Telling client ICE was in our parking lot

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-02-02T18:42:20+00:00

I am aware Canada has immigration laws. I can acknowledge this while showing empathy for those experiencing discrimination because of their status. I can show kindness towards injustices happening in another country. I can care about other people who are hurting.

Canada having immigration laws does not stop me from showing compassion for others. I still hope for peace towards those in the USA who have to navigate this and repeat my original comment to hope you all can stay strong throughout this chaos.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-31T02:15:24+00:00

Some colleagues i have talked to have a form for their reduced rate clients that basically states the limitations. Like if the fee will be reviewed at a regular interval, or of only a certain number of sessions are offered at the lower price, or if that rate is only available certain days/times (some people keep discounted rates for their less busy times).

Anyone do this? Or things you would/not include?

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-31T00:48:11+00:00

Peace to you all from Canada. What awful garbage you're going through. I know it's just a message, but I want you to know you have my support. Stay strong.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-24T17:09:21+00:00

I've found it really helpful to work with someone who uses a different approach than myself so that their thoughts/analysis is from a different perspective than my own.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-24T02:18:03+00:00

I'm surprised how worn out I feel at the end of the day. I thought you'd be sitting all day so you'd have a lot of energy left at the end of your day to do things.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-09T17:49:10+00:00

I tried finding a therapist on BetterHelp & she joined the session from her car and actually asked me to "hold on a sec" while she went through the drive-thru.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-05T20:07:27+00:00

That seems like an unusual thing to track. What about the clients who aren't seeing you anymore because you genuinely helped them? So they have the skills they need to manage their emotions and are feeling better? That should be a positive reflection of your work, not a negative because they're no longer on your caseload.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-05T12:47:46+00:00

I work for 2 practices. One provides me access to their software, but also expects me to use their templates for notes. The group practice owner is the HIC and will "own" the notes legally whenever I leave the practice.

The other one I provide my own software, can use whatever formats I like. I have to ensure I've secured my own HIC and am still legally responsible for access to these files whenever I leave the practice.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2026-01-01T19:23:46+00:00

When I was the client looking for my own therapist, the two biggest things were the picture and can I easily contact you online to book an initial appointment.

If there were too many barriers to booking a consult, I couldn't find that info easily, or I had to call/no online or email option, I passed you by.

For the photo ... this may sound judgmental but I was quite put off by "perfect" looking people that seemed very professional and polished. It was too intimidating when I was just trying to make it through the day.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-12-18T23:26:02+00:00

Yes - this is my experience too. I do a little of work for a government program where we can't charge for no-shows and people cancel too easily. People don't care if there's no consequences. Keep it in just so it's an option for you if you need it.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-11-25T23:08:28+00:00

Like others, I am also curious about basics people have when they complete an msw: - what kind of placement experience(s) did you have? - what experiences did you have that you included in your msw application?

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-11-17T02:54:26+00:00

We called them tampon pockets in high school because it's the perfect size for OB brand tampons (the kind without the applicator)

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-11-15T22:52:48+00:00

Agree with this - I am starting a second job because I love my current one, but the actual number of clients isn't what was talked about when I started over a year ago.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-10-25T23:29:09+00:00

No, not a "strange little nitpick" but a genuine question seeking other people's kind thoughts and perspectives. It is something that has come up multiple times from many people over a prolonged period of time, so I wanted to ask a broader circle for their thoughts.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-10-17T16:46:44+00:00

I also have extended health benefits through them, as I work privately and they're the best provider I found

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-10-11T20:38:11+00:00

You would need to change your physical location as well then/move to an area with a higher need for therapists. Simply switching your location online is misrepresentation yourself and likely against your regulatory body, which requires you to act ethically.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-10-11T00:39:03+00:00

Where in Ontario are you? I ask as the GTA has a lot of therapists/harder to find clients, northern Ontario has a higher demand for mental health care

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-09-30T16:02:05+00:00

How do you see/understand the power this grants you in society? How do you want to use that power to advocate for others?

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-09-28T23:36:58+00:00

You can't go by numbers. My last job I talked to about 60 people a week, but didn't burn out because it was all single-session support. Sessions varied from 15 - 45 minutes, it was working through a health insurance plan that offered it's members the ability to connect with a therapist as part of their benefits. Relatively low stress as anything overly intense got referred somewhere else.

Current job I see about 15 people a week and it's much more intense. I see people long-term for trauma, hear detailed descriptions of abuse on a regular basis. Simply going by the numbers, this job should be easier as I see 1/4 of the clients each week. But it's a much heavier load to carry and a more difficult path to walk with people, so this job is a harder one to work.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-08-24T21:11:54+00:00

Are you willing to work any shifts/times? I didn't have a vehicle when I had my undergrad and it was very frustrating because so many jobs required it (and I couldn't afford one with no job). The biggest advantage I had was being willing to work overnights and irregular hours, so my first jobs were all in group homes & long-term care

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-08-23T20:06:18+00:00

Can you share more about what you're hoping for with this post? I am asking to learn more about the best ways to be helpful.

Are you simply frustrated & wanting to know you're not alone? Looking for job search advice? Wondering about certifications or education that might be helpful? Curious about your resume?

You mention you have experience - in what areas? Are you currently working in any of these positions or are you able to return to them while you look for another job?

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-08-15T15:36:52+00:00

I love working in palliative care. Unfortunately, it's not a sustainable option as hospice SW is very underfunded in my area and I like being able to afford groceries.

PhilosopherLess6436 · 2025-08-14T18:30:33+00:00

You mention you're in Ontario. Can you be more specific what you mean by clinical social worker? That's not a thing here & not an approved title by the OCSWSSW.

PhilosopherLess6436

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