In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey welcome back Dr. Adam McCormick, Professor of Social Work at St. Edward’s University, trauma expert, and author, for an in-depth conversation on reframing how practitioners connect with boys.

Traditional direct-questioning methods often fall short when supporting boys carrying trauma, navigating the foster care system, or struggling under societal expectations of masculinity. Dr. McCormick breaks down how traditional masculine norms cause boys to disconnect from their internal emotional landscapes, frequently masking vulnerability, fear, or sadness behind anger and defiance.

Key Takeaways:

· Understanding "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" Connection: Why shifting away from face-to-face, analytical questioning toward low-stakes, relational spaces allows boys to open up safely.

· The Role of Shame & Adaptation: How a boy’s behaviour, including emotional shutdown or anger, acts as an adaptive, protective response to shame and trauma.

· Pacing & Tone: Practical guidance on dropping seeds of conversation, sitting with silence, and using relational language instead of confrontational prompts.

· Holding Space in High-Tension Moments: Techniques for staying present during big emotional responses (defiance or shutdown) without escalating or pulling away.

Whether you work in child protection, out-of-home care (OOHC), school counselling, or clinical therapy, this episode provides actionable insights to help you build safety, trust, and genuine connection with the boys in your practice.

Episode Resources & Guest Info

· Guest Website & Work: Learn more about Dr. Adam McCormick’s research and books, including Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood and LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care.

· Podcast Website: Visit relationalpracticeasocialworkpodcast.com.au for show notes, printables, and extra resources.

· Get in Touch: Send your practice stories, feedback, or questions to Relationalpractice01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

· Edited by Angus Pinkstone

· Music by Hannah Park