor of Social Work at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, with over two decades of experience in the field. He is the author of LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care and the forthcoming book, The Unfinished Business of Childhood, focusing on the impact of childhood trauma on helping professionals. His work emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and authentic connection in sustaining professional well-being.

Credentialing Information

Adelphi University School of Social Work is an approved provider for continuing education credits for the following:

• Social Workers
• LMHC
• LMFT
• OASAS/CASAC Renewal (pending)
• APA Psychology
• LCAT
• NYSED Psychology

Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.

See full credentialing information and CEUs

Cancellation Policy

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows. We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.

Accessibility Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.