Interview With Gary Thandi Gem In The World Of Social Work

Interview With Gary Thandi Gem In The World Of Social Work

Interview With Gary Thandi Gem In The World Of Social Work

Gary brings over twenty years of experience in the social work field, including 13 years post-Masters in Social Work. His diverse background spans roles as a probation officer, hospital social worker, qualitative researcher, and clinical supervisor. In addition, he has served as a program manager, guest lecturer, and executive director. Currently, Gary is a community consultant for national studies focused on culturally adapted therapies and offers secondary supervision for interns at Moving Forward. His extensive training in clinical supervision and commitment to professional development make him a valuable asset in the field.

What initially inspired you to enter the field of social work, and how has your journey evolved over the years?

At 17, fresh out of high school, I thought a career’s purpose was solely to make money. But after starting a business degree, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. Feeling lost, I dropped out, worked in a lumber mill, and struggled with self-doubt. However, volunteering helped me discover my passion for helping others. This newfound purpose led me to reapply to university, this time for social work, and I was accepted. Looking back, those challenging times were crucial to my journey, teaching me that success and setbacks are part of growth.

Can you discuss a particular project or initiative that has made a significant impact on the lives of individuals in your community?

Founding Moving Forward Family Services over a decade ago was a turning point for me. After years of working in various roles – from victim support to hospital social work – I witnessed firsthand the gaps in our care system. People in need faced long waits or were turned away, and the system struggled to adapt. Research highlighted the importance of integrated, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services, but change was slow. I decided to take action and create Moving Forward, offering accessible services with minimal waits, prioritizing early intervention and prevention, and collaborating with like-minded community and government leaders to challenge the status quo.

What do you think are the key considerations when adapting therapeutic approaches for different cultural groups, specifically in your work with South Asian populations?

Around 2010, I conducted research on intimate partner violence in South Asian communities. While leaders praised the work, they disappeared when it came time for action. I learned that talk is easy, but real change is hard – it requires confronting power dynamics and discomfort. My research highlighted the need for integrated, culturally responsive services that address the collectivist nature of South Asian families. I realized that such services shouldn’t be limited to one community, but rather are essential for all. Frustrated by the lack of progress, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Despite years of advocacy, I faced budget constraints and empty promises. So, I founded Moving Forward to provide accessible, trauma-informed services with minimal waits – bridging the gaps in our care system.

How do you approach clinical supervision, and what are the essential qualities of an effective supervisor in the social work field?

As the agency’s founder, I initially served as the primary supervisor. As we grew, I transitioned into leadership, bringing in over 30 clinical supervisors to support our team. Effective clinical supervision involves mentorship, reflection, and skill-building. I emphasize that therapists and social workers are capable and skilled, despite pressures and self-doubt. I remind our team that healing is multifaceted, requiring more than just therapy – including community connection, basic needs, and self-care. I encourage our team to recognize their impact beyond clinical skills – simply being present and creating safety can be transformative. To foster growth and learning, we offer over 20 group supervision sessions weekly, alongside one-to-one support.

Can you elaborate on how you ensure that your services are accessible to all members of the community, particularly with your commitment to inclusivity?

Moving Forward has grown to over 500 members, including 200+ registered therapists and social workers offering affordable care, 200+ student practicum participants providing free and low-fee support, and 30+ clinical supervisors. We serve clients in over 30 languages and delivered around 20,000 sessions last year – all without government funding by the sectors responsible for publicly funded mental health. Despite the lack of support, we’re bridging gaps in the care system, serving thousands of clients referred by government agencies. We advocate for fairness and equity while actively creating a more inclusive system of care, demonstrating that collaborative, trauma-informed services can thrive outside traditional funding models.

What are some goals you hope to achieve in the coming years, both for yourself and for the communities you serve?

Personally, as a widowed father of two, I continue to navigate my own healing journey while working to reduce mental health stigmas. Professionally, I see grassroots agencies making a difference but often working in isolation. I believe it’s crucial to break down silos, bureaucracy, and egos that hinder progress. My hope is to bring these groups together to create a more integrated, community-driven care system – one that truly supports those in need.