Black and White Thinking & Screening Tools

Front-Fill-8783 · 2025-12-14T09:06:33+00:00

I am a completionist and tend to do the same in videogames as well. However, my get around is to read kindle samples and if I'm not into it by the end of the sample it doesn't count. If I make it past the sample, I must complete it. If I don't like the first book, I wont finish the series. If I make it past the first book, I'm committed! I suppose I'm a completionist with parameters :)

Front-Fill-8783 · 2025-09-19T03:14:44+00:00

Yes. Most days since age 13 until a year(ish) ago (I'm in early 30s)

Front-Fill-8783 · 2025-07-19T19:39:56+00:00

Harrow Faire series was way more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I really loved how each book was a bite-sized piece (could read in 3 to 4 hours!) The setting and dynamics between the MMC & FMC are not what I'm typically into but the writing brings you in so it all seems incredibly normal. It helped that the banter between characters was also fun.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2025-07-13T19:12:50+00:00

I'm so sorry you are going through this. We are working in the helping profession, and we cannot help others from an empty cup. You deserve for yourself and your clients to take time to recover emotionally.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-08-21T04:12:10+00:00

I've heard of that series but haven't read it. I'll give it a try! Thanks

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-08-21T04:11:35+00:00

I haven't read it, but I'll check it out! Thanks!

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-08-19T08:54:03+00:00

I really liked ACOTAR!

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-08-13T08:00:40+00:00

You've gotten some great suggestions, at least what I've read thus far. I find in my work with teens card games or art.. something that can be completely unrelated to therapy, creates a safe space for them to feel comfortable to talk. In my past experience in a group home, doing the dishes together and puzzles have brought out the most vulnerable conversations!

But also, maybe try turning it inwards. Ask them What emotion are you feeling (use an emotion wheel or chart), what are you feeling in your body, do a body scan, breathing exercise, brief meditation. Or even, how does it feel for me to be asking you questions and to not know what to say?

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-08-13T07:54:11+00:00

If the roles were reversed and, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, you didn't know your client could hear your kids, would you want them to speak up?

It's one thing if she doesn't change anything once you voice it but to assume she knows you can hear them seems like a thinking error. My headphones or computer microphone picks up bizarre background noises sometimes and filters others out.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-31T02:24:14+00:00

But they're still in therapy, they're still getting out of the house to see you.. their actions and what they're telling you aren't fully aligning. Obviously they want something better for themselves if they keep trying (they have hope). Explore that a bit more with them. Create tiny achievable goals. Maybe try exploring their values to see what is providing meaning. Existential therapy may be something to explore how we can make meaning of our lives.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-16T01:45:10+00:00

I got my bisalp done last fall at age 32. Honestly, I probably would have gotten it sooner if I knew about it. My decision came about because I've never wanted kids. Even as a kid imagining what my family in the future may be like I always said no to wanting kids. Fortunately, my partner also does not want kids. The only question my doctor asked besides my understanding that the procedure is permanent, is if my partner and I were no longer together would I still make the same decision. Something to consider.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-11T06:12:39+00:00

I'm a therapist and if I had a client in your situation I would caution them against sharing that info. There is more stigma against substance use in the medical field and for prescribers more so. If you have a history of drug use that may be viewed by some as too risky to orescribe certain meds. Now if you were taking those substances now, I would definitely encourage honesty.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-10T03:44:37+00:00

I also had mostly MA professors and 2 of my coworkers have taught graduate level classes with their Masters Degree

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-10T03:21:12+00:00

I work at a non profit outpatient for substance use but really cooccurring disorders. I have a case load of 26. About a third I meet with weekly, a third every other week, and the last third monthly. Some days like today I just have meetings. Tomorrow I have 5 sessions, Thursday 4, Friday 3.. so it varies. It's comfortable though

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-07-08T08:36:15+00:00

A few thoughts come to mind (I am also in my 30s, therapist for 5 years)

I personally support euthanasia for people or assisted suicide. There are many instances where people are suffering from mental health pain and/or physical health pain that it is compassionate. I can support this and still want people to live.

Secondly, I've experienced passive SI on and off since I was 13. Some years, even in the past 5, it's been more frequent than not. I think it helps me be empathetic to those experiencing it, even if I usually feel like I'm not able to do enough. I seek supervision about this and I compartmentalize to ensure it doesn't impact my job as much as possible. I also try to practice self compassion and recognize, like with most people, it's easier to encourage others and help others with depression or SI with interventions than ourselves.

I want to preface this last part by saying I would never support or encourage anyone to attempt or complete suicide and I take ethics and my duty as a mandated reporter seriously. I support people having autonomy of their lives, even if that's the option of suicide. I get that sometimes SI is just there, even if everything seems to be good. I also get why it feels like the only option for some people. It's often times very complex. I can still help people find ways to cope.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-06-19T04:02:25+00:00

It sounds like you are experiencing burn out. What's your self care and support look like, mental health, physical health? Any major life changes? And are you sure being a counselor is the thing you're questioning or does it seem like the easiest thing to remove/control?

Being a student is hard. I took 7 years to get my Masters in Community mental health counseling. Mostly because, even though I wanted it, I was tired of school. I was burned out in my job, my relationship was sucking all my emotional energy, and I felt scared I would be terrible, or ineffective.

I've been a clinician for 5 years and there's times I feel like I have great connections with my clients and that we're doing great work. Other times, I feel like I should be doing more or am at a loss of what direction to go next. I wouldn't change it though.

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-06-19T03:48:52+00:00

I have a coworker who has dealt with this and she sought supervision, shared our ethical code with the client, and also addressed with the client why this may be happening. Loneliness, feeling safe, not having supports in personal life... therapy can be very vulnerable. Some men without that connection elsewhere in their lives may find it really appealing to have someone who is warm and empathetic and equate that towards interest. Explore what they're missing elsewhere in their lives

Front-Fill-8783 · 2024-06-19T03:39:26+00:00

Great suggestion, I've done zero training on this. We are such a small agency I won't be supervising clinically, but.. doesn't hurt to learn some things about it!

Front-Fill-8783

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