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Have you ever experienced that moment when you felt like you found your true purpose? That calling that ignites your passion and makes you want to make a difference in the world? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I decided to take on the role of an LCSWA supervisor and providing consulting services to other therapists.
As an LCSWA supervisor, my journey began with a desire to give back to the community. From lack of access to mental health services to the stigma surrounding seeking help, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the solution.
Becoming a social worker was the first step I took towards making a difference. I immersed myself in the field, working tirelessly to help those in need and advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. However, I soon realized that I could do more. I could empower and guide others who were just starting their careers in social work, thus paving the way for a new generation of compassionate helpers.
Transitioning into the role of an LCSWA supervisor was a natural progression for me. Not only did it allow me to continue directly impacting the lives of individuals in need, but it also provided me with the opportunity to mentor and support aspiring social workers. Being able to share my experiences, knowledge, and passion with others was incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
When I asked my professional mentor to write me a recommendation letter for graduate school, she confidently stated, "I did not get here on my own." This underscores the importance of community in achieving success. - Kara Tolman
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an LCSWA supervisor is witnessing the growth and development of those under my guidance. Seeing the transformation in their confidence, skills, and approach to social work is truly inspiring. It's moments like these that reaffirm my decision to pursue this path of giving back to my community.
I firmly believe that by nurturing and guiding future social workers, I am contributing to the development of a more compassionate and empathetic society. Each interaction, each session of supervision, is an opportunity to instill values of integrity, advocacy, and social justice in the next generation of change-makers.
My journey from a social worker to a supervisor has been one filled with challenges, growth, and ultimately, profound fulfillment. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community in such a meaningful and impactful way. As I continue on this path, I look forward to inspiring and shaping the hearts and minds of those who share my passion for making a difference.
Securing an internship, obtaining licensure, studying for the licensure examination, finding adequate jobs, and honing in on your clinical niche are challenges that I am familiar with firsthand. - Kara Tolman
In conclusion, becoming an LCSWA supervisor has been a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and purpose. It is not just a job; it is a calling—a calling to give back to my community, to uplift those in need, and to create a ripple effect of positive change that will resonate for years to come.
So, to all the aspiring social workers out there, remember this: your passion, your dedication, and your commitment to making a difference matter. You have the power to shape lives, to inspire change, and to leave a lasting impact on the world around you.
Meet Kara Tolman, MSW, LCSW: A Compassionate Expert in Social Work
I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with my Bachelors of Social Work degree in 2017. My internship during undergraduate school was at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society where I became a Level 2 Caseworker aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River. I also volunteered at the Naval Hospital Emergency Room alongside Naval Corpsman.
Upon graduation, I immediately pursued my graduate degree at Edinboro University. I participated in a 1 year advanced standing program that focused on Trauma Informed Care. My internship during graduate school focused on helping children in the foster care system with Lutheran Services Carolinas. At this agency, we assisted children and families through Family Foster Care, Therapeutic Foster Care and Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT). Upon graduation in 2018, I immediately started working with the Special Operations Community and helped spear head a program for the Camp Lejeune area. After that I transitioned to community based services where I served as a Lead for an Intensive In Home team that provided services to youth at risk of being placed outside of their homes. At Community Based services, I had the privilege of supervising a small team of associate licensed individuals. This is where I discovered my passion for giving back to the community that shaped me into the social worker I am today. After leaving Community Based services, I started my journey in outpatient private practice at different group practices. In April 2023, I opened Making Waves Counseling and Wellness.
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