Joshua Potter-Efron

Joshua Potter-Efron serves as an Associate Professor in the Social Work Department at the College of Health and Human Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, maintaining active clinical practice in Los Angeles through his Being the Difference Practice while teaching at the university.

His academic credentials include:

• MSW from Smith College School of Social Work (Clinical Social Work)
• BA from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (English and Psychology)

Professor Potter-Efron specializes in narrative-based clinical interventions, developing strength-focused poetic frameworks Soul Translations that bridge social work with creative expression. His work emphasizes field-based practice with children and families in underserved communities, diversity competency training, and leadership development. This interdisciplinary approach integrates storytelling, personal development mastermind groups, and community engagement to address systemic inequities in mental health services.

Recognition includes the Centennial Emerging Leader Award.

With over a decade of experience in Los Angeles child welfare systems, he has collaborated with the Department of Health and Child and Family Services while providing school-based workshops for diverse populations. His current practice supervises therapists and explores narrative construction in everyday life through creative writing and board game facilitation.