Training Testimonials

At AASW, we are committed to providing high-quality training that empowers social workers, frontline staff, and allied health professionals. With a robust schedule of 8 to 10 training events each month, including webinars, workshops, in-house sessions, and bespoke training programs, we ensure that our offerings meet the diverse needs of our participants.

Our core aim is to develop the right skills that help provide the right level of service and care, ultimately making a difference in the communities we serve. Below is just a snippet of testimonials from individuals who have attended our training sessions and experienced firsthand our programs’ value and impact.

  • This training has been valuable in highlighting the many intricacies of providing supervision and the importance of continued reflection of practice to ensure provision of safe, ethical and collaborative supervision. I believe this course should be mandatory before providing supervision.  A.
  • This course has developed a greater awareness of the importance and unique elements of the supervisory relationship within social work practice. As a result I now have a greater understanding of the impact of supervision for supervisees and supervisors, and the necessity to follow ethical guidelines to ensure safe collaborative provision of supervision.  A.
  • The supervision information and learning from this course will be integrated into all of my supervision sessions, from supervising student placements, new social workers, experienced social workers and counsellors/psychologists. The course was so helpful in identifying ways to use EBP to structure processes and to offer new ways of scaffolding the supervision session.  I hope that my supervisee’s enjoy some of the new techniques and practices as well. Lisa. B.
  • The presentation was focused, clear, complementary to my current practice with so much contemporary knowledge. Thanks to a great facilitator.  Bushra was also wonderful and supportive.  B.
  • My practice will change as a result of this training as I will consolidate theories into practice which I feel will enhance my practice and confidence. Aiming to also increase my practical application of AASW ethics and supervision standards in supervision sessions – thinking more creatively and utilising them more effectively as a resource.  C.
  • This training has been extremely helpful in many ways. It validated what I have already been doing and have also brought more awareness about other things that sat on the background eg. Theories, models, functions of supervision which helped me reflect more about how I have been using them and what can I do differently.  C.
  • I am feeling more confident in and I am more conscious of the supervision model I am using and integrating other models and theories. C.
  • I now have a renewed commitment to delivering supervision with clear purpose and the language to be able to describe the frameworks I use. It’s made me more conscious of investing time establishing strong foundations and revisiting these elements where something feels ‘off’ in the relationship.  I’m also thinking deeply about how to implement the learning in my own supervision, where the foundations are not very strong.  E.
  • I will utlise the models of supervision for my own reference and in supervision, which I wasn’t doing before. I feel my breadth of perspective about the factors to be considered and worked with in supervision is refreshed and further developed.  I go forward with greater confidence in providing supervision for my supervisees.  R.
  • I have developed new knowledge and skills following this course. I have gained reassurance and validation that I am approaching the supervisory role with strong values and elements of support, administration and education. Antonella. S.
  • I have more confidence in structuring supervision and utilising tools and resources, I have been reminded that it is ok to be a bit shaky and that it is a learning journey. I will be working with my manager to create a clear supervision policy/framework to help promote this space within the team and to help them understand what supervision is about.  W.
  • I feel like a real proper supervisor whereas I felt like a fraud before. Amanda. T.
  • I found all resources provided beneficial, particularly the prompt sheet and the Gibbs Reflective Cycle; both of which I will incorporate into my practice. There was multitudes of practice experience that Tori shared that I will incorporate such as, learning feedback reliance, time boxing and challenging the notion of “no capacity” and instead looking at increasing efficiency.  Tori shared multitudes of knowledge and practice experience, which will be invaluable for my future practice and supervisions.  Tori used examples of challenges which are commonly seen in supervision, which made it effortless to link to my own experience.  Tori provided a safe and interactive space and I walked away feeling accomplished.  PS I loved the humour, which I feel made it easier to relax a little. Kristy G. Social Worker.
  • I came with the mindset that I wanted to establish a better framework for the provision of clinical supervision and I believe that the models shared have given me a basis to form this. I will be incorporating the Gibbs reflective cycle alongside the other learnings from the training.  I also really resonated with the concept of burnout prevention and how this can present as hostility towards org, avoidance or resistance.  It’s also made me want to strengthen the contracts in place with both the organisation and with the individual supervisees.  The training was really engaging and gave a lot of opportunity to embed the learning through group discussions and role playing. Louise H. Social Worker
  • I will use the reflective cycle resources. Gibbs was a great resource and using it in the role plays helped build my confidence to use outside of the workshop.  This workshop helped build up my confidence and skills to deliver reflective clinical supervision.  Hanna E. Senior Social Worker
  • We had roleplays on how to use the Gibbs reflective model, I will definitely use this in my practice. Tori was very knowledgeable, the sessions were interactive.  I learnt a lot and will definitely take it into my daily practice.  Tola A. Specialist Family Violence Practitioner.
  • I have a framework to apply to supervision. The role play allowed me to try out new approaches and listen/be curious rather than being solution focused.  The supervision training was very relevant to my work and I will take away a lot of new skills to my supervisees.  Thank you AASW! Rachel I.  Hospital Social Worker
  • Structuring session plans and structuring the reflective process in this session. Alana. T, AMHSW
  • Loved the Gibbs Reflective Practice Model, Organisational policies and procedures, case notes and role plays. Melinda. H. Supervisor
  • From today’s session, I will use the Gibbs cycle and resources and agreements in my practice. Patrick. J. Senior Social Worker
  • Will try the different supervisor models. Increased confidence to provide supervision to student. Yen.K. Social Worker
  • (Today’s session will help me with) Using the models and templates. P. Social Worker
  • (Today’s session will help me with) Using the models to inform supervision structure. Jamie. L. Policy, Advocacy and Engagement Officer
  • I had a session planned for next week that I will need to rearrange as I now have a completely other view of clinical supervision. John-Paul.K. Social Worker
  • Helped with new models and how to support the rest of the team. It was amazing thank you. Joy. B. Forensic mental health clinician acting senior leader.
  • I will use the written and practical examples to guide future supervision. I would recommend this for all supervisors, regardless of their level of experience.  H. Social worker (medical)
  • As a new supervisor this training was grounding and informative in providing tools to strengthen my practice. Sara M. Lead therapeutic specialist
  • I will ensure to discuss all of the PASE model and aim for better records of sessions. Christine.J.
  • It was very interesting and engaging, as it was the middle of the night where I was I was worried that my attention would be limited but I have felt engaged throughout the session.
  • Both presenters were clear and focused and succinct and managed the online room beautifully and respectfully. Really happy with the information and reflections offered today and has given me a lot of food for thought (I have a little list!).  Would highly recommend this training to others
  • Well organised. Valued the opportunity to go to break-out rooms.  The time start was a little confusing.  My link did not work but I called AASW and they quickly resolved this by sending me a new one.  Thank you
  • It was excellent
  • Thank you this has been very helpful and enjoyable
  • The polls and breakout rooms were really good to see others opinions. I felt fully engaged and learnt a lot
  • My role involves providing therapeutic supervision to a team of counsellors. So much of this training resonated with me.  I feel more inspired and better equipped as a supervisor with a clearer picture of how I would like to move forward in my practice.  Thank you Tori! 😊L. Senior Practitioner
  • In my role as a clinical supervisor, having an opportunity to role play models of supervision was very useful and has better equipped me in providing clinical supervision. As an emerging clinical supervisor, I found this training perfect as a foundational underpinning to theory behind supervision and utilising it in practice.   C. Senior Social Worker
  • I truly enjoyed the interactive learning environment, and the information provided by the trainer. It was an insightful content. Bobby.O. Behaviour Practitioner
  • Beautifully presented training containing in depth and useful tools and resources. Sandi.P. Senior clinical social worker
  • Loved the training. It was engaging and practical. Kerry.S. Cousellor – Social worker
  • Fantastic training and the presenter Tori was so vibrant, knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended. Michelle. D. Private Practice
  • Gibbs reflective cycle will be my favourite after attending this training as I trialed it in role play and it was excellent. Abdullahi.A. Senior Social Worker
  • This training was very educational and I will use my learning in my practice. The group work and presenter was a highlight. Tegan.O. Social Worker
  • High quality, facilitated training that is an asset to personal growth and professional development. Chinar. A. Social Worker
  • Helpful in responding to angry customers or those showing other symptoms of anger. Recognising some other contributing factors
  • Ways of deescalating anger when working with clients but also with staff in the workplace.
  • It was good for self-reflection about how I manage my own anger and how I can manage conflict in my own life.
  • I at times work with men who can be quite angry, I will be able to use the knowledge and strategies.
  • Working with anger. Anger is normal but it is about responding effectively and minimising harm.
  • This course was well paced, and full of questions for the participants themselves – making it easy to walk away with new learnings that have already been applied (via those questions). I can see myself thinking about anger differently, more curiously, when it walks into the next interview.
  • Great presenter. Interested in attending more of her sessions.  She explains things clearly.
  • Wonderful training – very practical and insightful.
  • I am currently located in Japan there are many natural disasters, and the knowledge is something I feel is so relevant and essential. I also found it relevant for the work I am currently doing for the military population where the clients are often highly stressed/traumatised Taeko.Y Psychotherapist
  • An excellent webinar and extremely well delivered information. Thank you Raichel Helene.K.  Private Practice Social Work
  • I am now working in disaster recovery research, and I will definitely refer to Raichel’s work in the future. Lisa E.  Research Associate
  • Raichel is very experienced and knowledgeable in this area and her webinar was clearly presented with helpful insights and tips to support those who are affected by natural disasters as well as how to support first responders. Thank you Raichel. Lody. L. Mental Health Social Worker
  • Very knowledgeable, experienced and engaging presenter utilising a core event to outline planning, intervention and postvention. Alexandra.R. Assistant Director Clinical Governance (respondent 27)
  • This was an exceptional professional learning event. Jennifer. C Social Worker
  • Excellent training! Rachel and Bushra worked well together providing a great training experience.  Thanks so much for the advice and support.  Disaster work is not easy and sharing the knowledge of how to navigate to keep yourself safe and others is valuable.  Thank you! Noni. N, Social Worker
  • Content would be applicable to other similar crisis intervention situations in health field. Concerning people who have been through disasters, the presentation raised awareness about various human reactions and best practice around responding.  Good insights gained about good self care for responders.   This presentation was very useful and delivered in a clear and relatable way by Raichel Green. Gillian. R. Social Worker
  • Trauma concepts very applicable when people experience a personal ‘disaster’ such as sudden relationship breakdown/being made redundant – not the same level as ‘disasters’ however the shock/processing component very similar. Good to hear that debriefing is no longer supported – never felt right to me. I would recommend this training for anyone interested in this area.  The strengths-based, trauma-informed and even more importantly, community-based approaches very relevant to this area of work.  M. Counsellor
  • It was a really good review of the management of Disaster responses. Julie. R. Complex Case Management Support
  • This will support me further in my volunteering role with the Australian Red Cross Emergency services as well as preparation for any disasters that may arise in my neighbourhood. An excellent webinar.  Well chaired and very well presented.  The presenter was very knowledgeable, engaging and affable.  A highly recommended webinar.
  • This training is a fantastic, informative introduction to a very complex specialised area of work. The introduction opens up so many more questions – always a good indicator of a great presentation.  Thank you. Salli. W. Psychologist, Social Worker, Family Therapist
  • Apologies I was unable to access Zoom in the morning due to connectivity issues. I was able to watch the recording after work.  Thank you for the excellent training.  Facilitators were clear and information provided relevant to the subject.
  • I will research further into the short and long term interventions that were described and implement aspects of it in my role. Due to the nature of my work I have to go over the details of the incidents but it’s reminded me of emphasising trauma-informed practice.
  • Great refresher for when disaster season happens and I am required to take calls and do some short term intervention with people effected (sic) by the disasters
  • Whilst it was very quick, the demonstration of stacking the deck was very helpful. It has prompted me to look more into it so I can practice
  • This will help me work with long term family who has experienced displacement after a natural disaster. As part of my studies I want to know more about EMDR
  • The information on short term interventions is well suited to my work with adolescents, particularly as I am often the first person a young person speaks with following a traumatic event
  • I think for the length of time it was a great balanced webinar