Innovative Social Work - Using Improv, Creativity and Connection to Elevate Your Practice - May 2026

Capability Levels: Emerging, Evolving, Established, Expert

In today’s fast-paced and complex healthcare environment, health professionals are constantly required to adapt, innovate, and connect - often under high pressure. Creativity is no longer a “nice-to-have”, it’s an essential tool for effective practice. “Creativity in Practice” is a dynamic, evidence-informed professional development workshop designed specifically for social workers. It introduces practical, accessible creative strategies that support:

• Improved clinical problem-solving
• Enhanced communication & improved active listening
• Enhanced adaptability & reflexive thinking
• Burnout prevention and personal wellbeing
• Innovation in patient care and team collaboration

This workshop is about thinking differently, approaching challenges from new angles, and reigniting your sense of curiosity and connection in your work.

Who should attend?

This workshop is suitable for any and all modalities. Whether you’re in frontline care, management, education, or support roles, this workshop provides a fresh and practical toolkit to help you thrive in complex environments with simple, fun and innovative tools. Build confidence, comfortability in your “use of self” and access your creativity for improved outcomes in your personal and professional life.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Learn nuanced, relational interventions
• Improve active listening and communication skills
• Enhance adaptability and confidence in practice

Event Structure:

Introduction — 20 minutes

Learning Session: Evidence Behind Play & Creativity — 40 min

Learning Activity 1: Practical Creative Immersion — 55 mins

Learning Activity 2: Deep-Dive Creative Practice — 55 mins

Learning Activity 3: Reflection and debrief — 10 mins

Conclusion + Q&A — 15 minutes

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Clinical SW