Invisible Transformations

Authors

Keywords:

transformation, COVID-19, pandemic , grief, loss , poetry

Abstract

This poem touches on the experiences of a clinical social worker and doctoral student during the very beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This piece speaks to the complexity of loss and grief, as well as the nuanced experience of living in a virtual world during the pandemic. Last, the poem highlights the power of imagination in creating both visible and invisible transformations.

Author Biography

Pari Shah, University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work

Pari is a Chapel Hill, North Carolina native, and she has a BA from Elon University in Human Service Studies with minors in Psychology and French. Pari has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis with a concentration in Health. During her master’s, Pari worked for the Gephardt Institute of Civic and Community Engagement, in which she mentored undergraduate students through their philanthropic fundraising pursuits. During her time in St. Louis, she also worked at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health on the program evaluation team for Project Launch Missouri. Her post-MSW experience includes working as a clinical social worker at a long-term care facility in Durham, North Carolina. Pari obtained her LCSW through working with adults coping with chronic illness and traumatic injuries. She continues to practice therapy with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, transition, chronic illness, end of life, and grief. Pari is interested in conducting research with adults involved in the integrated healthcare system. Pari hopes to work with researchers and local health partners in the Denver area to understand and work towards best practices for training and support for clinical staff, primarily for social workers and nurses. Often, nurses and social workers are working in high intensity healthcare environments in which trauma, loss, and grief are present. Pari believes that research with clinical healthcare staff will be impactful on patient quality of care and quality of life; thus, making a positive impact in individual and families' lives.

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Published

2022-03-02

How to Cite

Shah, P. (2022). Invisible Transformations. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 28(1), 88–90. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/1896