Shari Botwin, LCSW

12/21/2025

I'm excited to start planning for my next course Rutgers School of Social Work
Beginning in January 2026 I will be teaching Violence and Abuse in Adulthood for second year Master’s level students in the school of social work at Rutgers University.
This course examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in adulthood. The spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence are explored. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of culture and environmental context. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change.
Now I need to finish grading the final papers for the course I just completed. Time for winter break!!!

12/12/2025

That’s a wrap. Documentary interview finished. It is so freeing to be able to share stories of knowing it can change the trajectory of someone’s in the present. I opened my heart and soul and I stayed in a place of and self compassion

12/11/2025

Loved meeting Anva and having her attend some of my class yesterday. She’s doing incredible work with former Gaza hostages and their families. And she is also running groups with Arabs and Jewish people, mending deep wounds!

🤝 This week we welcomed Anva Ratzon, a social worker with expertise in community and organizational development and disaster risk reduction, to to meet with school leadership and deliver a lecture to our community.

❤️‍🩹 Her talk will look at collective trauma and how it affects people, communities, and systems. Anva will present a practical resilience model that focuses on belonging, a sense of control, meaning, and shared narrative. The session will offer clear tools and ideas for professionals who work with communities in times of crisis and recovery.

📷 L to R: Jack Lewis (Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Intensive Weekend Program), Anva Ratzon, Shari Botwin (Alum and Lecturer), Meera Ananth (Senior Director of Development), and George Leibowitz (Dean and Distinguished Professor)

11/30/2025

So looking forward to my conversation with Nae tomorrow at 11am EST!

11/19/2025

I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching another course at Rutgers School of Social Work this spring. "Understanding Violence and Abuse in Adulthood," examines the definitions and scope of violence and abuse in adulthood in today's society. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding of the role of culture and environmental
In addition, I have two upcoming live featured speaking engagements in Seattle and Massachusetts in the fall of 2026. Lastly, cameras are coming to my home in three weeks to film the upcoming short I will be featured in on and trauma-informed care! So excited about all of these upcoming projects!!

11/17/2025

Join me on Thursday, March 12, 2026 for a live webinar sponsored by Rutgers University School of Social Work. CE credits will be available. Register here…

https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/product/2520?v=6697

11/14/2025

https://lnkd.in/eCQqijD4
Colleagues and friends, so looking forward to conducting this live webinar for the Rutgers University School of Social Work. Hope to see you there.

This webinar will use real PTSD case studies to demonstrate solutions for patients and clinicians to manage symptoms of PTSD between therapy sessions. Participants of this webinar will learn about common symptoms of PTSD and the use of effective coping strategies and multiple grounding & containment techniques. This webinar will center around trauma based in domestic violence, childhood abuse, sexual assault, sudden loss, combat, natural disasters, and gun violence, but will be applicable to therapists working with all patients who have survived trauma. This webinar will also help clinicians recognize when it is appropriate to halt outpatient treatment and refer to higher levels of care.

To earn CE credit, social workers must log in at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.

11/08/2025

11/01/2025

So excited to share that I will be featured in a short documentary sponsored by Columbia University!

Here’s a snippet of what the project will be about: “The current project centers around trauma, and I think your voice, your experience with clients, and your personal experience can help shed light on the topic for viewers. The core of the short film will be a general overview of trauma and PTSD, supported by your own experience, both personal experience and experience as a therapist.”
Cameras will be coming to my home next month. Stay tuned for more details. Once the Doc is released it will be available to the public. 🙏
Rutgers University School of Social Work Bloomsbury U.S.