The Power of Presence: Transformative Moments in Social Work and Therapy

In the field of mental health and social work, moments of transformation often unfold quietly. They are not always grand, nor do they come with immediate recognition. Instead, they are found in the trust built over years, the breakthroughs that seem impossible until they happen, and the realization that even the smallest acts of compassion can ripple across a lifetime.

At the SWEET Institute, we honor these moments—because they remind us of why we do this work. As part of our Social Work Month reflections, we asked our community:

“What is one of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced in your work, and how did it impact you?”

The responses were profound, filled with stories of perseverance, connection, and the deep privilege of witnessing another human being step into their own power. These moments are why we show up. They are why we continue.

The Long Journey to Change
Sometimes, healing is not immediate. It is slow, layered, and complex, requiring unwavering presence from the clinician and deep readiness from the individual.

“It’s hard to pick just one. I have ongoing moments with various clients, and I feel grateful to be experiencing them. Sometimes, I am deeply moved to see their growth spurts,” wrote Ellen.

“One client, about 50 years old, was a heavy smoker. I had tried so many approaches with him—visualization, reworking early memories, Gestalt therapy, inner dialogues, mind-body techniques, CBT, even hypnosis. Nothing seemed to work. Then, something outside of therapy shifted.”

What is that?

His mother was hospitalized, his stepfather was abusive, and suddenly, he was thrust into a role of responsibility within his family. He had no privacy to smoke. He became acutely aware of the way his young nephews looked up to him. And, without fanfare or substitution, he let go of smoking. To this day, he celebrates his anniversaries, free of addiction. It wasn’t any single technique that worked—it was the right moment, and he was ready.

“This is the nature of change. We plant seeds. We hold space. And when the moment comes, we bear witness to the transformation that unfolds.” —Ellen Mendel, Adlerian Analyst & Psychotherapist

Ellen’s story reminds us that change does not always come in the ways we expect. It is not about a perfect intervention—it is about consistency, patience, and trust in the process.

The Echoes of Impact
In social work, mental health, and social services, the most rewarding moments are sometimes the ones that come unexpectedly—years, even decades, after the work was done.

“A few weeks ago, I had a Zoom meeting with a group of students. After the meeting, a student called me and asked if I remembered someone. I said yes,” recounted Ruth.

“He then told me that his first day free of drugs was when I was the Assistant Vice President of the program he attended. He had completed the program, but all these years later, he still remembered me, the director, and the moment his life changed.

Now, he is married. He is still drug-free. And he is pursuing a career as an addiction counselor. He thanked me, telling me he has been sober for 28 years. That moment made my day—being remembered and knowing that my work mattered. The impact remains real.” —Ruth Smith, Social Worker

Ruth’s story speaks to the unseen nature of legacy in this field. We may not always know the impact we have on others, but the work we do today has the power to change lives for years to come.

A Child’s Trust: Breaking the Cycle
Perhaps the greatest honor in this profession is when someone entrusts us with their truth—especially when the world has given them every reason not to.

“I worked with Maya and her grandmother, Beth, from the time Maya was four until she was 12. Her father was in prison, and her mother was struggling with addiction. Maya was born addicted,” explained Fay.

“One day, during a telehealth session, Maya, now 11, told me and her grandmother that she had something to show us. She walked to her room and returned with a bag of weed and joints. Her mother had given it to her and her sister.

Maya told me she had tried it, wanting to feel close to her mother. But she also knew, deep down, that it was wrong. She wanted to share it with us, to do what she knew was right, even though it was painful for her.

I quietly thanked her for trusting me. I assured her that I understood her longing for a connection with her mother. And then, I told her that I had to report it.

 

She already knew.

 

Maya had been through the system before. But this time, it was different. She had made the choice to tell us, knowing it would mean losing visitation with her mother. Maybe she needed me to stop what she couldn’t. Maybe this was her way of protecting herself,” Fay added.

That moment was profound. A child, whose life had been marked by abandonment and betrayal, had trusted me. She trusted her grandmother. She trusted that we would handle this with care.

This is what social work is about. It is about being there consistently enough, patiently enough, lovingly enough—so that even in the face of pain and loss, someone knows they are not alone.

“I am honored to have been that person for Maya. And I hope that, in some way, she will always carry that trust with her.”

—Fay M. Aaronson, LCSWR

Fay’s story captures the sacred trust of this profession. When a child, against all odds, believes in us enough to share their truth, we are reminded of the weight—and privilege—of this work.

The Essence of Social Work: Showing Up, Again and Again
These stories illustrate something essential:

Change is not always immediate. But it happens.

We may not always see the results of our work. But our impact remains.

Trust is the foundation. And it is built through presence, patience, and consistency.

Social Work Month is a time to honor the unseen, celebrate the small victories, and remember why we do this work. The SWEET Institute is proud to be a space where clinicians from diverse backgrounds can reflect, grow, and share in the beauty of this journey together.

A Call to Action: Celebrate, Reflect, and Engage
As we continue our Social Work Month reflections, we invite you to take action:

Reflect on your own most rewarding moments.

What keeps you going? What impact have you witnessed?

Acknowledge a social worker or therapist. If someone in your life has made a difference, tell them. Your words matter.

Join the conversation. Every Saturday, we pose a new question in our SWEET WhatsApp group and member listserv. Share your story. Your voice is powerful.

Continue learning. At the SWEET Institute, we provide transformative education to help social workers, clinicians, and social services providers deepen their impact. Your growth fuels the growth of others.

We See You. We Honor You.

To every social worker, therapist, and mental health professional:

You are the steady presence in someone’s storm.

You are the seed-planter, the witness, the quiet force of change.

You are the one who listens, believes, and holds space for transformation.

And that work matters—more than words can say.

Happy Social Work Month from the SWEET Institute. Let’s keep making an impact—together.