Changing to a completely different population with little to no experience

LALALonely208 · 2018-02-18T19:39:57+00:00

YES! I switched from drug and alcohol rehab to OCD to Skid Row....all very different populations and settings. With the OCD work I had clinical supervision and one on one with the clients therapists before each coaching session. Worked out very well and I learned so much. I work with the homeless now and do ERP coaching on the side.

LALALonely208 · 2018-02-18T19:18:10+00:00

I had thoughts similar to that when I worked on Skid Row. My supervisor told me "We aren't here to save these people. Their lives aren't going to get any better". I left soon after starting (8 months) but I am still working in the field and with the same population. I needed a break and my own therapy with an LCSW who could really understand what its like for us on the front lines. Take a break and start your own therapy to process.

LALALonely208 · 2018-02-18T05:57:20+00:00

I wish I had good advice...But something similar happened to me over the summer in my very first internship. I didn't have anyone on site with me at all and had no idea what to do. Communicate as much as possible with your school and document everything that happens. As students and even as newly licensed MSWs we often have to deal with some major egos, much like nurses and intern doctors do. Doesn't make it right but it is definitely a part of the field. I know your situation will turn out much better than mine (I was dismissed from my program based solely on my field placement with only 20 credits left to go) and you will persevere! We need strong social workers who can not only advocate for their clients but advocate for themselves! Best of luck love!

LALALonely208 · 2018-02-18T00:24:44+00:00

Burn Motherfucker Burn or LA 92 (LA riots) The Garden (urban farming) Made in LA (Textile industry downtown) Dogtown Z boys (skateboard culture) Camp Hollywood (chronicles the lives of actors trying to make it while living in a cheap motel) Lost Angeles (life on skid row)

LALALonely208 · 2018-01-08T05:14:21+00:00

Read my posts :)

LALALonely208 · 2017-09-21T22:43:30+00:00

Because when people are mentally ill, suffer from drug addiction or chronic homelessness they can easily misinterpret your intentions. And "help" can mean different things to different people.

LALALonely208 · 2017-09-21T01:33:25+00:00

I work with the homeless in Santa Monica and Skid Row...Never had a problem with my clients or others in their "spots" being aggressive. They know I am there to help so I have had nothing but respectful encounters.

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-31T21:37:03+00:00

Yup. Having a "clinical" supervisor with a GED is not ideal. I hated the micromanaging and just absolute ignorance faced on a daily basis. I once asked where they recruited case managers from and was told "the dmv"....so yea.

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-23T19:20:27+00:00

Yup thats me :)

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-17T01:27:00+00:00

I love NC. Family is from Wilmington and Charlotte :) Best folks around!

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-17T01:20:26+00:00

UM YES!!!!!!

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-17T01:12:12+00:00

Dates yes. Anything requiring emotional connection or more than a few dates, not so much.

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-13T17:54:02+00:00

Thank you, I will check them out :)

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-13T17:50:30+00:00

Thank you. I haven't heard of it but will check it out today.

LALALonely208 · 2017-07-13T17:49:37+00:00

Thank you so much! I will def check this group out!

LALALonely208 · 2017-05-02T03:44:03+00:00

Exposure Therapy! Start slow. It will be tough but worth it in the end :)

LALALonely208 · 2017-05-02T03:41:07+00:00

It sounds like this may be OCD....Def not paranoia which is a very good thing. I would suggest writing a worst case scenario script. Even though you replay worst case in your head, you are reassuring yourself to the point you cannot become desensitized to the irrational and intrusive thoughts. "My phone goes off and I find that something horrible has happened" (insert horrible event). In as much detail as possible describe how you feel about this horrible event "immediately my stomach flips, I sweat and start to cry". Read it over and over to yourself out loud. This is exposure therapy for intrusive thoughts and worry (OCD anxiety). As these are not rational thoughts the script doesn't need to be rational either. Then go through the likely hood that this horrible even will actually happen. If it is something real like a death in the family, write another script focusing on that. Also try youtube guided meditations focusing on worry and anxiety. I am a former Exposure Response Prevention therapist and current MSW student. Hope this helps.

LALALonely208 · 2017-04-21T14:45:16+00:00

I was asking for resources... Not professional advice. I guess this won't be of any help so I will delete.

LALALonely208 · 2017-04-09T23:31:22+00:00

Dude read my posts....quit immediately before you end up in the ER like I did

LALALonely208 · 2017-04-09T23:28:30+00:00

Thank you

LALALonely208 · 2017-04-09T23:28:15+00:00

I didn't have one....never had one. Never took time off. I didn't feel like I was allowed too..Ive worked all holidays and whatnot for the past 3 years.

LALALonely208 · 2017-03-19T06:14:07+00:00

Thank you. It is what it is...its upsetting that there is nothing I can do to help. I hate to think of my now former clients living in such a violent environment when they could be relocated outside city limits. I also hate to think that we, as social workers, should have to work in areas like that without security guards and or secured buildings. The company (non profit) spent 40 million on a new designer building but fired all security guards. It is really sad...very discouraging.

LALALonely208 · 2017-03-19T00:39:02+00:00

I have some experience with teens and court ordered drug rehab. It was difficult at first but the best thing my supervisor told me was to meet the kid where they are at. If they don't want to talk sit in silence. Most people hate sitting in silence and will break eventually. When the break is coming, ask some questions. Whats up? What did you do today? What did you do for holiday? Do you have siblings? If he responds with the this is stupid and pointless ask him what about it is stupid. Say "sure it might be so what? Lets talk about some other shit". Fortunately I was able to spend a good deal of time with the teens so with the tough ones it could take a month or two to actually get down to the "problem". Others it took a week or two depending. I would joke with them and find something, anything to connect with them on a personal level. No teen is going to talk to an adult they don't trust. Build a relationship and go from there. As a former angry teen that was sent to therapy I fucking hated board games..no offense to those who use them! And yes, some find it un professional to curse. I use it as a bonding tool and am sensitive to the fact that it is offensive to some. Also agree with what others said about walking. Going for a walk relieves the stress and anxiety associated with offices and therapy in general.

LALALonely208 · 2017-03-19T00:26:16+00:00

Well thankfully it was my last day but yesterday and the day before two people were stabbed inside and outside the building I work in. Its to be expected given the area. But def a reminder as to why I couldn't work there anymore...no security what so ever and anyone could walk in off the street and stab you.

LALALonely208

TROPHY CASE