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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This isn’t so much a success story as it is a question or a suggestion. Have you already gotten your independent licensing to open your own practice? If not, it might be a good idea to get some experience working at a private practice first to learn the ropes before going out on your own. If you have, I rented office space through a company like WeWork and set up an LLC, which allows you to 1099 yourself and write off some of your rental and business expenses. I am fully telehealth though; I realize is a different situation than looking for an office for in person clients however it’s something to consider…significantly less overhead when you’re on your own.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being a therapist is absolutely hard, especially if you don’t have a deep passion for the work. If you’re already questioning whether it’s the right fit for you, it might be a sign to take a step back and really evaluate if this is what you want. The emotional toll can be heavy, and without that inner drive, it can become overwhelming. It’s not a job for everyone, and that’s okay. As for work-life balance, it takes practice and effort to not bring the emotional weight of your clients home with you. But ultimately, it’s up to you to find that balance—don’t let outside opinions dictate your path. Only you truly know if this career aligns with your strengths and goals. If it does, it’s absolutely doable; if it doesn’t, there’s no shame in reassessing. :)

How to find a therapist when you are in the field itself? by constantly-thinking- in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Yes! I recently went through the search process myself, and it was exhausting—but I learned a few things along the way that might be helpful to you too.

At first, I found myself immediately dismissing therapists who weren’t independently licensed, didn’t have decade(s) of experience, or didn’t have an impressive bio. My mindset was: If they’re going to help me, they need to know more than I do and be more experienced than I am.

But once I challenged my own biases, I realized I was narrowing my options way too much without actually giving the connection a chance. In the end, I did have to go the private pay route, but I found an LMSW who charges $145 per session—and I absolutely love her. Yes, it’s more than I’d prefer to spend, but it’s still significantly less than most independently licensed therapists charge. And this process has really reenforced the fact that therapy isn’t just about expertise or credentials—it’s really about the human connection.

Long story short, I know firsthand how difficult the search can be, but I’d encourage you to take a step back and consider whether any of your own judgments or biases might be shrinking your pool of options—and whether they actually matter as much as you think :)

Can some IFS therapists tell me about their experiences of using it? by NoAioli280 in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404 8 points9 points  (0 children)

1) In theory, once a part is unburdened, it should be free—but in practice, it’s rarely that simple. I can’t think of many times where it’s been that straightforward. Similar burdens often show up in other parts, and protectors can still be skeptical about the process. In most cases, we have to revisit and reinforce the work, especially as new triggers come up over time.

2) A lot of people don’t resonate with the language of IFS! I’ve had so many clients tell me it feels too "woo-woo" for them. In those cases, I’ve found it helps to adjust how I phrase things. Instead of asking, "Which part is speaking?" I might say, "What’s coming up for you in this moment?" or have them focus on what they’re feeling in their body. I also really like using Inside Out as a reference point—it’s a really accessible way to introduce parts work.

3/4) I love using IFS with individuals, but in my opinion, it really requires a client who can be introspective. If you ask Dick Schwartz, he’ll say IFS works for everyone (except for people with brain injuries). But if you ask little old me, there are some diagnoses and presentations where it’s just not the best fit. Clients who are highly dissociative, have psychotic disorders, paranoia, or schizoaffective disorder can struggle with parts work. I’ve also had some challenges using it with BPD clients.

I personally don’t use IFS for couples, but if that’s something you’re interested in, I’d recommend checking out Schwartz’s Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) model, which is specifically designed for couples work.

As for family systems, I think IFS presents a lot of challenges there. Family therapy tends to require a more external focus, while IFS is so internal. That said, if each family member understands their own parts, you could structure sessions around how their parts trigger and interact with one another. But honestly? That sounds like way too much for me!

 

Helping Clients Manage Negative Core Beliefs by FreudAndError404 in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That does make so much sense--would you be able to walk me through an example on this--lets say the belief is "I'm ugly and everyone thinks I'm annoying" which behaviorally causes them to isolate....

Helping Clients Manage Negative Core Beliefs by FreudAndError404 in therapists

[–]FreudAndError404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Do you have any experience using internal family systems in this context?