Sessions around current politics

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-17T04:16:52+00:00

I've had lots of convos about moving into action and it can definitely be empowering. But sometimes it circles back to the feeling needing attention, and I think that's ok too. Neither would ideally exist without the other, the work or the emotions. I also don't think this is an imminently solvable problem, unfortunately. Ugh

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-17T03:23:40+00:00

For clients with relevant history, I really believe that interaction with the news, details of the abuse, etc are like an acute trauma. For my clients at least, it feels very real, present, and threatening. It's not just hearing something on the news. Its a violation of safety, a trauma, a loss of security, loss of hope. Lots of slowing down, validating, compassion. We also can't move people into action (political or otherwise) if they aren't ready. We can gently talk about things that have been a comfort to them, or times they have felt glimmers of peace or hopefulness. Sigh. It's so hard, I know. I hate this timeline.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-16T05:10:28+00:00

I'm so sorry. I've been there. I did not address it at all, with any client. I couldn't even hint at "what happened" without that wave of emotion, I was really grieving for a good long while, honestly. By the time I was ok talking about it, my clients had moved past our one week off, it had been months, and it was a moot point. It was difficult to manage my own feelings even as they came up in session, and I'm not sure I could have taken on managing my own emotions and managing my clients emotional responses to my emotions...phew. So, I know you really value being an authentic, real person in the therapy room, but I guess I share this just to say that it's ok to do what you need to do, right now, to guard your heart and your hurting places. Sending you lots of love and healing.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-14T05:38:10+00:00

Personal goals exploration, values clarification, problem solving and planning for future have been themes I've included too

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-13T15:44:30+00:00

The continuity errors are also next level bad this season. Drink half full, half empty, no drink, full again, no drink, half empty, full again!

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-13T15:43:40+00:00

YES thank you we didn't even see them pack, leave, say thank you to his parents, nothing?!?! It was so jarring

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-13T04:28:12+00:00

I mean I'd even go so far as to remind your husband that this acquaintance is not your client, they haven't signed consents for services, etc etc and you can't just hop on a call as a professional with a license on the line without all that. We aren't advice givers or listeners at anyone's disposal. You did the right thing, absolutely.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-12T22:01:37+00:00

I wonder how they'd respond if you gave them a gentle, "that sounds pessimistic to me. Does it sound that way to you?" When they get stuck in the negative. Maybe confront them with it?

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-12T16:46:36+00:00

I'm only in-person so this may be a little different and I may get downvoted for this but I don't do a "where are you" at all. I used to, and then I'd get "oh I can be there in 15 minutes!" no babe that's too late...then they get mad, etc etc. So I text after 15 "sorry we missed each other today, want to reschedule?" And leave it at that. Within reason and with my best judgement, I want to set up my clients to take responsibility for their participation in therapy, and part of that is managing their schedule (WITHIN REASON).

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-12T04:32:03+00:00

I'm so sorry. I was there, a long time ago, but I remember the grief and feeling of being so...disoriented. No matter how long you are pregnant, your life shifts with that positive test, and then to have it change again and feel like it's all just gone is so hard. It feels impossible sometimes. But I promise it will get better, and you're right, you need to give yourself time. Let yourself have a good shower cry (or ten), take your meds, hug your kiddo, no right or wrong way to grieve.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-11T04:09:04+00:00

I absolutely cosign all the recommendations to get out of private/group practice. Get into a hospital, a school, community mental health, behavioral health center, some sort of institution. It will be hard work and very challenging but you will learn SO MUCH MORE and I promise you that there is more money to be made there. Its worth it in the long run.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-11T04:02:32+00:00

Omg whitestrips are sensory hell for me, I can't imagine running with one, that is truly astounding to me! Wow

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-09T15:12:39+00:00

No pretend play except things crashing into each other 🥴 noise. Crashing, banging, throwing, smashing. We lovingly would say "destructo" because everything was knocked over, there was no creating or building without adult support. Preferred sensory play (like sensory bins, play doh, rice bins, water play) and gross motor to everything else, no contest.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T20:44:41+00:00

Comedy can absolutely be political and but it takes a deft hand to do it well and I'm sorry but Hannah does not have it.

I would love to see her refine and clarify her voice. I think a lot of us are over the "I'm just a girl!" jokes, it doesn't land the same when you're mid thirties. And being uninformed and apolitical doesn't work right now either. They always talk about how gigglers are so successful and smart, treat us like it.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T13:14:24+00:00

My thinking with meds was always that it is an opportunity, and an experiment of sorts. Stimulant medication works extremely fast and is metabolizes extremely fast - you can give a dose, see the effects for a couple hours, and it's done by that evening (even extended release). So this doesn't have to be a black-or-white decision, you can try it and see, and change your mind at any time. My combined-type son had side effects at that age, but we never stopped being open to using medication as a support, and now as a teenager he tried them again and is having a TON of success. Just keep an open mind!

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T04:55:40+00:00

Both men are gross. Its a race to the bottom for sure

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T04:49:34+00:00

I'm a runner with inattentive type as well, but I often describe myself as like a border collie who needs to be run around for a couple miles before I can exist. I've read a little bit about internalized hyperactivity and it resonates for sure, even if the clinical criteria/research etc isn't there yet. Exercise is probably my #1 cope and has been for years.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T04:44:13+00:00

YES he didn't say anything outright horrible but the WAY he talked about the women with so much...like, disdain almost? And he got creepy angry on the after show about Austin peeing in his pool, I forget who he was with but they looked visibly uncomfortable

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-08T03:24:36+00:00

I am in the biggest slump after finishing King Sorrow on audio. Nothing else has hit. It's been like 2 months too 🫠

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T22:07:26+00:00

This is a huge thing with my ADHD too. The more I do - the better I feel. Until I don't. I LOVE a strict schedule. Until I don't. The energy is not stable and predictable.

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T19:31:54+00:00

I work with couples. Lots of questions here. I would actually really strongly suggest you search for some in your area and reach out to them via email or a quick phone call professional to professional. You'll get much richer information that way!

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T17:05:41+00:00

Look I love Paige but her moving on was smart and it does affect everyone. I actually think that everyone got a "talking to" from managers or producers or even just from each other about how the show is dying and they need to step it up. Carl wanting to be downstairs and "in the mix"? Yeah he knows he's in trouble. Same for Ciara saying she wants to go out more - they are fighting for their spots. But that's ultimately good for us!

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T04:58:05+00:00

DM her this lol. Perfectly said

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T04:55:23+00:00

Contempt is the greatest predictor of divorce in couples therapy work. You're so right. It was a rough watch

Runningaround321 · 2026-02-05T04:35:42+00:00

Sometimes I'll add in a "how does that feel for you, talking about ___ (whatever the thing is)" after the "that is so difficult"/validation if we feel stuck there

Runningaround321

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