Psychoneuroimmunology - Clinical Applications in Social Work (FPS-CPD) (June 2025)

Live Online Workshop (Part 3 of 3 PNI Series)

Part 1: Event Information

Part 2: Event Information

Capability Level: Established

This is Part 3 of this series which equips social workers with practical skills, exploring how PNI links mind, body, and health.

Social workers understand that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. As we move further into the 21st century, Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) offers an exciting, evidence-based framework that supports this integrated view.

PNI is a multidisciplinary field that examines connections between the mind, body, and immune system and demonstrates that our thoughts, emotions, and immune responses influence each other at cellular, molecular and genetic levels.

This is a dynamic workshop that offers social workers practical skills based in evidence of links between the mind and the body.

We’ll discuss clinical implications and applications of PNI in social work best practice. How does an understanding of PNI change the way we work with clients? What changes can we consider in taking clients’ case histories and working with other health professionals? How can we educate clients about how the mind and body communicate and influence our health?

Increasingly, PNI is changing 21st century healthcare. Health and medical professionals can no longer treat the mind and body separately. PNI provides a valuable framework for an integrative approach to mental health and physical wellbeing. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, healthcare professionals can develop comprehensive treatment plans to address both psychological and physiological aspects of their patients’ health. PNI encourages a holistic perspective that considers the impact of stress, emotions, and social factors on immune function and overall wellness.

We will delve into cutting edge research in PNI and explore real-world applications of this science in healthcare settings. By the end of this short course, you will have a better understanding of how your clinical practice can be extended with an understanding of PNI. Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of Psychoneuroimmunology and discover how the mind and body are intricately interconnected.

Who should register? Social workers and allied health professionals who wish to understand clinical applications of interactions between cognition, emotion and immunity. This workshop is particularly relevant for those who wish to learn more ways to offer clients best practice and current evidence in why thoughts, emotions and health need to be treated together.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify PNI evidence in how the mind and body need to be treated together
• Outline a PNI approach to mental health and physical well being
• Apply practical clinical skills for a holistic, integrative approach to social work

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: Review Introduction to PNI (15 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive group discussion

Learning Session 2: Clinical PNI: Framework for 21st century healthcare (35 mins)

Learning Activity 2: Application

Learning Session 3: Clinical PNI in Social Work (35 mins)

Learning Activity 3: Practical Skills Reflection & Application

Q&A and Conclusion

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (FPS), Clinical SW

FPS Psycho-education will be incorporated in this workshop and falls under a. Psycho-education of Medicare schedule (https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.7.4&qt=noteID&criteria=MN%2E7%2E4)

In the event of an audit, it is the member’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate how this FPS training is relevant to the delivery of FPS in their specific work context.