Dr. Janice Berry Edwards Honored at the AAPCSW Biennial Conference

Dr. Janice Berry Edwards, MSW, PhD, LICSW, was honored with the prestigious Professional Writing Award at the 2025 Biennial Conference of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW). Presented by Dr. Golnar Simpson, PhD, LCSW, the award recognized Dr. Edwards’ scholarship and contributions to clinical social work literature. As noted in the presentation, the Professional Writing Award is reserved for a scholar whose individual accomplishments and extensive body of publications have significantly shaped psychoanalytic clinical social work, advancing both theoretical discourse and applied practice.

Dr. Edwards’ professional journey reflects an integration of scholarship, clinical expertise, leadership, and service. An alumna of the Howard University School of Social Work, where she earned her MSW, she went on to complete her PhD at the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America. Since 2011, she has served as a professor at Howard University School of Social Work, where her influence extends beyond the classroom. Through her teaching and mentorship, she has shaped generations of social workers to think psychoanalytically about clinical practice. Her academic career has also included appointments at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, Catholic University School of Social Work, and Smith College School for Social Work, further expanding her pedagogical reach.

Her leadership extends nationally through her role as President of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW), where she helps guide the direction of the discipline. In addition, Dr. Edwards served as Principal Investigator of a multimillion-dollar Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant dedicated to training social work students in behavioral health, strengthening the clinical workforce and advancing integrated care models.

Dr. Edwards’ scholarly contributions have been substantial. Her publications include a book, multiple book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles that examine the profession’s understanding of psychoanalytic theory, intergenerational trauma, and structural determinants of well-being. Among her recent works is the 2025 chapter “Psychoanalytic Theories” in the 7th edition of Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theoretical Approaches, a foundational text in social work education. That same year, she authored “The Body Remembers: How History is Written in the Intrapsyche of Descendants of the Enslaved,” an examination of how historical trauma is carried within unconscious relational patterns. In 2022, she contributed “Economic Insecurity and Family Well-being: A Macro Perspective” to the Encyclopedia of Social Work, bridging macro-level economic realities with family functioning and psychosocial development. She also serves on the editorial boards of Clinical Social Work Journal and Psychoanalytic Social Work, helping to maintain rigorous scholarly standards across the profession.

In reflecting on her nomination, Dr. Edwards offered words to her mentors and colleagues at AACPSW:

 "In keeping with the theme of our conference "Dreaming the Future," there is an "Urgency" in the education of future Social Work practitioners. We must insist on the need for exposure to psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory in social work education, to remain relevant in these tumultuous times. This includes a focus on race, equality, and social justice."

We acknowledge and applaud Dr. Janice Berry Edwards on this prestigious honor from the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work. Her scholarship has expanded the intellectual boundaries of psychoanalytic social work; her leadership has strengthened the profession nationally; and her unwavering commitment to depth-oriented, clinically rigorous practice has shaped generations of practitioners. Through her writing, teaching, and service, Dr. Edwards has not only contributed to the field—she has defined standards of excellence that will continue to influence psychoanalytic social work for years to come.