First Doctor of Social Work graduate explores neurodevelopmental approach to childhood adversity

Like many teenagers, Dr Clark wasn’t sure of his path after high school. At 16, he only knew he wanted to work with people. When his mother suggested social work, he dismissed the idea, thinking it didn’t align with his ideas for the future.

But life had other plans and now, more than a decade later, Dr Clark is the first graduate of the Doctor of Social Work programme at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and is preparing to launch a charity aimed at improving the education and practice of current and future social workers.

A pivotal moment came during a three-month volunteer trip to Samoa, where Dr Clark supported survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. It was there where he says a lightbulb went off.

“It was challenging and eye-opening, but it helped me truly understand what social work is about. I’d worked with children in many roles and was always drawn to those who had faced adversity and exhibited challenging behaviours. I realised my earlier misconception, that social work was about removing children, was completely off. It’s really about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, about advocacy, challenging societal structures and upholding human rights. That deeply aligns with what I stand for.”

After completing his Master of Applied Social Work, Dr Clark wanted to deepen his knowledge and skills to better support children who have experienced trauma. This goal led him to enrol in the Doctor of Social Work programme.

“The programme is designed for practice leadership and is more than just an academic pathway. Most of us were working full-time, like I was, so it was definitely a challenge. But having regular touchpoints with others on the same journey, along with the incredible support from the Massey staff, made all the difference.”

Dr Clark had previously trained in using a neurodevelopmental lens in practice and had witnessed its benefits firsthand. This experience inspired him to explore the approach more deeply through his doctoral research.

“It revolutionised my thinking. The programme gave me the space to fully explore how to translate neuroscience into practical tools. A core element of the model is creating a sense of safety and helping people regulate themselves. That’s not easy, when someone is stressed, their brain can’t immediately calm down or process what’s being said.

I remember working with a young boy who had a history of severe trauma. He couldn’t sit still or focus on school because he was dysregulated and running around. So, we tried blowing bubbles. At first, he couldn’t do it as his breathing was too fast. But over time, he slowed down, controlled his breath and calmed himself. That moment of connection was powerful. It turned a simple activity into something therapeutic. That’s the power of this knowledge in action.”

Two vital pillars of the neurodevelopmental model are cultural and relational connection, along with a strong sense of belonging. These are the elements that Dr Clark describes as the foundation of all effective social work.

Now equipped with both the research and practical experience, Dr Clark feels ready to train others in the model and support its implementation. This has also allowed him to realise a long-held dream of founding Relate Services, a charity dedicated to helping children who’ve experienced trauma and supporting them on their healing journeys.

“Making training and knowledge more accessible is crucial. This approach should be foundational to how we engage with people affected by trauma. I’d love to see this kind of training embedded in all social work programmes across the country. The skills I had as a practitioner were a good starting point, but learning the practical tools of this model has taken my ability to help people to whole new level.”

Dr Clark’s research journey took some unexpected turns, including a move to London in 2020. There, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, he spent most of his time conducting data collection and analysis. When he returned to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021, he stepped into the role of Chief Executive of ANZASW, the professional body for social workers in the country, while continuing work on his doctorate.

He says one of the most rewarding parts of the research was conducting interviews and speaking with other practitioners.

“It was inspiring to hear their stories and learn about the work they’re doing. Being in that position as a researcher is a real privilege. I was especially struck by the strong commitment among social workers to supporting children’s cultural connections. There’s often a narrative in child protection that this doesn’t happen, but what I found was quite the opposite. There was a real emphasises on its significance and it was woven into practice in such natural and meaningful ways.”

Balancing full-time work and doctoral study was no small feat, but Dr Clark says the experience proved something important to him.

“It was tough, and the imposter syndrome was real, but I finished with a piece of work that I know will have long-term impact. That makes it all worth it.”

Now preparing to move from Australia back to New Zealand to launch his charity, he says he doesn’t plan to pursue an academic career but is committed to continuing to share what he’s learned.

Dr Clark wishes to thank his supervisors Dr Nicky Stanley-Clarke and Emeritus Professor Robyn Munford for their support.

“Both Nicky and Robyn have been incredible mentors. The relationships I’ve built with them are lifelong, and I value them deeply. They’ve been two of my biggest champions. I’m also incredibly grateful to the many workplaces that supported and encouraged me along the way.”