Planting Seeds of Growth: A Year in Review and New Horizons for 2025
As the sun sets on 2024, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this year has been for Lets Reseed. Starting a private practice as a social worker felt like planting a seed in unknown soil – equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Now, looking back, it’s clear that the year has been nothing short of transformative.
The name "Let's Reseed" captures the heart of what this practice stands for: the opportunity to nurture growth, cultivate resilience, and replant hope where it has been lost. But it’s also deeply personal for me. "Let's Reseed" represents being brave, believing in myself, and stepping out of my comfort zone to grow. After years in practice, I had lost some of my spark – a feeling that is all too common in our field. This year has been about replanting and reigniting that passion, proving to myself that it’s never too late to grow in new directions.
2024: A Year of Firsts and Flourishing
This year was about setting roots and nurturing growth. From supporting clients through life’s challenges to building connections with fellow professionals, 2024 was full of opportunities to grow and adapt. Some highlights of this year include:
Supporting diverse clients: From veterans transitioning to civilian life to children and families navigating school anxieties, each session has reinforced the importance of tailoring support to individual needs.
Flexibility and accessibility: Offering home visits and online sessions across Melbourne made it possible to connect with people who might otherwise struggle to access support.
Creative approaches: Who knew paper and pastels would become such a meaningful tool? A highlight was working with a client who used drawing as a way to express thoughts and feelings.
Professional milestones: Completing a professional diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work and advancing my skills in ACT and CBT have enriched my practice. This professional growth is a reminder that even as a social worker, we are always learning and evolving.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Starting a private practice has been rewarding but not without its challenges. Some of the hurdles I faced this year include:
Balancing multiple roles: Being a practitioner, administrator, and marketer all at once is no easy feat. It’s like juggling while riding a unicycle – you learn as you go, but it takes perseverance.
Financial uncertainties: Setting up a practice comes with risks, from initial costs to managing fluctuating income. It’s a reminder to plan carefully and adapt when needed.
Navigating boundaries: When you’re passionate about helping others, it’s easy to overextend yourself. I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a sustainable workload.
These experiences have reinforced the value of self-care and kindness. To anyone considering a similar journey, remember: progress is not linear, and it’s okay to ask for help. Prioritising your well-being is essential – you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Fun Fact: Did You Know?
Social workers are some of the most adaptable professionals out there. A study by the Australian Association of Social Workers found that 85% of social workers regularly tailor their approaches to meet clients’ unique needs (though we’d argue it’s more like 100% when coffee’s involved!).
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
If 2024 was about planting seeds, 2025 will be about cultivating resilience and fostering community. Some of my aspirations for the coming year include:
Expanding resources: From creating an e-book on school readiness for children with autism to developing session-based tools for teenagers building social skills, I’m excited to bring new tools to life.
Introducing new services: I’m looking forward to rolling out additional offerings, including therapeutic life story work for adults, therapeutic case management, capacity-building programs and therapeutic group sessions tailored to the needs of children, young people, and families.
Increasing my caseload: As I continue to grow Lets Reseed, I aim to reach more clients and support a wider range of needs while maintaining the personalised touch that defines this practice.
Working towards long-term goals: From enhancing community partnerships to further professional development, each step in 2025 will bring me closer to achieving the vision I have for Lets Reseed.
Building community connections: Continuing to connect with veterans, early career professionals, and families to create a network of support.
Celebrating small wins: Social work is as much about the small victories as the big breakthroughs. In 2025, I want to celebrate the moments that often go unnoticed – like a client’s first smile after weeks of hardship or a young person’s newfound confidence in making friends.
A Humble Request
To my colleagues and fellow professionals: let’s keep the conversation going. Whether it’s through collaboration or simply sharing ideas, we can achieve so much more together. To clients and their families: thank you for trusting me with your stories. Your courage inspires me daily.
A Little Social Worker Humour to Close the Year:
Why did the social worker bring a ladder to work? To help clients reach new heights, of course!
Final Thoughts
As we bid farewell to 2024, I’m reminded that every end is also a beginning. Here’s to a new year filled with compassion, resilience, and connection. Let’s continue to reseed hope and watch it grow.
Happy New Year, and see you in 2025!