Episode 186: The Ethics of Wellness & Why Self-Care Isn't Enough (Joan Gressel)

What if self-care isn't actually enough? In this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery, we sit down with Joan Gressel, Director of Social Work and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to explore why wellness is an ethical responsibility—not simply another item on a to-do list. Drawing from her own experiences with grief, burnout, caregiving, and leadership, Joan explains why clinicians must move beyond occasional acts of self-care and instead develop wellness as an identity that supports a sustainable career. We discuss reflective supervision, work-life integration, the role of supervisors in preventing compassion fatigue, and why expecting gratitude from clients can unintentionally undermine ethical practice. Whether you're a counselor, social worker, peer specialist, supervisor, or student, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a career that is both effective and sustainable. About the Guest Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW is Professor and Director of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior to her work at the university, Her doctoral dissertation focused on moral development and ethical decision making and has taught courses across bot h the BSW and MSW curriculums.  Dr. Groessl worked in community mental health practice for twenty years. In her county mental health work, Joan provided the range of outpatient and case management services, including program development and clinical supervision. Joan is active in the National Association of Social Workers-Wisconsin Chapter and has been Chair of their Continuing Education Committee for many years. Joan provides training on a range of topics to community agencies, most frequently on the topic of ethics and boundaries. She is an active volunteer in her Algoma Community and several Boards of Directors. A lifelong learner and avid reader, you will often find her with a book in her hand. Links: • E-mail: groesslj@uwgb.edu (mailto:groesslj@uwgb.edu) •   / joan-groessl-54a055398    Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2408498/su...) Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com  To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail hello@andrewjschreier.com The podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education.  Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost.  Listen to an episode.  Take a quiz.  Complete an eval.  Earn a certificate.  Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-education Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier.  This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery.  Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field.  Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery.  Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.