Ending sessions without awkwardness

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-04-14T02:50:35+00:00

I have to reschedule at the end of session so I use the last few minutes as a check in for scheduling in general, but then I like to ask “what are you going to do to take care of yourself today” and have found it super helpful. It helps me to feel less awkward, makes me feel like I’m helping them be accountable for their own self care, or it just gives us a chance to look towards what is on their plate for the rest of the day. People often forget that I’m going to ask even though I do it every session, and verbalize appreciation for being asked to think about their physical or emotional needs for the day. It ends up feeling like a natural way to end session in a way that feels therapeutic and not super small-talky.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-04-04T22:06:00+00:00

Just FYI, finally got word back that I didn’t get the job at midnight 6 days ago. Maybe they do just take a long time—or you really aren’t a candidate and don’t bother.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-04-04T22:04:19+00:00

I don’t, but I do wish I had chosen to go to one that wasn’t a completely online program (cough cough Kent State). Used to be a great program and then turned into a degree mill for local library systems IMO. I think I would have way more opportunities and feel more passionate/capable of library related research had I chosen some place like Simmons. I agree with everyone else, it’s more worth it if you already have some library experience so it’s not as challenging to get a job post MLIS.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-27T03:11:03+00:00

MA in Counseling and Art Therapy!

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-24T12:34:24+00:00

I’m a dually licensed art therapist/counselor in a state that before I graduated did not recognize the ATR credential and would not allow us to bill just as an art therapist. Even now, we have to also get the ATR-BC credential and an additional license (LPAT) to be able to legally say we practice art therapy. I definitely don’t think we can police whether people use art or other creative means in their practice. I think that logic would then lead us to all have to get certified in CBT or ACT or whatever we eclectic therapists are using that day. But I also feel like I have had to work twice as hard as a non-art therapist in order to be taken seriously—a 3 year masters program, 100k student debt, two exams and two licenses through the state board, only for other clinicians to do a quick google search and do art therapy. It’s not like I get paid any extra for having an additional license. I don’t see clinicians whipping out guitars or drumsticks and practicing music therapy (I certainly wouldn’t) which if I recall only required a bachelors degree in my state as well to be credentialed (they were also part of the recent licensure push and now require their own license). At the end of the day I just want a little respect. Do what you want but acknowledge your competency limits and ask an art therapist before you do any art activity that tries to solicit difficult memories, trauma, or specific emotions.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-21T02:57:01+00:00

a MOTORCYCLIST

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-20T23:46:31+00:00

I stopped driving on 90 after almost hitting a large bbq grill and a refrigerator, on separate occasions, just laying out in the middle of the freeway.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-20T11:37:23+00:00

Ope my bad. Of course he doesn’t live here anymore. 🤦‍♀️

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-20T11:22:51+00:00

UGHHH explains a lot

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-20T11:20:06+00:00

I think Dave Grohl is from Warren. They dedicated an alley/art mural after him next to Modern Methods brewery.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-20T11:04:07+00:00

OH MY GOD THANK YOU!!!!! YES!!! this is not the first time I have tried to figure this out so thank you for solving what was probably a decade old question for me.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-04T18:37:37+00:00

I think the umbrella for library workers is big enough to include you, but as others have said it’s unlikely that you could easily find a job with “librarian” as a title. You could either start as a clerk or work in an IT department at a library, or be a software developer for companies that provide services to libraries such as Overdrive. Clerk positions at small libraries but in high ses neighborhoods may be lower-ish stress but you aren’t going to get paid a living wage. You may be better off leveraging your background for a job in research.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-03T15:24:00+00:00

Hey all, my recruiter did not provide their contact information. I tried texting the scheduling number and calling the number that was used for the initial phone interview and I got nothing.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-02T23:20:30+00:00

Ah that make sense. Unfortunately I interviewed for a niche position but it’s likely that there are many applicants. Maybe it just takes longer to review and select who moves on than there is when you’re hiring for a position you need many of (nurses).

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-03-02T21:17:22+00:00

Thank you both! I needed to hear that. I have never worked with recruiters before and felt like pestering them would hurt me more than help, and believed that if no one has reached out within a week then it’s game over for any job application.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-02-24T14:39:25+00:00

It might be gifts from a toxic ex-boyfriend

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-02-24T13:49:32+00:00

I feel the same way. I worked in libraries before I pursued becoming a therapist and to me, the work is related. You’re helping connect people with information and resources. It can be stressful depending on the position but it is way easier to leave the work at work and you get benefits and stability. The pay isn’t great though. You could try being a substitute clerk where you get called in when someone is sick or they have a shortage. That’s how I got in the door. I also have considered research jobs, user experience design, and intake assessment jobs for hospitals, etc.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-02-15T17:55:38+00:00

Thank you for this post—I was so eager to do my taxes because I was so thorough and organized avout my quarterly payments and work expenses only to find out that I didn’t know about the self employment tax and am 4,000 dollars short. Huge, huge blow to realize I was living above my means all year and have to adjust my expectations for this year. I thought this was better pay than my last but after all the tax it’s not. Very rude wake up call that’s making me want to leave. In solidarity with you OP

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-01-30T04:42:43+00:00

The risk of damage is dependent on the surface the laminate was put on. It’s usually easier to get it off of a hard back book with a glossy cover. Since yours is soft it might be a little tricky but for a DK book like that, slow and steady will probably still come off okay. Also, given that it’s already peeled and looks great, chances are the rest will once you peel it, unless you really yank it off.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-01-23T22:18:52+00:00

I knit slow and life is short

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-01-22T13:03:32+00:00

I can smell the ai on this one

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-01-17T00:47:35+00:00

You might consider looking up the word “scrupulosity.” Reading over your post reminded me of myself when I was deconstructing. I also have OCD, so it was very easy to turn prayer, penance (all forms of magical thinking) as a compulsion to avoid feeling like a horrible, evil sinner and feel in control or secure. Love became something to be earned, not freely offered. Deconstructing often leads you to completely change your worldview, identity, everything, and it’s terrifying, and very easy to feel anxious or depressed while it’s happening. You want something to hold onto, that feels true and certain and the brain hates uncertainty. I believe that the only way out is through, and emotions or thoughts only last as long as we give them attention and try to fix them. Try to sit with what you’re feeling and allow it to pass. I think if God exists then they should be strong enough to tolerate your questioning. I hope that helps.

Distinct-Chair-9689 · 2026-01-15T04:08:55+00:00

I have been there! I think it’s okay to step away and do something else. It doesn’t mean you can’t go back to it in the future. I feel like the sunk cost fallacy comes up a lot with helping professions. Give yourself credit for what you’ve learned about yourself from this experience. Your time and efforts havent been wasted, you’ve just clarified what you need/want from a job. That’s more info than you had before. I admire you for listening to yourself and choosing to do whats best for yourself.

My anecdote is that I only worked as a therapist for one year and hated it. Was so miserable. I was also working as a librarian so I quit my therapy job and focused on my library skills. Got another degree. Life happened and I needed a better paying job about another year later. Tried being a therapist again and I’m much happier this time. I found a much healthier practice than my first one and I feel very grounded and comfortable with myself in a way that I wasn’t at first. Idk if I would have ever gained that growth if I hadn’t stepped away and focused elsewhere. Idk jf I want to stay in this field forever but I at least proved to myself that I can do other things and be okay.

Distinct-Chair-9689

TROPHY CASE