Shari Botwin, LCSW

01/27/2026

Elizabeth Smart’s new Netflix documentary talks a lot about child sexual abuse, so if that’s tough for you, please take care of yourself while watching. As someone who’s survived this kind of trauma myself, and worked with so many survivors over the years, a lot of what’s shared really hits home.
But honestly, there are so many messages of hope woven throughout. Elizabeth Smart’s story is beyond inspiring—she survived months of captivity and unimaginable abuse, and talks openly about how she found something worth living for, even in the darkest moments. I think a lot of survivors will connect to the idea that sometimes safety feels so close, yet fear keeps us silent. Some people I’ve worked with have shared that the loneliness and feeling abandoned can hurt even more than the abuse itself.
At the end of the day, this documentary is about hope, healing, and knowing you’re not alone. There are people out there who love us and want us to heal. And that reminder? It means everything.

01/09/2026

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/01/08/maxim-naumov-parents-us-figure-skating-championships/88094145007/
This week at the U.S. Championships, Maxim Naumov delivered a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Nearly a year after losing both of his parents in a tragic plane crash, Maxim honored their memory on the ice, holding a cherished photo of them guiding him as a toddler at the skating rink. As he kissed the photo for all to see, it was a moving tribute and a powerful example of how we each find our own ways to cope with grief and move forward. His story is a testament to perseverance, love, and the enduring bonds that shape us—even through heartbreaking loss.

01/04/2026

Grab a copy now of my newest on Amazon for only $21.99. So happy to see it is on sale!

Demonstrates that reclaiming life in adulthood is possible for survivors of childhood abuse.
Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse focuses on how survivors of childhood abuse can finally break their silence and begin the process of recovery by understanding the impact their abuse history has on their adulthood. Filled with real life client conversations, along with her own experiences as a patient, this work helps readers stop reliving past abuse and thrive in their recovery. It demonstrates the tremendous hope that can come from having a witness, and feeling heard and believed.
Throughout the book, the reader witnesses how adult survivors of childhood abuse can use relationships with therapists, partners, or supportive family members to combat their feelings of shame and guilt. Botwin walks readers through ways survivors can develop trust with others and move through emotions of fear and grief. She offers examples of learning how to manage traumatic responses in situations that trigger flashbacks, feelings of unsafety, or fears of being unprotected. Offering actionable steps to healing throughout, Botwin helps readers on their journeys to reclaiming their right to live safe, happy, full lives.

Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse

12/26/2025

Celebrating twenty nine years in private practice. My work is my passion. I've had the privilege of working with incredible individuals who've overcome trauma, grief, and adversity. I've been fortunate to share my expertise through expert testimony, teaching at Rutgers, and media appearances. Here’s to 29 more years Shari Botwin, LCSW

12/21/2025

I'm excited to start planning for my next course Rutgers School of Social Work
Beginning in January 2026 I will be teaching Violence and Abuse in Adulthood for second year Master’s level students in the school of social work at Rutgers University.
This course examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in adulthood. The spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence are explored. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of culture and environmental context. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change.
Now I need to finish grading the final papers for the course I just completed. Time for winter break!!!

12/12/2025

That’s a wrap. Documentary interview finished. It is so freeing to be able to share stories of knowing it can change the trajectory of someone’s in the present. I opened my heart and soul and I stayed in a place of and self compassion

12/11/2025

Loved meeting Anva and having her attend some of my class yesterday. She’s doing incredible work with former Gaza hostages and their families. And she is also running groups with Arabs and Jewish people, mending deep wounds!

🤝 This week we welcomed Anva Ratzon, a social worker with expertise in community and organizational development and disaster risk reduction, to to meet with school leadership and deliver a lecture to our community.

❤️‍🩹 Her talk will look at collective trauma and how it affects people, communities, and systems. Anva will present a practical resilience model that focuses on belonging, a sense of control, meaning, and shared narrative. The session will offer clear tools and ideas for professionals who work with communities in times of crisis and recovery.

📷 L to R: Jack Lewis (Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Intensive Weekend Program), Anva Ratzon, Shari Botwin (Alum and Lecturer), Meera Ananth (Senior Director of Development), and George Leibowitz (Dean and Distinguished Professor)

11/30/2025

So looking forward to my conversation with Nae tomorrow at 11am EST!