The Struggle Bus: Using Critical Self-Reflection for Psychological Introspection and Self-Care

Authors

  • Lynn Shaw University of Indianapolis
  • Francine Carter University of Indianapolis
  • NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks D.U.O. EmpowerMEnt Services

Keywords:

social worker, critical self-reflection, burnout, well-being, self-care, introspection

Abstract

Take away all titles; humans need support. As we add titles to our existence, the observed need for support shifts. When a title like social worker, CEO, doctor, teacher, or coach is attached to an individual, it can strip the individual of believing they can reach out for help. The helper is the help. People think the social worker must fix everything and not warrant support due to a title. How does the social worker seek help without appearing “weak”? Obstacles faced in asking for help can create dark and isolating holes, referenced as rides on the struggle bus. In this narrative, we examine the culture of self-care, being a passenger on the struggle bus, and explore the process of critical self-reflection. Finally, we introduce the Critical Incident Questionnaire and recommendations for potential critical self-reflection as tools in managing the struggle bus phenomenon.

Author Biographies

Lynn Shaw, University of Indianapolis

The Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work, MSW Field Director and Associate Professor

Francine Carter, University of Indianapolis

Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work, Assistant Professor

NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks, D.U.O. EmpowerMEnt Services

Founder & CEO of D.U.O. EmpowerMEnt Services, LLC which provides a diverse array of services to organizations, ministries, and individuals. 

Downloads

Published

2023-01-04

How to Cite

Shaw, L., Carter, F. ., & Tolbert-Banks, N. (2023). The Struggle Bus: Using Critical Self-Reflection for Psychological Introspection and Self-Care. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 28(3), 118–125. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/1999

Issue

Section

General Submissions