Empowered Humanity Theory and Social Work Practice

About this episode

This podcast explores the application of Empowered Humanity Theory (EHT) within social work practice, emphasizing its alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Developed as a neuroscience-informed framework, EHT cultivates three core attitudes—Value-Centered Identity, the Dignity Lens, and a Compassionate-Inquisitive Mindset—supported by daily practices that build awareness, equanimity, compassion, and recognition of common humanity.

Social workers face high exposure to trauma, ethical complexity, compassion fatigue, and emotionally charged cases. EHT provides tools for self-regulation and co-regulation, enabling practitioners to remain grounded in values during crises. By filtering decisions through chosen values, honoring the dignity of every client, and replacing judgment with curiosity, social workers strengthen therapeutic alliances and reduce bias.

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes service, dignity and worth of the person, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. EHT reinforces these values by anchoring practice in compassion, reframing social justice through dignity, aligning identity with integrity, and fostering curiosity and presence in relationships. Ultimately, EHT offers social workers a practical, dignity-based framework to sustain resilience, prevent burnout, and embody ethical principles in daily practice.

Takeaways

* The empowered humanity theory strengthens wellbeing.

* It cultivates three core attitudes.

* A valued-centered identity is crucial for personal growth.

* Filtering thoughts through core values aids decision-making.

* Gratitude, dignity, and humor are essential core values.

* Living authentically means aligning actions with values.

* External labels should not dictate our identity.

* Guidance comes from within, not from societal expectations.

* Personal difficulties can be navigated through core values.

* Striving for wholeness from the inside out is key.

ProSocial Workers is a subsidiary of the Institute for Liberal Values, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting pluralistic, free, and democratic societies. The Institute for Liberal Values is ProSocial Workers’ fiscal sponsor.

This course was recorded on November 21, 2025.

It is intended for a beginning social worker audience, while also appealing to parents and other helping professionals.

Social workers and others seeking continuing education credit may learn more by going to ProSocialWorkers.com

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Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

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