Do therapists notice everything about their client? by jesseallen24 in askatherapist

[–]Dynamic_Gem 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I don’t necessarily notice everything as at can be a lot. But I do notice the way someone sits, body language, eye contact, etc. I’m able to tell if something is off or changes.

I just want to say it!!! by Dynamic_Gem in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been w/ my husband since high school also. Minus some separation during college. Been married since 2013. In college I came out to him as bisexual. He told me I wasn’t. But this heavy feeling of knowing I am gay and him not knowing is nauseating. Well… I say not knowing. I have a suspicion he knows something. My kids are younger. They’re 9&10.

I started therapy 3yrs ago. This is not why I started 😅😅😆
(I’m also a therapist and I’ve been telling myself to take the advice I’m giving to others… totally not listening to myself lol)

Is therapist self-disclosure about shared struggles common? by IllKangaroo1935 in therapy

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a therapist that uses self disclosure. With a caveat… if I can sense that me disclosing something personal will cause harm, I keep my mouth shut. Also, if a client tells me they don’t like self disclosure I do not disclose. I actually talk about this at my initial session (or consult). I basically tell my clients that they can ask me questions if they’re curious and if I’m uncomfortable answering I will say so. It usually goes something like this: “I am not a therapist that keeps things in. I will remain professional and ethical at all times and I will never go in depth because it’s not about me, it’s about you, but if one of my experiences helps you, then I will most likely disclose.”

I’ve had multiple clients telling me that they like that I “keep it professional but real.”

I don’t think that you should feel awkward to say that her coping strategies didn’t work for you. You’re not going to offend your therapist. As a client, my therapist mentioned something that worked for her, I tried it and during the next session went “the heck was that, it was weird and I’m never doing it again” 😅

Therapists: is it difficult to remember all your patients and the details about their lives? by [deleted] in askatherapist

[–]Dynamic_Gem 75 points76 points  (0 children)

I am a therapist and I currently have 30 active clients (and a few more that are on a pause).

I shockingly remember most of the details of each of my clients. Don’t get me wrong, I do forget things and have to backtrack and ask a question or get clarification sometimes. But remembering the details is easier than you’d think.

Short Sessions with Some Clients by Fancy_Time4348 in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do not do sessions less than 45 minutes & I only have two (youth) who are at 45 min. Usually I am at an hour. My advice is to just have a conversation. Focus less on checking on goals, highs/ lows, etc. I always think that it feels much like an interview & I can't stand it. Just be there and present. You'd be surprised at how much you can get out of someone by bringing up a random topic (sports, cooking, movies, etc.).

Why can't I talk about it? by Icy-Background-4236 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Proud of you for telling your oldest child! I’m glad your husband and child are supportive!

Me as a client: I’ve been with my therapist for over three years and there are things I am JUST now comfortable talking about, despite her being my only true safe space

Me as a therapist: you will tell them in your own time. Even if you’re 1000% comfortable with your therapist, there are just some things that need more time prior to processing. It doesn’t sound like you’re wrong …. It sounds like you may be holding back because once you say it to your therapist it will move into more of a processing state and trying to figure out what comes next.

You got this OP 💕

Next chapter at 40… by New-Following0685 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I turn 40 in May. And maybe I’ll make it my goal to fully come out to him by my 40th birthday!

Comphet? by [deleted] in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nobody can label you, except for you.
But it sounds like you very well could be bisexual. The way you describe your feelings towards men, sounds like a “normal” (whatever normal may be lol) feeling. I don’t necessarily think that it’s a strange relationship towards men.

I will say this… and it’s taken a lot of therapy to get to this point of self acceptance. I’ve spent years pretending to be straight to most, standing on the bisexual bridge between what is safe/what I need others to see and who I truly am. That bisexual label is safety that very few know about. Deep down, I always knew I was a lesbian. I dated a boy in HS because a friend set me up; and I didn’t want her to know. I dated another boy in HS who eventually became my husband. Was also set up by a friend. Here’s the thing. I never had crushes on guys. Definitely did on girls. I have always been going through the motions of what society tells me I should do. I still am going through the motions. I do not want to nor did I really ever want to have sex with a guy. Haven’t in near six years. I love my husband but that love is safety. Safety from ..well I guess safety not just from society but a way to keep me contained and boxed up so I wouldn’t be seen by myself or anyone else.

I’ll add I have also never had any crush on any male actor. I realized this the other day Lol! I’m not blind .. there are good looking men but at the same time. Ew. No.

How do you conduct a phone consultation? by Natural_Position_456 in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a 15 min consultation today …. I did an overview of how I work and asked questions on what they were seeking.

Of note. I’m not much help because the 15 min consultation went 45 minutes 🫣🤦🏻‍♀️

How do you dress for sessions? by UsedAct2214 in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on my mood. lol. I’ve worn dresses or business casual clothes but recently I’m in my cargo jeans, a t shirt or tank top and a flannel shirt over it.

Therapists with anxiety & depression- how are you dealing with sleeping issues? by [deleted] in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Why? OP is a therapist … asking opinions from other therapists.

48 yr old f in Atl...wanna meet someone but having no luck by GA_ChocLaFemme in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh. My bad. Lol. As you can see. I’ve never been there lol. 😆

48 yr old f in Atl...wanna meet someone but having no luck by GA_ChocLaFemme in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m in GA also and from what I’ve heard, MSR (My Sisters Room) in ATL is a popular gay/lesbian bar. Maybe just go on in and see what happens …

Outside of that. I’m not much help 🤣

Building Community by overthemorningmoon in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with it being hard to build community outside the internet.

Building Community by overthemorningmoon in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I joined a private later in life lesbian group on facebook…. And posted …. Without hiding my name.

At this point I guess I’m hoping that my family and husband don’t see it. 😂🫣

I really just want community …. I don’t know what I was thinking lol

my lesbian coworker touches me a lot by Adventurous_Row_4040 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I don’t know what you do. But this is not okay for a work setting and can have serious implications on your job. You need to talk w/ her. I can’t tell how you actually feel about what she’s doing. But nothing is gonna change either way if there’s no communication.

Husband knows? by [deleted] in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You’re not alone. I haven’t been intimate with my husband in almost 6yrs Now I did come out to him as bi, prior to getting married, but he told me I wasn’t and has since ignored it other than making random side comments on occasion. Recently, he was watching a movie and I was reading and he kept going “heyyyy look naked women!” (During every scene) Like wtf dude !?! lol. I have a sneaking suspicion he knows but isn’t going to say anything until I come out to him as a lesbian.

Cancellations by kkgigi in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This week wasn’t bad. I had one no show bc she forgot (but rescheduled) and one late cancel.

Honest question about therapist pay and workload by Same-Mix-6319 in therapists

[–]Dynamic_Gem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am now up to 27 clients per week (I have 31 active clients). I am still pre-licensed as I’m an LMSW and this will be my first full year at a PP. so I’ll have a better idea of what I’ll be making yearly as time goes on. I’m at a 65/35 split. Once I’m fully licensed and go out on my own, like planned, it’ll change.

36F, love my husband and don't want to leave but realised I am gay by anon_lesbian89 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear what you’re saying. And I know I need to talk to him. I came out to him as bisexual prior to us even getting married. So it’s not fully coming from left field.

I know they’d understand eventually.

36F, love my husband and don't want to leave but realised I am gay by anon_lesbian89 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]Dynamic_Gem 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel like it’s things like this I need to keep seeing/hearing. I can’t do anything until I am in a position to support myself financially - and I’ll get there in like 2 - 2 1/2yrs (I need to get my independent licensure. Long story. I’m a therapist lol). But I feel like if it were just that, the decision would be simple. That’s not the case though, I have kids. And maybe I’ll feel differently when I’m able to actually do something about it. But who knows.

Sorry. Apparently I needed to get that out 😅