I see myself as a critical social work researcher, practitioner, and pedagogue. My research into critical social work bridges theories of constructivist psychology, creative arts, and critical theory. Through this multidisciplinary lens, I try to understand how dominant sociopolitical narratives play a part in individuals’ well-being and meaning-making processes; what critical consciousness is and how it can be promoted in intervention; and what clients’ critical perspectives on various interventions and programs are. I use creative arts as a methodology to explore the abovementioned questions, and also as a specific focus of research within my broader subject. Against this backdrop, I ask how creative arts can become a tool for negotiating meanings and gaining political insight, in therapy as well as in social work education.

I explore these topics horizontally – that is, across different populations, communities and social settings – integrating the abovementioned theoretical subjects and applying a variety of qualitative approaches. Having acquired an interdisciplinary education - a PhD in social work and an MFA in theatre - I put an emphasis on interdisciplinary research that draws on theories of social sciences as well as the humanities.