R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and Trauma Informed Care
In this episode we are joined by Licensed Master Social Worker, Morgan Alexander whose work is centered around overlooking power dynamics in healthcare and human services. Power disparity and inequity silence the voice of those being served and strip their autonomy. Morgan utilizes the RESPECT Model to demonstrate how we can all advocate for and deliver better trauma-informed care in long term care settings and the community.
Meet our Special Guest!
Morgan Alexander is a Licensed Master Social Worker and currently works for Village MD-Atlanta Market. She has over fifteen years’ experience in case management; from acute healthcare systems, outpatient clinics and hospice work. Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in African American studies and her master’s degree in social work; both obtained from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. Presently, she attends VCU online pursuing a master’s degree in gerontology, matriculating this May 2024. She serves as the Student Representative for the Southern Gerontological Society (SGS). In 2023, Morgan was chosen to present her poster at the conference in Norfolk. Morgan is also a student member with the Association for Gerontology Education and Social Work (AGESW) and a member of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Virginia Nu Chapter. Morgan is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she continues to serve the community. Morgan has a bubbly personality and enjoys connecting with all people.
Listen to the Episode
Additional Resources
Carol Mostow’s Podcast about the Team Model
Comments
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! This was a good listen, and the resources provided were very valuable support to the information provided in the podcast.
There was one very excellent point made by Morgan Alexander that I wanted to highlight. A person’s autonomy is sometimes overridden by other people trying to (in their intent) to help them. This is an excellent point. It was stated with the framework of the elderly, because it happens so frequently to elders because of ageism. However, as someone who works as an admin assistant, this often happens in the public service sector too. When trying to help people, there is a line that can’t be crossed or it veers into the dangerous territory of removing autonomy. There’s that quote from the radio comedy Cabin Pressure this reminds me of that–it highlights the fact that you can’t stop being too helpful by being more helpful. It’s an excellent reminder to pause and ask, “Who is this form of help actually helping?” Am I doing this to make this problem conveniently gone for myself so I don’t have to worry about it anymore, or for the person I’m helping to get what they need. I feel like the RESPECT model is an excellent thing to use to actually help others and not burdening them. Thank you again for sharing!
Thank you again for taking time to listen to the podcast and share your thoughts.