Donna McLaughlin

Clinical Associate Professor & Charles River Campus Advisor

Specialties

• Social work practice with groups and individuals

• Behavioral health

• Trauma

faculty details

Bio

Donna McLaughlin is known for her expertise in social work practice with groups and individuals, behavioral health and trauma, and supervising, training, and consulting health and human service organizations. She is the co-editor of Revitalizing Our Social Group Work Heritage: A Bridge to the Future.

McLaughlin teaches foundation and advanced level courses on working with individuals and groups. She designed the professional education course, Group Work with Older Adults. Her interests include supervising and mentoring students and new workers, and community training in group work, trauma, living with chronic illness, and issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. She is a clinician/consultant in private practice. McLaughlin presents on social group work practice, supervision, and mentoring locally and internationally. 

She is a long-time member of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) and serves as the treasurer on the International Board of Directors. She provides training to the American Parkinson Disease Association, where she is a member of the advisory board and an ongoing collaborator. She received the Boston University School of Social Work 2019 Alumni Award for Outstanding Contributions to the School of Social Work, and is the recipient of the 2015 Group Worker of the Year Award presented by the Massachusetts Chapter, IASWG. Her online course also won a 2014 Platinum Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming from the United States Distance Learning Association. 

At BUSSW, Donna McLaughlin, serves as coordinator of the Group Work courses and serves on numerous University and School related committees.

Education

BA (Human Services)

University of Massachusetts, Boston

MSW (Clinical Social Work)

Boston University

Courses

CP 759 Introduction to Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
CP 762 Advanced Group Work
CP 764 Seminar in Group Dynamics & Modalities
CP 770 Clinical Practice with Individuals
CP 771 Clinical Practice with Groups
CP 772 Clinical Practice with Families
CP 798 Pychodynamic Practice with Adults

Courses

CP 759 Introduction to Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
CP 762 Advanced Group Work
CP 764 Seminar in Group Dynamics & Modalities
CP 770 Clinical Practice with Individuals
CP 771 Clinical Practice with Groups
CP 772 Clinical Practice with Families
CP 798 Pychodynamic Practice with Adults

Publications

Gianino, M. & McLaughlin, D. (Eds). (2016). Revitalizing our social group work heritage: A bridge to the future (Proceedings of the XXXV international Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 6th-9th, 2013). London: Whiting & Birch, Limited.

Cohen, M.B., Simon, S., McLaughlin, D., Muskat, B., & White, M. (2016). Challenges and opportunities for applying group work principles to enhance online learning in social work. In Gianino, M. & McLaughlin, D. (Eds). (2016). Revitalizing our social group work heritage: A bridge to the future (Proceedings of the XXXV international Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 6th-9th, 2013). London: Whiting & Birch, Limited.

Collins, M.E., & McLaughlin, D. (2014). Potential for adolescent-focused group work in the Vietnam context. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies: An International Interdisciplinary Journal for Research, Policy and Care. doi:10.1080/17450128.2014.940414

McLaughlin, D.M., & Godfrey-Grantz*, S. (2012). Mutual Inspiration: Growing and mentoring the next generation of group workers. Groupwork (An Interdisciplinary Journal for Working with Groups), 22 (1), 39-58. doi:10.1921/095182412X655282

Ruth, B.J., Gianino, M., Muroff, J., McLaughlin, D., & Feldman, B. (2012). You can’t recover from suicide: Perspectives on suicide education in MSW programs. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(3), 501-516. doi:10.5175/JSWE.2012.201000095

Publications

Gianino, M. & McLaughlin, D. (Eds). (2016). Revitalizing our social group work heritage: A bridge to the future (Proceedings of the XXXV international Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 6th-9th, 2013). London: Whiting & Birch, Limited.

Cohen, M.B., Simon, S., McLaughlin, D., Muskat, B., & White, M. (2016). Challenges and opportunities for applying group work principles to enhance online learning in social work. In Gianino, M. & McLaughlin, D. (Eds). (2016). Revitalizing our social group work heritage: A bridge to the future (Proceedings of the XXXV international Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 6th-9th, 2013). London: Whiting & Birch, Limited.

Collins, M.E., & McLaughlin, D. (2014). Potential for adolescent-focused group work in the Vietnam context. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies: An International Interdisciplinary Journal for Research, Policy and Care. doi:10.1080/17450128.2014.940414

McLaughlin, D.M., & Godfrey-Grantz*, S. (2012). Mutual Inspiration: Growing and mentoring the next generation of group workers. Groupwork (An Interdisciplinary Journal for Working with Groups), 22 (1), 39-58. doi:10.1921/095182412X655282

Ruth, B.J., Gianino, M., Muroff, J., McLaughlin, D., & Feldman, B. (2012). You can’t recover from suicide: Perspectives on suicide education in MSW programs. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(3), 501-516. doi:10.5175/JSWE.2012.201000095

Presentations

McLaughlin, D. (2016, April). Group work supervision: Mutual aid in action. Workshop presentation, NASW, MA Chapter 2016 Symposium, Framingham, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Smith, P., & Weller, K. (2015, October). Best practices in effective online instruction: Quality vs. quantity in student-faculty and student-student interaction. Oral paper presentation, 21st Annual Online Learning Consortium (OLC) International Conference, Orlando, FL.

McLaughlin, D. & Gianino, M. (2014, October). One MSW program's approach to gatekeeping: Challenges and opportunities in status review. Oral presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 60th Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL.

McLaughlin, D. & Collins, M. (2013, June). Application of group care principles to the Vietnam context. Oral paper presentation, 35th Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), Boston, MA.

Cohen, M.B., McLaughlin, D., Muskat, B., Simon, S., & White M. (2013, June). Challenges & opportunities for applying group work principles to enhance online learning in social work. Panel Presentation, 35th Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), Boston, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Frey, J., & Curran, E. (2013, March). Establishing and maintaining the human connection in online education. Boston University Center for Excellence and Innovation and Teaching, Fifth Annual Instructional Innovation Conference, Boston, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M. & Lopez, L. (2012, November). Teaching and learning experiential group work methods. Oral paper presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 58th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.

McLaughlin, D. & Lopez, L. (2012, June). Constructing compassion in group work: Building mutual aid. Oral Paper presentation, 34th International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Island, NY.

McLaughlin, D. (Chair), Muskat, B., & Mesbur, E.S. (2012, June). Teaching social group work on-line: Developing creative approaches to enhance learning. Oral Presentation, 34th International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Island, NY.

McLaughlin, D. (Chair), Muskat, B., & Mesbur, E.S. (2011, October). Teaching social group work on-line: Discovering creative approaches to enhance learning. Oral Presentation at Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 57th Annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M., & Lopez, L. (2011, June). Social group work in the classroom: The experiential lab. Oral Paper presentation, 33rd International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Beach, CA.

Gianino, M., & McLaughlin, D. (2009, November). Integrating suicide prevention education in social work education: Faculty perspectives. Oral Paper Presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 55th Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.

McLaughlin, D., & S. Godfrey-Grantz*, (2008, June). Mutual inspiration: Growing and mentoring the next generation of group workers. Oral Paper Presentation, 30th International Symposium on Social Work with Groups, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups in cooperation with the 14th European Groupwork Symposium, Cologne, Germany.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M., Lopez, L., & Schiller, L. (2006, October). In real time: An advanced experiential workshop for teaching and supervising group work in the classroom and the field. Lead presenter and planner, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups conference, San Diego, CA.

Presentations

McLaughlin, D. (2016, April). Group work supervision: Mutual aid in action. Workshop presentation, NASW, MA Chapter 2016 Symposium, Framingham, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Smith, P., & Weller, K. (2015, October). Best practices in effective online instruction: Quality vs. quantity in student-faculty and student-student interaction. Oral paper presentation, 21st Annual Online Learning Consortium (OLC) International Conference, Orlando, FL.

McLaughlin, D. & Gianino, M. (2014, October). One MSW program's approach to gatekeeping: Challenges and opportunities in status review. Oral presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 60th Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL.

McLaughlin, D. & Collins, M. (2013, June). Application of group care principles to the Vietnam context. Oral paper presentation, 35th Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), Boston, MA.

Cohen, M.B., McLaughlin, D., Muskat, B., Simon, S., & White M. (2013, June). Challenges & opportunities for applying group work principles to enhance online learning in social work. Panel Presentation, 35th Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), Boston, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Frey, J., & Curran, E. (2013, March). Establishing and maintaining the human connection in online education. Boston University Center for Excellence and Innovation and Teaching, Fifth Annual Instructional Innovation Conference, Boston, MA.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M. & Lopez, L. (2012, November). Teaching and learning experiential group work methods. Oral paper presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 58th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.

McLaughlin, D. & Lopez, L. (2012, June). Constructing compassion in group work: Building mutual aid. Oral Paper presentation, 34th International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Island, NY.

McLaughlin, D. (Chair), Muskat, B., & Mesbur, E.S. (2012, June). Teaching social group work on-line: Developing creative approaches to enhance learning. Oral Presentation, 34th International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Island, NY.

McLaughlin, D. (Chair), Muskat, B., & Mesbur, E.S. (2011, October). Teaching social group work on-line: Discovering creative approaches to enhance learning. Oral Presentation at Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 57th Annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M., & Lopez, L. (2011, June). Social group work in the classroom: The experiential lab. Oral Paper presentation, 33rd International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Long Beach, CA.

Gianino, M., & McLaughlin, D. (2009, November). Integrating suicide prevention education in social work education: Faculty perspectives. Oral Paper Presentation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 55th Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.

McLaughlin, D., & S. Godfrey-Grantz*, (2008, June). Mutual inspiration: Growing and mentoring the next generation of group workers. Oral Paper Presentation, 30th International Symposium on Social Work with Groups, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups in cooperation with the 14th European Groupwork Symposium, Cologne, Germany.

McLaughlin, D., Gianino, M., Lopez, L., & Schiller, L. (2006, October). In real time: An advanced experiential workshop for teaching and supervising group work in the classroom and the field. Lead presenter and planner, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups conference, San Diego, CA.

Grants

Student Fellowship Coordinator. PIs: Ruth, B. & Muroff, J. (2007-2008). Suicide Education Enhancement Project (SEEP), MA Department of Public Health.

Grants

Student Fellowship Coordinator. PIs: Ruth, B. & Muroff, J. (2007-2008). Suicide Education Enhancement Project (SEEP), MA Department of Public Health.

Professional Activities and Certifications

2014- 2016: Fellow, Wiley-Deltak Faculty Fellows Program.

2011-2014: Member-at-Large, Board of Directors, International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), formerly known as AASWG (elected position).

2012-2013: Co-Chair, XXXV Annual International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) Symposium 2013 Planning Committee.

2012-2013: Member, NASW MA Chapter, Symposium 2014 Planning Committee.

2011-2012: Member, NASW MA Chapter, Symposium 2012 Planning Committee.

2008: Co-Chair, Planning Committee, 2008 Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, Massachusetts Chapter.

2006-2009: Massachusetts Chapter Representative, Board of Directors, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.

2006–2013: Member, Board of Directors, Massachusetts Chapter, International Association for Social Work with Groups (formerly AASWG); President, 2006–2007.

2003-2006: Co-chair, Multicultural Forum Committee, The Chestnut Hill School.

2001-2007: Member, Multicultural Forum Committee, The Chestnut Hill School.

Consultant to director, Thom Boston Metro Early Intervention Services, 2000-2002

Member, Board of Directors, Alliance for Young Families, Boston, MA, 1996-1999

Member, Council on Social Work Education

Member, National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Professional Activities and Certifications

2014- 2016: Fellow, Wiley-Deltak Faculty Fellows Program.

2011-2014: Member-at-Large, Board of Directors, International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG), formerly known as AASWG (elected position).

2012-2013: Co-Chair, XXXV Annual International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) Symposium 2013 Planning Committee.

2012-2013: Member, NASW MA Chapter, Symposium 2014 Planning Committee.

2011-2012: Member, NASW MA Chapter, Symposium 2012 Planning Committee.

2008: Co-Chair, Planning Committee, 2008 Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, Massachusetts Chapter.

2006-2009: Massachusetts Chapter Representative, Board of Directors, International Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.

2006–2013: Member, Board of Directors, Massachusetts Chapter, International Association for Social Work with Groups (formerly AASWG); President, 2006–2007.

2003-2006: Co-chair, Multicultural Forum Committee, The Chestnut Hill School.

2001-2007: Member, Multicultural Forum Committee, The Chestnut Hill School.

Consultant to director, Thom Boston Metro Early Intervention Services, 2000-2002

Member, Board of Directors, Alliance for Young Families, Boston, MA, 1996-1999

Member, Council on Social Work Education

Member, National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Awards and Honors

2015: Group Worker of the Year Award 2015 presented by the Massachusetts Chapter, International Association for Social Work with Groups, Brookline, MA.

2014: Platinum Award, Practices in Distance Learning Programming, United States Distance Learning Association- USDLA (Online course: Clinical Practice with Groups, CP771) St. Louis, MO.

1999: Leadership and Service Award, Just A Start Corporation, Cambridge, MA.

Awards and Honors

2015: Group Worker of the Year Award 2015 presented by the Massachusetts Chapter, International Association for Social Work with Groups, Brookline, MA.

2014: Platinum Award, Practices in Distance Learning Programming, United States Distance Learning Association- USDLA (Online course: Clinical Practice with Groups, CP771) St. Louis, MO.

1999: Leadership and Service Award, Just A Start Corporation, Cambridge, MA.
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