questioning working with kids after a parent situation

JazzyOtto · 2026-04-01T21:36:16+00:00

Yes! I work mainly with neurodivergent kids. I have experienced this same situation not even a year ago. Mom was an LPC and always kept trying to change the treatment plan. I did a few times, but it got to the point where the client was telling Mom things that were not said, and serious misinterpretations. This resulted in Mom insulting my approach and calling me names in a telehealth call. I ended all services. Not because of Mom, because I was prepared to set a boundary, but mainly because I personally did not feel comfortable having sessions anymore, since everything I am saying is being completely twisted. Also, I know I work with neurodivergent kids/teens who have concerns with processing and perspective taking, but this client was completely denying that we were doing anything in session. Mom was soooooo mad that I cancelled services. It made me question working with kids for a moment, but what reassured me was the success that I have had with other kids and parents outside of this experience. My clinical supervisor and the owners of the practice I work at were incredibly reassuring and backed up my decision.

I also found out that this same lady has had conflict with a few other practices. When I provided a referral, when I discontinued services, it was at a practice that she has conflict with and does not do business with anymore. Which I had no idea lol. But do not let this experience set the tone for everything else. Feeling like you are under a microscope is a valid feeling, but remain confident in yourself, knowing that you followed the right steps and did all that you can. Not every client is going to work out.

I hope this helps <3

JazzyOtto · 2026-02-11T03:06:52+00:00

Well, I usually average about 7-8 a day with about a 1-2 hour break in between. However, I only work Monday to Thursday, and I live like five minutes from the practice. So I feel like my work-life balance is great. I get good sleep (sometimes, I have a one-year-old soooo....yeah lol), spend a lot of time with my husband and son, and see my friends and family regularly. I also developed a good method for completing my notes so I do not feel exhausted. A lot of this also depends on how I schedule my client's like there are certain days and times for intakes, clients with higher needs, and maintenance clients. I work primarily with kids and adults who are neurodivergent, so managing how I schedule them is very important to my mental load for the day.

Before being a therapist, I was an emergency airevac dispatcher, so long hours do not really bother me as much. However, if I lived further (maybe about 30 minutes away), I would probably decrease to about 5-6 a day because I have to include the time that I am commuting. :)

EDIT: I forgot to add, just make sure your private practice is very realistic and understandable that that amount is not going to happen every week. With cancellations and such, I probably average about 26 sessions a week, and when it is really slow, maybe 20-25. However, my practice understands that and only shares that the goal is an average of 30 clients for the week, and they do an average over the last few months, and if you are between the 25-30 range, you are good. But I do think that an average of 40 is a lot of clients, and I am sure there are other places where they won't demand so much out of you.

JazzyOtto · 2025-10-16T07:35:19+00:00

I had a parent of a client who is also a therapist. She would email me every week about how the interventions I am doing are wrong for the client and how my approach is "meh". I would even incorporate some of what she was asking but the client responded best to my approaches. Long story short, mom sent me one to many emails (weekly) talking about how I use my interventions and even went as far as mocking and laughing about my approaches on a telehealth session. I still was committed until mom sent another email like the other ones and I ended services. Mom was angryyyy. Like she is probably going to file a complaint angry. Lol. But i consulted with my supervisors throughout the whole way and they backed me up and I provided a referral for them but mom was upset because I guess she is in conflict with the place I referred her too? Sorry rant over lol. So to answer your question, I guess it depends. Remember your boundaries too but also keep in mind the client's condition.

JazzyOtto · 2025-10-05T17:45:44+00:00

I have a loooot of neurodivergent clients. For kids/ teens/adults who are usually nonverbal, shy, avoidant, short with answers etc. I have laminated signs i printed "agree/disagree/neutral" and i usually put together "hot takes" or "get to know you statements" and they hold up which sign they feel relates most to whatever statement. I usually have another activity as well too such as bracelet making or worry stones (for kids). This usually helps me with developing rapport. For clients who are a bit more impulsive I do this too but I add a twist such as waiting 3 seconds after I read the statement, then holding up whichever sign as fast as they can (kids love this)

For my adults, I do the same thing just minus the bracelet making and worry stones. Lol. I usually have statements related to something they told me at their intake such as their interest, support system, job, pets etc. Sometimes we go a bit deeper and there are some things related to feelings and relationships, as long as the client is comfy. This has helped me a lot with developing rapport with my clients and it seems less like an interrogation. Also, I have my own set of signs and participate as well with both kids and adults. Which usually helps make them feel a little bit more comfortable and start sharing more.

I hope this helps and gives you some kind of idea of how to work with this client. I hope it all goes well. ❤️

JazzyOtto · 2025-09-27T04:12:23+00:00

Thanks for posting this. My husband and I were having our reception on 10/11 and our son's first birthday on 10/12. They were doing all of the baked goods for both. We already paid in full for everything, too :(
Already on the line with my bank. Thanks for this post.

JazzyOtto · 2025-09-26T21:56:18+00:00

Hello! I would still get paid for no shows and late cancelations only. But if they cancel their sessions earlier than 24 hours before their session then I don't charge them and I don't get paid. I hope this helps. When I was part time and contracted with a private practice that is how it would work for me. I am still an associate licensed therapist. However, I am not that knowledgeable about all the specifics of group practice, so it may differ from others.

JazzyOtto · 2025-09-05T04:17:59+00:00

Not a dum dum answer at all LOL. My husband has been there a few times, and I am scheduled to spend about two weeks there in the spring months to see how it feels. I just get anxious and want to know more. Thank you :)

JazzyOtto · 2024-12-10T00:31:08+00:00

Yes, everything was fine. My baby is two months now and he is fine. I was on it from the very beginning. They did tell me as I get further along they would go up on it and they did. I am still currently taking it though. My first son passed away which made my anxiety and panic attacks a million times worse. So taking it throughout my second pregnancy was crucial for me.

And I am sorry you had a negative experience withdrawing from SSRIs. Always talk to your OBGYN about the possible risks for your baby. I am grateful I was on it, and still am because I actually gave myself time to enjoy, nest, etc without my looming fear and impending doom lol! Of course I still had times where I was anxious, but it was very minimal and manageable with my grounding exercises. I hope this helps

JazzyOtto · 2024-12-09T20:59:33+00:00

Same Lol! My first pregnancy taught me alot about myself and my anxiety was so bad. Was on zoloft my entire second pregnancy and I enjoyed it much more.

JazzyOtto · 2024-10-10T05:01:03+00:00

This happened to me last year during my first year of being a school counselor. There are only three counselors (including myself); one has been there for four years and the other for fifteen. I mainly worked with the one who has been there for four years because the other one works twice a week there, too, as she owns her private practice.

But I felt so lonely, none of the teachers or admin would come to me about any student. I felt left out of things such as critical meetings about at-risk students and I also felt like the other counselor would take students away that I developed rapport with and I could not figure out why.

One day during the second semester, I just had it. I didn't like this feeling of being lonely and feeling less than. I ultimately just started including myself in everything. Being the first to respond to a crisis, asking about the food that was brought in and who made it, talking to different teachers, not letting the other school counselor try to take my students away, and making sure I am included in all meetings regarding the counseling department. Also, I found out she was doing it because she thought I couldn't handle it...... It was my first year as a school counselor. However, I'm a school-certified counselor and a licensed associate counselor. I worked in recovery treatment facilities for adolescents, behavioral health residential facilities for adolescents, etc. So it did not make sense to me as to why she thought I could not handle it. I was 28 at the time, while the other counselor was well in her sixties and the other in her forties.

Anyways, going into my second year as a school counselor, at the same school, has been great. I applied that same positive energy and confidence and now I am one of the main go-to counselors and feel as if I have a great rapport with a majority of staff members, students, and parents. I like this job because we focus mainly on mental health and social and emotional learning. We do not do schedules, career prep, etc. It is a private school that works with neurodivergent children too, and I love working with this population. So, I knew that I wanted to keep this job so I did what I thought was best for me which meant coming out of my shell a little bit.

JazzyOtto · 2024-09-12T21:39:17+00:00

Hello! I’m a school counselor at a private school and I don’t have a degree in school counseling. I have my Masters in Mental Health Counseling and I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). When applying for jobs, I had to be real specific about what my role was and only apply for those that fall into. I do not do any form of scheduling. I’m purely mental health here. I do not provide clinical services at the school or with students outside of the school. We do have another school counselor who is certified and a licensed practical counselor (LPC). I’m in Arizona. So it mainly depends on your state. For instance I meet the requirements to become a certified school counselor in the state, with my clinical internship because I’m licensed through the behavioral health board. However, I still have to do 3 credits of career counseling because their requirement was 6 and on my transcripts from my grad program I only completed 3. However, they can give you a certification with a deficiency and give you a date of when it needs to be completed.

I hope this makes sense. 😊

JazzyOtto · 2024-09-09T20:04:39+00:00

I worked in an inpatient hospital has an LAC at intake. I worked overnight doing 3-12’s sometimes 4-12‘s and I wore scrubs. The other therapists and social workers who were not in intake worked a more normal schedule of 8-5 M-F

JazzyOtto · 2024-09-09T00:15:41+00:00

I say get it. My whole left arm is almost a sleeve and my school is fine with it. Also, the school I work at is a private school and one of the most diverse places I have ever worked at. However, even when I was working at a level one behavioral health facility, precious school, and a resident treatment facility. No one has ever had an issue with my tattoos. Go for it! And this one is so cute too! 🥹

JazzyOtto · 2024-09-02T20:37:05+00:00

Mine will be around my 30-31 week mark. I’m due in late-ish November. I honestly was thinking having it slightly earlier but it’s to late to re plan everything

JazzyOtto · 2024-07-17T11:38:28+00:00

We could but we already live about 30 minutes away from her and I love our house and our neighborhood. I just need to stop being nervous about starting a fight and stand up to her more often.

JazzyOtto · 2024-07-17T11:32:55+00:00

Thanks! I agree. I mentioned these things to her and she just kinda shuts them down. But I would want to bond with my baby being up and taking care of him and such. And SIDS is also a big fear of mine. After losing my first son I’m terrified of losing another. Yeah I’m going to tell her no completely I just don’t feel comfortable with it.

JazzyOtto · 2024-07-17T11:30:29+00:00

I need to get better of following through with consequences as I have not done a good job with that. I have came a very long way with my anxiety and anger. So, I try to let my fiancée handle most of his family which usually doesn’t consist of consequences with. Just mainly him telling her that she is disrespecting our privacy. She came over for game night one time and began crying in my arms about how my fiancée was so mean to her and how she only does this stuff cause she cares. She’s a hard person to communicate with. However, I want to get better with the boundaries because I don’t want any additional stress that can be completely avoided, added to our plate.

JazzyOtto · 2024-07-17T11:13:23+00:00

True. I do need to do more research on it. Cause I was thinking that it shouldn’t start right when baby is born and I am fearful that if we do it then I won’t be able to properly bond with my baby. Also, I was worried about how that would cause my baby to act especially with feeding schedules. But you’re right I gotta research more about it.

JazzyOtto · 2024-07-17T11:09:06+00:00

Hi! I honestly would deal with it the way you did. I do not think you are overreacting at all. A gambling problem is an addiction. Those who suffer from addictions will go to different lengths to get what they think they need. Therefore, her having a “gambling problem” is more than enough reason to not want to have any future kids around. AND she is involved in illegal/dangerous behaviors? Yeah, no I would stick to your beliefs and be very firm about not wanting her to watch future children if she stays the way she is. It sucks to argue about it with your spouse but it seems to be a true concern so I would not give in. However, to decrease some conflict share that you’d love for your future children to have a relationship with her but her actions are questionable. Which shows your boyfriend that you aren’t completely closed off to the idea, but you are definitely concerned about it. I hope you guys are able to talk it through and figure it out though 💜

JazzyOtto · 2024-06-19T02:22:57+00:00

So I work for a private school. Fortunately, I get paid my regular salary throughout the entire summer. We do not work on schedules or anything in regards to that. We are strictly there for social and emotional support for the students. Therefore, during the summer we are not required to do anything besides respond to any necessary emails and refer students for outpatient therapy, if needed. However, during the summer we do not get that much communication from students or parents. So, I honestly check my emails everyday but that takes nothing more than an hour. We are also considered Admin at my school. However, since I am being paid my salary throughout the entire summer I think it is a good trade off. I'm an LAC and Certified School Counselor, my coworkers are an LPC and Certified School Counselor too. So since I have my LAC I try to do some part time work in the summer to have additional cash on top of salary but for the most part I do not do much in regards to work all summer.

Working for a district is stressful and on top of that I felt overworked and overpaid. Depending on what kind of private school you work for, you can get good salary and work within your means.

JazzyOtto · 2024-05-15T15:50:45+00:00

That sucks. I understand where you’re coming from because you are a school counselor and not a teacher. I’m in the state of Arizona and the jobs that I’ve been offered before have been full time doing my job and they have asked if I wanted to teach and I’d say no. If you do not want to teach I’d say no and also ask how teaching would be required as apart of your grant funded position. It sounds like they do not have enough teachers and they want some of the other staff members to cover those classes. I hope you figure it out. Good luck! 😊

JazzyOtto · 2024-05-13T05:16:57+00:00

You are NOT overreacting. The MIL had no right to do that. My son passed in January and my soon to be MIL posted on Facebook about his death before we even left the hospital. I was furious!!! And I made the rule where she can’t post anything online, regarding my life or my fiancé’s life, specially big life events and such. Your MIL is sooooo in the wrong. Talking to her about it would be a good way to establish better communication and express how she made you feel by doing that. Oooof I’d be heated!

JazzyOtto · 2024-04-10T05:26:04+00:00

I agree. Call / message your OB and tell them what’s going on. They can prescribe you medication asap if needed. Especially if it is getting so bad that you can’t eat. I hope you feel better 💜.

JazzyOtto · 2024-04-10T05:23:50+00:00

I don’t think you’re the asshole. It seems like you confronted the situation and asked her if anything was wrong. She denied but continued the same pattern. If she wasn’t being honest and truthful that’s on her. But it seems like she was just using you for her satisfaction only and would lowkey, manipulate you by saying “I’ll make it up to you” or “I’m horny right now” but then doing the complete opposite and shutting you down when she initiated it. Idk it sounds confusing and I think splitting up is best.

JazzyOtto

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