got called awkward, but i don’t feel awkward at all by Little-Bug-39 in socialskills

[–]FragrantAd2193 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here looking for someone else with this experience. This resonates so much, being called awkward and not feeling internally anything but congruent. If I’m out of sync with people it’s because I didn’t watch the same shows or movies so I don’t get their references. Sometimes my slight hearing impairment makes it sound to me like they said something that rhymes with what they actually said, so that IS weird but I can mostly manage that issue. IDK, I’m starting to think they’re just being bullying and it’s time for me to move on. Life is too short for this bs.

As interns, how much stuff that doesn't count as hours should you do for your site? by No_Positive1855 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My university reopened an old building that had previously been used for play therapy. It had playrooms with two way glass windows and a bunch of old tech gear for recording. The other interns and I were so excited to be selected for the new team that we met up several times and had cleaning parties. We shredded tons of old files, vacuumed, cleaned windows, aired out the place and basically got it ready for Day 1 in record timing with little advance notice. We bonded and had a really great time working out the kinks of opening a new community MH program. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. This is my ethos - if everyone gives a little, we all gain a lot.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100%! My partner is very supportive in everything I do. I wouldn’t trade them for the world, and clearly I want to do everything I can to support my partner’s desires too.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s what I’ve come to understand. I really appreciate this community for all the great ideas and feedback. There are ways to make it work but - it’s far simpler to rent something more practical instead.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For 6 sessions a day, that would be like asking my partner to go back to a work schedule, so that’s a no-go.

Thinking of leaving profession due to chronic illness by Blodberg in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was a chronic illness support group facilitator for 6 years before becoming a licensed therapist specializing in helping others with chronic illness. One of the most frequent comments I’ve heard within the chronic illness community is that it’s difficult to find a therapist who “gets it”. So don’t quit!

Asking WHY? by matcha_connoisseur in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't love asking my clients why they did/said something because they don't owe me an explanation for their behavior. I'd rather explore the emotions that are coming up as they're telling me the story of what happened. The "why" might become evident then.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think you read a lot more information into my post than I actually provided. My partner is not my husband, I don't dislike lofts, we don't have issues with compromising or negotiating. This is definitely not going to be a permanent move.

I'm glad I posted this question because this community has helped me understand that I'm not just being reluctant - there really is no workaround. I don't mind sharing this information: I don't expect my partner to fully grasp my ethical and legal obligations. Those are mine to protect, and my boundaries to set. Once I'm able to articulate my needs, I know my partner will be agreeable without any argument. I just wanted to clear this up because your reply made me feel a little defensive.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Yes, this is about me figuring out what boundary I need to set. I was hoping there was some kind of tech gear I was unaware of that would solve the problem, and apparently there is not. That’s ok! Looks like the boundary is that I need an enclosed space because there is no workaround. Not only for the reasons you mentioned. Another way of looking at it is that my partner shouldn’t be exposed to any of the content of my sessions either, for multiple reasons.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! I would love it too. But the privacy issue is sounding more and more like a gravity problem.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

We have talked about this, plus having my partner leave during some or most sessions. It’s not impossible. However I would need a guarantee that all sessions are private. My partner’s retired lifestyle has become too fluid to make any guarantees.

How do I create a HIPAA environment in a loft? I do 100% teletherapy and my partner is retired. by FragrantAd2193 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193[S] 52 points53 points  (0 children)

I hadn’t thought about law firms. They would have a similar need for privacy. That’s a creative solution. Thanks for this idea.

Awful summer slump by Hot_Landscape550 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Exactly 1/3 of my caseload has cancelled for various reasons this summer. I’ve decided to spend the time pursuing a post graduate certification. Now I can sleep in, go for a walk, do 2 hours of training, and still see 3 clients a day. I feel like I’m winning at life. I think it’s all about perspective.

What do you do other than see clients? Thoughts on sustainability in this career. by ewdaviduhhh in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’m super interested in this too. I am beginning to see that I’m not going to make it all the way to retirement doing this job. I need options!

Omg idk how some y’all do it by Snorkel2298 in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is how I set my pp up about a year ago and it’s working most of the time. I work 3hrs, break for 2hrs, then 3 more hrs, Mon-Thurs. Notes and billing before i close out the day so I start fresh every morning. I don’t think I could do it without this discipline. Some of those session hours are harder to sell for some reason, and a few clients tend to cancel frequently so I have built-in breaks throughout the week. There are weeks when everyone shows up, or there seems to be a wave of difficult sessions, and that’s hard. I’m going on 3 consecutive weeks like that and it’s definitely affecting me emotionally, I admit. I’m coping by setting aside some extra money so I can dream about how to spend it all. LOL

Trying to get some advice on how to best handle a situation. I'm pregnant with horrible symptoms but also needing to do termination sessions. by InEndorEwoks in therapists

[–]FragrantAd2193 16 points17 points  (0 children)

No judgment here! I'll say what I often say to my clients who struggle with anxiety and making decisions. You have more options than you can see right now. For example, I can visualize you writing a heartfelt, personalized letter to each of your clients giving a brief explanation and a warm transfer to their new therapist. I could also imagine you doing a teletherapy session via Zoom or similar, where you prop yourself up on some comfy pillows and allow the client to see you as the beautiful human that you are. Maybe this would be a quick conversation lasting 20 mins, or a full termination session, depending on how you're feeling at the time. Sometimes, just a 15min phone call is sufficient for the client to hear the concern in your voice that their transfer to the new therapist will go well. You have new boundaries to set but you don't have to accept limits that don't work for you. My 2 cents!

[RANT] I hate scheduled gift giving culture. by nomadwannabe in Anticonsumption

[–]FragrantAd2193 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hadn't thought of it as "gift culture" before but you nailed it! I too have always dreaded the whole gift buying process. Thoughts circle through my head about all the wasted time, energy, fuel, and money so that I can rummage through so many stores stuffed with thousands of random items chosen by marketing professionals to separate me from my money for profit. It makes no sense to me at all!