Cayce Watson
Social Work and Sociology
Adjunct Faculty
Biography
Dr. Cayce Watson is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker in the state of Tennessee and has been a professional social work practitioner for over 20 years. She earned a B.S. in Social Work from Lipscomb University, an MSSW in Clinical Social Work from The University of Tennessee, and a Doctorate of Social Work Practice in Organizational Leadership from The University of Alabama.
Dr. Watson has been in higher education since 2010 and joined Lipscomb’s faculty in 2011 where she taught courses and coordinated the Field Education Program until 2021. Prior to teaching, her practice experience included working as a clinical social worker with adolescents, families, and adults at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. She also served as a research coordinator in behavioral health and substance misuse, specifically serving pregnant women with opioid use disorder through the Vanderbilt University Department of Addiction Medicine Research.
Dr. Watson is currently a Building Strong Brains Trainer with the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative which seeks to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and promote a trauma-informed approach to practice. She recently served a three year term as as the Co-Chair of the Tennessee Statewide Field Consortium and is an active member of the Lipscomb Institutional Review Board and Faculty Senate. Dr. Watson currently serves as Co-chair of the Spirituality Track for The Council on Social Work Education's annual program and teaches the Capstone Research course for seniors. She is also serving as a subject matter consultant for a 2.5 million dollar SAMHSA's grant to promote integrates services for pregnant and postpartum women who have experience substance misuse.
Academic Degrees
B.S. Social Work, Lipscomb University
MSSW, University of Tennessee
DSW, University of Alabama
Academic Department
Classes
- Introduction to Social Work
- Social Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Capstone Research for Social Work Practice
- Research Methods
- Field Practicum I & II
- Social Work Practice with Individuals
Research Interests
Professional wellness among helpers, substance use and misuse, trauma-informed practice, and public health and policy advocacy
Research and Publications
Foltz, J. (2022, November). Compassion fatigue: “eventually the foundation will collapse” Interview with Dr. Cayce Watson Faculty Research Series, Herd Media, https://lipscombmedia.com/compassion-fatigue-eventually-the-foundation-will-collapse/
Watson, C. (2022, March). Prevention-based wellness among BSW field students: A feasibility study of self-care practices and self-compassion. University of Alabama Institutional Repository, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/8358
Watson, C., Mallory, A., & Crossland, A. (2019). The spiritual and ethical implications of medication-assisted recovery in pregnancy: Preserving the dignity and worth of mother and baby. The Journal of Social Work & Christianity. https://swc.nacsw.org/index.php/SWC/article/view/82
Watson, C., Chaffin, K., & Mallory, K. (2018, July). Clinical practice, social Justice, and ACEs: Bridging the gap with science. The New Social Work Magazine, 25(3), 28-29. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/clinical-practice-social-justice-and-aces-bridging-the-gap-with-science/
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (2017, January). The criminalization of addiction in pregnancy: Is this what justice looks like? The New Social Worker Magazine 24(1), 14-16. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/the-criminalization-of-addiction-in-pregnancy-is-this-what-justice-looks-like/
Watson, C. (2015, March). When “Just Say No” is not enough: Teaching harm reduction. The New Social Worker Online. https://www.socialworker.com/extras/social-work-month-2015/when-just-say-no-is-not-enough-teaching-harm-reduction/
Morse, S. A., Watson, C., MacMaster, S., & Bride, B. E. (2015). Baseline characteristics and retention of older and younger adults in residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 11(1), 75-82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25531670/
Watson, C. (2014, June). Generalist social work: A unified approach to practice. Social Justice Solutions. https://www.socialjusticesolutions.org/2014/06/09/generalist-social-work-unified-approach-practice/
Watson, C. (2014, March). The strengths perspective: It’s more than some catchy tagline. Social Justice Solutions. https://www.socialjusticesolutions.org/2014/03/24/strengths-perspective-catchy-tagline/
Morse, S. & Watson, C. (2016). Factors influencing dual diagnosis treatment retention; Paradigm Magazine, 20(1), 20-21.
Bride, B. E., MacMaster, S., Morse, S. A., Watson, C. M., Choi, S., & Seiters, J. (2016). A comparison of opioid and non-opioid substance users in residential treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Social Work in Public Health, 31(7), 678-687.
Adams, S., Morse, S., Choi, S., Watson, C., & Bride, B. (2017). Substance use and mental health treatment retention among young adults. Global Journal of Addiction & Rehabilitative Medicine, 1(3) 555564.
Relevant Professional Work
- Student-Mentored Research Collaborations. To view full papers and posters: https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/sws_capstone/
- Quenneville, C., Maxwell, A., & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Reimagining the Foster Care System Through a Trauma-Informed Lens. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Hoff, K. & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: The Development of Strong, Stable Relationships. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Ketterman, A. & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Gap Between Specialized and General School Systems. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Phan, C. & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Health Equity in the Minority Community. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Interdisciplinary Student Research Collaboration].
- Gipson, C. & Watson, C. (April 2023). Reclaiming Our Streets: A Framework for Mobility Justice. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Bradshaw, K. & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Improving Outcomes within Foster Care. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Hobbs, S. & Watson, C. (April, 2023) When the Victim is Male: Countering Gender Bias Within the Criminal Justice System. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- McIIvaine, A. & Watson, C. (April, 2023). Racial Bias and Death Penalty Cases: A SOAR Analysis of Post-Conviction. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Mitchell, J. & Watson, C. (April, 2022). Using Trauma-informed Practice to Mitigate Compassion Fatigue in a Faith-based Non-profit. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Bader, A. & Watson, C. (April, 2022). Welfare Restrictions and the Pandemic: A One-Two Punch for the Formerly Incarcerated. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration].
- Hobbs, S. & Watson, C. (April, 2022). Disarming Domestic Violence: A Policy Analysis. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Berry, A. & Watson, C. (April, 2022). Beyond #Me too: An Examination of Title IX Processes. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Gipson, C. & Watson, C. (April, 2022). For Safer Students: An Analysis of the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Pipher, H. & Watson, C. (April, 2021). Hunger is a Racial Issue: Closing the Gap Through Strategic Planning in After School Programs. University of Memphis Social Work Symposium. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Berry, A. & Watson, C. (April, 2021). Preventing Recidivism: A Call to Social Action. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Boucher, G. & Watson, C. (April, 2021). From Educators to Designers: Design Thinking to Combat Education Discipline Disparity. Student Scholars Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Hoff, K. & Watson, C. (April, 2021). Ending the unjust separation of immigrant Families. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Pipher, H. & Watson, C. (April, 2021). Hunger is a Racial Issue: Closing the Gap Through Strategic Planning in After School Programs. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Boucher, G., & Watson, C. (April, 2020). The intersection of social work and social enterprise: Innovations for social justice. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Moon, K. & Watson, C. (April, 2019). Strengths-based practice: Empowering deaf youth to thrive. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Adams, R., Davis, A., Lara, L., Savely, D., & Watson, C. (April 2019). Adverse Childhood Experiences Throughout the Life Span. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Olsen, L., Nichols, R., Givens, C., Bundy, H., Watson, C, & Clark, R. (April, 2019). From Victim Blaming to Empowerment: Sexual Assault on College Campuses. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Adams, R. & Watson, C. M. (April, 2018). Welfare Myths: Women, Poverty, and Policy. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
- Schwanke, D. & Watson, C. (April, 2017). Challenging Unjust Censorship: An Evidence-based Advocacy Process. College of Liberal Arts Student Scholar Symposium. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN. [Student Research Collaboration]
Awards
2022: Contributions to Social Work Education Award, University of Alabama School of Social Work
2020: Writing Excellence in Social Work Practice Award, University of Alabama School of Social Work
2013: Lipscomb University Graduating Class Sponsor
2012: My iTools Teaching with Technology Grant recipient, Center for Teaching and Learning
2011: Grandpa’s House Ten Year Appreciation Award
Talks and Presentations
Watson, C. (Accepted). The Protective Nature of Self-Care and Self-Compassion among Practicum Students. Council on Social Work Education 2023 Annual Program. Atlanta, Georgia.
Watson, C. (April, 2021). A Culture of Trauma-Informed Care: Trauma Awareness Training. SAMHSA PPW Grant Training, Mending Hearts and Meharry Medical, Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. (April, 2023) The Protective Benefits of Self-Care Practice and Self-Compassion Among Practicum Students. The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors Annual Program Birmingham, Alabama.
Watson, C. (October, 2022). Self-Care and Self-Compassion in Field Practicum: A Pilot Study, Inspired by Our Roots: Innovating for Our Future, NACSW Annual Program, Oakbrook, IL. Watson, C. (October, 2022). Social Work Research Opportunities. Faculty Research Day, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. (October, 2022). Panel Speaker, The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Center for Teaching and Learning, Research Series. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. (July, 2022). The Protective Benefits of Self-Care and Self-Compassion. International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Clinical Supervision. The Catholic University of America, National Catholic School of Social Service, Washington, DC.
Watson, C. (April, 2022) Prevention-Based Wellness and Field Students: A Study of Self-Care and Self-Compassion, Southeastern Graduate Research Symposium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Watson, C. (March, 2022). Self-Care and Self-Compassion: An Ethical Approach to Professional Wellness, 20th Annual Social Work Conference, University Of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana.
Watson, C. (February, 2022). Professional Wellness in Field Practicum, Spring Tennessee State Field Consortium Conference, Nashville, TN.
Pipher, H. & Watson, C. (November, 2021). Hunger is a Racial Issue: Health Equity and Social Determinants, Connecting for Children’s Justice Conference, Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. (August, 2021). University Partnerships, Panel Member. National Association of Social Workers, Middle Tennessee Branch, Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. (January, 2021). Self-Care and Self-Compassion: An Approach to Professional Resilience, Center for Teaching and Learning, Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Watson, C. (October, 2020). Self-Care and Self-Compassion: An Approach to Professional Resilience, Connecting for Children’s Justice Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (November, 2019) Medication-Assisted Recovery: Spiritual and Ethical Implications, North American Association of Christian Social Workers National Program, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Moon, K. & Watson, C. (October, 2019) Strengths-based Practice: Empowering Deaf Youth to Thrive, Connecting for Children’s Justice Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.
Mallory, A. & Watson, C. (March, 2019). Ethical implications of medication-assisted treatment. 2019 Social Work Conference, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (November, 2018). Medication-assisted recovery in pregnant women. Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, Southeast Conference. Hixson, TN.
Watson, C. (October, 2018). Panel Member: Service Learning and LiGHT Faculty, Lipscomb University. Nashville, TN.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (October, 2018). Medication-assisted recovery: Strengthening the mother-infant bond. Children’s Justice Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (March, 2018). The criminalization of addiction in pregnancy. 2018 Social Work Conference, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (December, 2017). Professionalism and Ethics in Human Services. Probation and Recovery Court Training. Manchester, Tennessee.
Watson, C. & Mallory, A. (November, 2017). Evidence-based Treatment for Opioid Use in Pregnancy. North American Association of Christian Social Workers: Advocating for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation in Communities, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Watson. C., & Crossland, A. (October, 2017). Empowering Emerging Adults: Social Work Education Through a Trauma-Informed Lens. Children’s Justice Conference. Nashville, TN.
Mallory, A., & Watson, C. (September, 2017) Evidence-based Interventions for Opioid Dependent Pregnant Clients. Indiana Recovery Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mallory, A. & Watson, C. (August, 2017) Professionalism in Human Services Organizations. South Central Social Services Training Program, Lafayette, Tennessee.
Adams, S., Choi, S., Morse, S., Watson, C., & Bride, B. (2016). Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment among Emerging Adults. Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse. Research Poster.
Watson, C. M., Chaffin, K., & Mallory, K. (October, 2016). Teaching Poverty as an ACE: Engaging Students in Policy Change. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program, Atlanta, Georgia.
Watson, C. M., (August, 2016) Field Supervisor Training: 2015 CSWE Competencies Workshop. Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Watson, C., (2016) Give and Take: The Dynamic Relationship Between Social Work Education and Employment. Christian Child and Family Services Association, Huntsville, Alabama.
Watson, C., (2013). When Just Say No Is Not Enough: Strategies for Teaching Harm Reduction. North American Association of Christian Social Workers National Conference on Social Justice and Spirituality, Atlanta, Georgia.
Relevant Experience
Citations of Primary Authored Work in Social Work Textbooks:
Van Wormer, K. Social Work and Social Welfare: A Human Rights Foundation.
Van Wormer, K. & Davis, D. Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective 4th Edition
Community Involvement
- 2023 Connecting for Children’s Justice Conference, Steering Committee https://cactn.org/ccj/
- Co-Chair Tennessee Field Consortium https://www.nanfed.org/field-consortia
- Co-Chair Spirituality Track, Council on Social Work Education https://www.cswe.org/events-meetings/2023-apm/education/proposals/2023-apm-tracks/spirituality/
- 2012 to 2020 Advisory Board, Rejoice School of Ballet https://www.rejoiceballet.com