Fear vs. No Fear: How We Use "Abhaya" to Cultivate Self-Determination and Find Our "Non-Fear"

DEI CEU Webinar #5

Register Here: https://naswinstitute.inreachce.com/details/Information/d3790a46-fade-40b3-92ec-a90bcadaf839

Price: NASW Members: FREE; Not-Yet-Members: $25

When our identity is challenged by society and systems, we experience fear — and that fear and sense of rejection can significantly impact our perception of self and our hope to actualize self-determination. Drawing on Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching on abhaya, or non-fear, this session explores an alternative to suppressing fear: mindfully embracing it and examining its roots. Participants will consider how this deep observation can lead to the liberating realization that we are inherently free from the cycle of fear and trauma, and capable of cultivating non-fear in ourselves and in the clients we serve.

Learning Objectives — by the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the concept of abhaya (non-fear) and its relevance to identity, self-determination, and trauma.
• Identify how societal and systemic challenges to identity shape clients' fear responses and sense of self.
• Apply mindfulness-based techniques to help clients acknowledge and examine fear rather than avoid it.
• Employ strategies that support clients in cultivating self-determination and resilience in the face of fear.

Presenter Bio

Richie Landward, LCSW, MPA, MBB, LDI is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, sleep issues, substance use, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. He draws on trauma-informed care, Mind-Body Bridging, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. Over his career he has worked extensively with combat veterans, first responders and their families, and children and adolescents. Richie spent 10 years as an assistant professor at the University of Utah's College of Social Work and currently practices at Blue Clover Therapy, serves on the Snowbird Ski Patrol peer support team, and is clinical director for GCS.