Summer 2026 Issue

Editor’s Note: Summertime ... but the Livin’ Isn’t Always Easy
By Heather Hogstrom
Social Work Today
Vol. 26 No. 3 P. 4

Summer offers a break from school, but with that comes a break in school food programs and student engagement. For families with limited funds for food and entertainment to fill the days, school closure periods can cause additional stress. However, free workshops that are open to the public can offer resources to help meet their needs in a nonstigmatizing way.  The feature “Building a Culture of Abundance Through Family Outreach Workshops” discusses community programs that provide social interaction and intellectual stimulation, involve fun activities such as visiting a museum and doing arts and crafts, and give out freebies such as bags of groceries and gift cards.

Older adults experience various types of loss and life changes that could lead to using alcohol and medication as a coping mechanism. However, substance use can be harder to recognize in older adults. Many side effects are similar to normal processes of aging. Cognitive decline caused by substance use may be mistaken for dementia. Prescription medication misuse may be dismissed as adherence to medical treatment. “What Does Addiction Look Like Over 60?” explains how social workers can recognize warning signs of substance use in older adults, address barriers to treatment, and support recovery.

Also featured in this issue is prevention and intervention efforts for those who cause intimate partner violence. The problem of domestic violence isn’t solved simply by supporting survivors and removing them from their partners. Effective intervention must also include changing the behavior of those using violence. “Interventions for Individuals Who Cause Harm” discusses some of the existing programs available as well as gaps where more services are needed.

Those undergoing treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction may benefit from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. However, clients are increasingly seeking out virtual services, and EMDR is no exception. There are some additional considerations for virtual EMDR, such as ensuring the client is the right fit, the clinician is properly trained, and both the client and clinician have a stable internet connection. But studies have found that online EMDR can be as effective as in-person. To learn more, turn to page 14 for “EMDR Online.”

Enjoy the issue.

— Heather Hogstrom
SWTeditor@gvpub.com