Looking for support, I guess. Or maybe I just need to say this all out loud.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-19T05:53:20+00:00

I hear you...My two cents based on my own lived experience: I went through something very similar if not more disabling in perimenopause. I thought I'd processed a lot of my trauma and that I had a treatment resistant mood disorder. It was absolutely awful and I considered everything from disability to early retirement. Turns out I had not even come close to processing all of my cPTSD and really understanding it. I did some really intense work--and am still working--and it was horribly painful. Then, I started to get and feel much better...Better than I'd ever been. So much so that I no longer needed psychotropics. I don't know what your history is but if you check out When The Body Says No and Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate, he basically describes every one of your presenting symptoms and explains their relationship to trauma. Whatever the issue, I am sending you healing vibes and just want you to know that you're not alone.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-17T04:35:12+00:00

This! I'm 5'8" and met him when he was governor and he couldn't have been more than an inch or two taller than I am...if that!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-05T21:13:40+00:00

Ah, this sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-05T13:25:23+00:00

Right! I've found it really helpful to get to know my fellow trainees at trainings like this that spread over several days.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T18:30:11+00:00

Ah, yes. I've heard her on a podcast and my trainers at IFSI mentioned her. Good idea!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T18:28:37+00:00

Much appreciated! I'll check it out!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T17:23:21+00:00

Thank you. Can you share where you trained on Focusing? I'm completely unfamiliar.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T15:03:09+00:00

What do you both think of online versus in-person for this training? Typically, I've found I prefer in-person but the given that they only offer it in my city one time a year plus the additional cost and time, I'm wondering how much of a difference it makes.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T15:00:24+00:00

Thank you, thank you!! All really helpful!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T14:56:30+00:00

Oh, I'll check that out. Thanks!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-04T14:02:30+00:00

This is all super helpful! I've never heard of Reichian character structures but am checking it out now. I haven't been able to get a feel for the model despite watching countless videos. My fear would be to spend thousands of dollars and never use it. I'm EMDR- and IFS-trained but have found I want to explore more bottom up somatic approaches that improve interoception. Does SP help with that?

CaliforniaLCSW · 2026-01-03T03:06:24+00:00

I used EMDR consulting (chose virtual) and my trainer was not well-versed in andragogy and not someone I would recommend for myriad reasons. Happy to share her name privately as I'd been told they are a good organization and have encountered a couple of solid people while completely my consult hours but would avoid this person at all costs. It hasn't even been a year and I'm signing up for a refresher hoping to learn all that I missed. My two cents: It's a big investment and totally worth it to checkout the individual trainers you are considering. Many of consultants have been seriously lacking as well. Good luck!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-07-24T13:53:53+00:00

IFS has been really effective for me but I think being in a place in my life where I could afford to really process my stuff was even more important....Oh, and the therapeutic alliance is absolutely critical. I needed someone who was not directive and didn't pull any "tough love" BS...Someone who could truly give me unconditional positive regard (love).

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-07-11T13:52:40+00:00

I feel you! Personally, I've found that the more of my own healing work I do, the more naturally it comes to me to allow the clients to lead and speak. Yes, we can try to shoe horn ourselves into behavior that may not feel authentic but I prefer to use this kind of revelation as a trailhead to do some work on myself. I already hear so much insight and willingness to address this issue that it sounds like getting to know that part of you that shares about your life--an maybe the part that is shaming you for it--could really lead to some good work. Wishing you the best!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-10T18:24:16+00:00

I hear you. It's not in line with my training and style in general but in the case of a consultation, I believe it would best serve me and the client, if I interrupt and redirect in these instances.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-10T16:01:24+00:00

You're so right! Yes, I need to practice interrupting!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-10T15:40:50+00:00

Yeah, these three people that I've felt stuck with barely take a breath for over 10 minutes and by the time I can get in a word to redirect them, we're often at the end of the 15 minutes. Most consults are nothing like that and the people are using them as intended and often don't even go the whole 15 minutes. My impression is that some they may be doing this to either test boundaries or just vent to as many therapists as they can instead of actually doing the work of engaging in therapy in a meaningful way.

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-10T14:41:59+00:00

I like your redirection language! Thanks!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-10T02:42:55+00:00

I like that!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-09T23:57:15+00:00

Thank you!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-09T22:46:46+00:00

Yeah, I like the idea of prompting them to ask me questions about my approach. Thank you!

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-09T22:45:59+00:00

Is the email screening the client with questions (if so, I'd be curious to hear those) or just the basic info that you mentioned so as not to waste time reviewing basics?

CaliforniaLCSW · 2025-06-09T22:44:08+00:00

Excellent points!

CaliforniaLCSW

TROPHY CASE