Join the NASW-Michigan Mind-Body in Social Work Interest Group for a virtual, hands-on session exploring Neurographic Art — a meditative drawing technique that blends mindfulness and creativity to help reduce burnout and reconnect with your authentic self.

This presentation will address how social workers can support parents through micro-level clinical care and support the mental health of families in schools, including macro-level changes that support both parents and caregivers. Emphasis will be placed on how social media increases parental/youth stress, and the roll of school shootings in parental/youth stress. Supporting “good-enough” parenting will also be addressed.

Grief and bereavement are complex experiences that evolve across childhood development, affecting each in diverse ways. This presentation will explore the fundamental processes of grief, mourning, and bereavement, clarifying key definitions and their implications as it relates to children and teens. Beyond death-related losses, a range of life experiences that trigger grief, including relational, and identity-based losses, will also be examined. Additionally, the profound impact of loss on mental health, exploring how it can contribute to or exacerbate psychological distress, physical sequela, and behavioral manifestations, will be analyzed. By gaining a deeper understanding of these dynamics, attendees will be better equipped to support individuals navigating loss in both clinical and everyday settings.