L. Georgi DiStefano

An interview with L. Georgi DiStefano, LCSW, as she discusses the use of social work skills with students, the creation of the Paradigm Development Model of Treatment, and the infusion of passion as vital to sustaining a social work career.

Interviewed by Melanie Barker. Date of Interview: 1-29-15. Length of Interview: 33 minutes. 

Interview Topics

(00:31) – Introduction. (01:45) – Social Work Origins & Influences. (02:19) – School of Nursing. (02:43) – Socio-Economic Climate when Entering Field. (03:00) – Policy Releasing Mental Health Patients from Hospitals . (04:04) – Youth Development Corporation. (05:25) – Social Work Teaching Position/Alternative School Program. (07:30) – Importance of Motivation and Perception . (08:00) – Working with Children of Alcoholics. (08:40) – Obstacles. (09:30) – Move to California. (09:51) – Mesa Vista Hospital/Chemical Dependency Unity. (10:40) – Economic Issues. (11:22) – Outpatient Clinic/Council and Recovery Institute . (13:10) – Work at Kaiser. (13:50) – SDSU DUI Program. (14:25) – Creating Treatment Models. (15:45) – Strategies Used. (17:48) – Movement to Certify Counselors. (18:54) – Assessment and Referral . (19:52) – Paradigm Model . (22:48) – Interventions that Meet Client. (24:11) – Technological Advances in DUI Program. (26:15) – Socio-Political Changes During Career . (28:40) – Importance of Middle-Class. (30:18) – Reflections/Social Workers and Business/Policy. (31:25) – New Projects: Working with High Conflict Personalities . (33:05) – Address Passions

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