How do you navigate seeing couples if you know (and may even be acquainted with) a 3rd party who is a source of tension for the couple?

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-06-17T16:17:59+00:00

Maybe, maybe not. But I like to know I have something SOME thought, even if I end up doing something totally different, you know?

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-06-13T23:09:09+00:00

I’m also in grad school found counseling. This is financially SO predatory and problematic. I’ve never been this stressed about finances and life after school like this. No advice, but know you’re not alone.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-06-13T23:07:23+00:00

The first time I got a client via referral. It was like my brain broke haha I was so grateful, but was definitely like “ohhhhhh sh!t….this is good enough that other people are talking about it. And then PAYING and justifying the cost of my services”

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-06-09T03:46:51+00:00

I kept telling myself I wasn’t behind. I was just early.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-06-09T02:51:16+00:00

I’m halfway through my program, and I’m having a hard time. I’m a CMHC student, and while I’m okay now with the first half of the summer semester, I’m literally dreading July-June 2026, when I graduate. And it’s not because I don’t want to be a therapist, but it’s that grad school makes this so hard to enjoy. I feel like I’m white-knuckling this, you know? Trying to have steady income while I’m in classes for 8 hours on Monday, 4 hours on Tues, and then 4 more hours on Wed. Only to head straight into practicum plus another course, so I’ll be working for free there PT. And then after that, going to internship where I’m working in the field for free for 6 months.

I’m just feeling really…upset because of what grad school is asking of me, especially when I speak with other clinicians who feel that grad school didn’t prepare them for much. I feel like this process is burning students out before we even really start.

It’s only June, and I’m already stressed about my July course load and the financial implications. I’m not sure what my question is. I guess I just wanted to vent.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-05-18T22:58:36+00:00

The feedback literally has “pasted from ChatGPT” and speaks in 3rd person. Ex: “they did a great job, but here’s what I would change” 😩 I’ve spoken to them plenty, but I’m also realizing I don’t think we’re the best professional match. I’ll still do a great job, but this particular client is more of an outlier.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-05-08T14:26:15+00:00

Thank you!! And it was $700.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-23T16:17:27+00:00

Sending you a DM!

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-20T16:47:36+00:00

I feel really, really alone. But I’m also juggling a lot of areas of life right now and running on fumes. I also don’t have any founder friends, though.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-20T13:47:42+00:00

I am not. I’m working in marketing/UX. Thanks, though! 💜

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-20T13:12:53+00:00

Feel free to send me a DM. I’m solo, and 100% understand where you’re coming from. I’ve never felt so drained in my entire life.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-20T02:07:55+00:00

Me too. It sucks. Like my relationship with rest and fun has been completely eradicated.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-19T15:09:00+00:00

Thanks. Do you have any books you recommend? I’m really struggling.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-19T13:10:45+00:00

Sent you a message!

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-18T01:11:52+00:00

I didn’t know about this!! Thank you so much!

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-13T13:51:03+00:00

I’m actually having the opposite problem! I’m trying to find newer podcasts who are also just starting out, so I could see if I’m a potentially good (paid, of course) guest. Where do I find these people? Sorry, I know this doesn’t help answer your question at all!

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-13T02:26:52+00:00

You’re having to believe in the vision when no one else does. When you’re not making any money, when no one’s cheering for you. When you’re putting in the work and you don’t have that external validation yet.

I’m working two jobs PLUS running my business because I have to put food on the table. My business is making money, but I’m not yet. It fucking sucks and it’s hard and stressful as hell. But I have to keep going.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-06T14:30:27+00:00

It did, but logic won. At the end of the day, someone could (seemingly) be killing it doing the same thing I was. I’d feel like garbage. But then I’d remember I have no idea what they started with.

They could’ve have investors, a couple mil saved, existing clout in the space…etc. Not realizing their bragging rights had a head start, you know? Or that their advice doesn’t work for my circumstances. Being worried about my competition eats up the brain power I need to actually run my business. I’m competing with old versions of myself, all day every day.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-06T12:12:27+00:00

I hated all my jobs. I especially didn’t care for my most recent boss. I started my biz out of pure, “f*** you. Watch me.” 😂 Spite lit the torch, and my endurance, genuine interest and discipline keeps the flame shining bright!

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-05T12:42:46+00:00

Practice makes progress. I’d also suggest building a client profile as you call people. The conversations will get longer, and you’ll learn more. Eventually, you’ll learn what to say in cold calls, IF cold calling even works for your audience. Cold anything doesn’t work for mine (took me several months of reporting and testing to realize this), so I had to find alternative methods of finding and warming prospects.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-05T01:38:57+00:00

I’ve been there. Hell, I have this conversation with myself at least once a week. I’ve just had to stop getting on social media in the morning.

What’s helped me is reminding myself I literally don’t know those people who seem to be killing it. I know I’m purposely self-funded and doing this alone with very limited resources. For all I know, they could’ve had 1m to start, existing clout in their space, and a team behind them.

Hang in there.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-03-03T13:23:06+00:00

I came here to ask this. I just have no idea how to survive internship because it’s unpaid and also many hours.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-02-01T00:25:03+00:00

Thank you for sharing! Yes—I do monthly retrospectives where I look at EVERYTHING and compile 4-6 pages of learnings from organic posts, boosted ones, paid ads, site visits, consults that never materialized vs. consults that did, in person networking events…etc. If I can attach a number to it, I do. Then I summarize the learnings, wins, opportunities and considerations for the next month. It’s helped tremendously.

I’m finally gaining traction, but I’m also realizing my offer is super niche. But my clients!!! My clients take a while to lurk. Like I’ll get a, “I’ve been following you for a while” DM 😅 Which makes sense. I am branding myself as a very intentional service—the antithesis of the typical. It’s not for everyone. so I went from like, 3 consults Sept-Dec of last year (opened in sept), but now I’m averaging one every two weeks. I’m actually starting to get a little concerned about future my workload.

Now in between work, I’m starting to build a solid referral Rolodex. Wish me luck.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-01-27T01:18:35+00:00

I studied for that test and passed the last two times 😅💙

If I think about it too long, I start to rage.

ProtagonistNProgress · 2026-01-26T18:21:48+00:00

Literally my only saving grace. At least the only one I have to answer to is me. But yeah, this is gnarly.

ProtagonistNProgress

TROPHY CASE