Psychcentral had a great idea when they started the monthly column, "Clinicians on the Couch." So, with their inspiration, I answer these 10 questions.
What's surprised you the most about being a therapist?
It's a business. All of my job experiences up until this point contributes to my practice. I've been an office manager, administrative assistant, marketing assistant, copyeditor, writer, waitress. Every one of these jobs prepared me for the business side of being a therapist. When it comes to the business side of therapy - I am unsure if there is anything that could have prepared me 100% for handling insurance, getting credentialed with insurance companies, reviewing contracts, etc.
What's the latest and greatest book you've read related to mental health, psychology or psychotherapy?
I really enjoyed these books:
Raw Art Journaling by Quinn McDonald (Editor: Tonia Davenport)
True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling by L.K. Ludwig
Art Journals & Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self-Expression by Sharon Soneff
Art is already a venture in self-expression, and, the idea of art journaling is cathartic and self expressive. I learn so much when I engage in the process.
What's the biggest myth about therapy?
The biggest myth about therapy is that something is wrong if you go to therapy. Something does not have to be blatantly "wrong" for a client to engage in therapy. I like to think about therapy as if it is an opportunity for growth.
What seems to be the biggest obstacle for clients in therapy?
The biggest obstacle for clients in therapy is the idea that the therapist has all the answers. That isn't the case. Clients have to do their own work and the therapist is there is facilitate the process.
What's the most challenging part about being a therapist?
The cost of therapy is often prohibitive. Many insurance plans have high deductibles and/or high co-payments. This makes my work challenging. I would like therapy to be available to everyone. This means transportation would be available, deductibles and co payments would be affordable, (the list goes on and on...).
What do you love about being a therapist?
I enjoy hearing people's stories. I feel humbled by being a part of the story.
What's the best advice you can offer to readers on leading a meaningful life?
Enjoy the moment. Think about how you experience your day with all of your senses. What are you seeing, touching, hearing, tasting and smelling?
If you had your schooling and career choice to do all over again, would you choose the same professional path? If not, what would you do differently and why?
In 7th grade I took a career inventory assessment. It was a really long test and the final results arrive months later (this was old school - before everyone had computers). The career inventory said that I would be best suited to be a social worker. If I could go back and make a different choice -- I would have gone into this career sooner.
If there's one thing you wished your clients knew about treatment or mental illness, what would it be?
Most of the time, what you are going through is unique in some ways. Yet in other ways - it is part of the human experience that we all share. In our individualistic society, we need support in this human experience. So, in some ways, you're normal.
What personally do you do to cope with stress?
I cope with stress by being close to my husband and my dog. My service dog, Cupido, does more than save me from my allergies - he helps me cope with stress. He is a happy go lucky dog that brings a smile to me everyday.
What's surprised you the most about being a therapist?
It's a business. All of my job experiences up until this point contributes to my practice. I've been an office manager, administrative assistant, marketing assistant, copyeditor, writer, waitress. Every one of these jobs prepared me for the business side of being a therapist. When it comes to the business side of therapy - I am unsure if there is anything that could have prepared me 100% for handling insurance, getting credentialed with insurance companies, reviewing contracts, etc.
What's the latest and greatest book you've read related to mental health, psychology or psychotherapy?
I really enjoyed these books:
Raw Art Journaling by Quinn McDonald (Editor: Tonia Davenport)
True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling by L.K. Ludwig
Art Journals & Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self-Expression by Sharon Soneff
Art is already a venture in self-expression, and, the idea of art journaling is cathartic and self expressive. I learn so much when I engage in the process.
What's the biggest myth about therapy?
The biggest myth about therapy is that something is wrong if you go to therapy. Something does not have to be blatantly "wrong" for a client to engage in therapy. I like to think about therapy as if it is an opportunity for growth.
What seems to be the biggest obstacle for clients in therapy?
The biggest obstacle for clients in therapy is the idea that the therapist has all the answers. That isn't the case. Clients have to do their own work and the therapist is there is facilitate the process.
What's the most challenging part about being a therapist?
The cost of therapy is often prohibitive. Many insurance plans have high deductibles and/or high co-payments. This makes my work challenging. I would like therapy to be available to everyone. This means transportation would be available, deductibles and co payments would be affordable, (the list goes on and on...).
What do you love about being a therapist?
I enjoy hearing people's stories. I feel humbled by being a part of the story.
What's the best advice you can offer to readers on leading a meaningful life?
Enjoy the moment. Think about how you experience your day with all of your senses. What are you seeing, touching, hearing, tasting and smelling?
If you had your schooling and career choice to do all over again, would you choose the same professional path? If not, what would you do differently and why?
In 7th grade I took a career inventory assessment. It was a really long test and the final results arrive months later (this was old school - before everyone had computers). The career inventory said that I would be best suited to be a social worker. If I could go back and make a different choice -- I would have gone into this career sooner.
If there's one thing you wished your clients knew about treatment or mental illness, what would it be?
Most of the time, what you are going through is unique in some ways. Yet in other ways - it is part of the human experience that we all share. In our individualistic society, we need support in this human experience. So, in some ways, you're normal.
What personally do you do to cope with stress?
I cope with stress by being close to my husband and my dog. My service dog, Cupido, does more than save me from my allergies - he helps me cope with stress. He is a happy go lucky dog that brings a smile to me everyday.
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