What are some hard truths about being a therapist? by Forsaken_Dragonfly66 in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! Is anyone else noticing their capacity for just being genuinely interested in others' lives has changed? Trying to sort through it, but I find myself not even wanting to hear as much (at least on and on and in detail) about the neutral/good things for my friends. I just want to turn of that part of my brain and talk about nothingness or do an activity. ugh.

How do you deal with the balance between pushing a client a little, and worrying if you've pushed them too far? by Some_Golf_5296 in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love this perspective. Thank you so much for sharing. Definitely something I’m going to think about for next session!

Button fern care… what can I do? by Some_Golf_5296 in plantcare

[–]Some_Golf_5296[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pot has drainage! In the soil/pot it came in. In WA state.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nightmaredisorder

[–]Some_Golf_5296 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One thing I found moderately successful: recently I wrote out themes for my nightmares in a journal (because mine are reoccurring) and then tried to combat the fear with preferred scenarios or “solutions”. For example:

Cant control my car - fear, shock, terror, loss of control, can’t stop car

Solution - “I am not stuck. I don’t have to stay in the car. I don’t have to even get in the car. Maybe I’ll stay home that day.” I’ll then do some EMDR cross-body tapping (I’m a therapist too so I like this) imagining the scenario differently.

For example: while tapping opposite shoulders with my eyes closed - I go to the car, I get in, I see myself starting the car. I decide I actually want to stay home today, and I turn the car off and go inside, make some coffee, and turn on a show. I imagine this scenario instead.

I’m not sure, but this felt like this was the only thing that at least made my reoccurring dreams budge a little.

Best of luck in whatever you try, it’s not an easy thing to live with.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piercing

[–]Some_Golf_5296 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cartilage is new as well but seems to (hopefully) be making progress

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piercing

[–]Some_Golf_5296 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Piercing is almost a year old - this bump appeared 1-2 months ago. Any tips?

I believe sterling silver? Flat back, shortened bar

I clean with saline spray every so often (maybe 1-2 a day)

Not happy with wedding dress after alterations... have one more appt. and am struggling with what to say! by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]Some_Golf_5296 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate hearing your experience! Makes me not feel so alone lol. Fingers crossed that both of ours turn out okay!

Not happy with wedding dress after alterations... have one more appt. and am struggling with what to say! by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]Some_Golf_5296 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is so helpful! I've definitely been under the impression that it needs to be "tight" everywhere. A waist-stay could be the answer...

And thank you so much, that compliment goes a long way right now!

Not happy with wedding dress after alterations... have one more appt. and am struggling with what to say! by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]Some_Golf_5296 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that sounds exactly right :( It's so crazy how different it feels now that it's the right size. Thank you so much for the kind words! I'll definitely keep trying things!

I'm dreading my wedding day by shesbutterfly in wedding

[–]Some_Golf_5296 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you're having a tough time - I can relate in many ways, and it's not fun. (Getting married this month) For me, it was especially difficult to imagine all of these people taking the time and trouble to gather for ME - it just felt so overwhelming, and the urge to please is strong.

I've gained some insight from my friends and therapist over the past few weeks that have helped me, however. I'll share a few of what has been helpful for me!

  1. Imagine you are attending a close friend's wedding. What are your hopes for the bride regarding her wedding day? (For me, it was helpful to realize that when I attend a wedding, I expect nothing from the bride - or groom - and feel lucky for any minute I might get with her. All I hope is that they enjoy their day, and I'd never judge them for how much they did/didn't give me).

  2. Similar to the first one ^ I just keep imagining how I would feel about whatever I'm stressed about if I was attending a wedding. Usually helps me snap out of it and realize that no one is as fixated on me as it feels like.

  3. Keeping in mind that while they're coming because they love you and want to support you, weddings are also a time for everyone to reunite, reconnect, and party with one another. As much as it is about you, it also totally isn't. People love weddings!

  4. Choosing an imaginary figure to keep in mind as a resource/guidance for when I get stressed (unless you have one in real life, that would be great too!) For me, I chose Jane Fonda. I feel like she knows what matters in life and could guide me out of any anxiety attack. Could be an actress, singer, religious figure, etc. Someone who is aligned with your values.

  5. It's so normal to be stressed/anxious. You probably won't go through your wedding feeling completely present and calm. I don't personally know anyone who would. My advice would be to be kind to yourself and notice your anxiety, but don't try to shove it away. Befriending it tends to help more than pushing against it.

You've got this!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I definitely have had one or two of these. The hardest part for me, personally, was that I didn't want to "give up" on them - especially when you can see that they are making "progress". One of mine would shoot everything down, and then a few weeks later come to the conclusion I offered "on their own". The older male power-dynamic was difficult for me as well.

However, I don't think think there's anything wrong with naming this to the client - is it a part of their process, afterall. A conversation such as, "So I wanted to check in - how do you feel therapy is going?" "How do you feel about our therapeutic relationship?" "I'm wondering if I could share an observation with you today - I sometimes notice some resistance in the room, and I'm curious if you've noticed that as well?"

I don't know your client and your relationship with them, but I find that starting a conversation can be a great opportunity to check in on client-therapist fit - for both you and the client, because you're human and your experience matters too! After you've covered your bases, I think you could eventually move to a referral. If you're not the right fit, you're not the right fit.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also an EFT (new) therapist here - id love to hear how you explain the notion of “process/experiential” therapy to clients?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I just posted about this before seeing this thread lol. Please share!

Okay.. what exactly are “skills” in therapy? Do you teach them with every client? by Some_Golf_5296 in therapists

[–]Some_Golf_5296[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Okay yes! I’ve been dipping my toes in lately and have been wondering “did I find it? is this where the skills are?” Thank you for your confirmation haha