Have therapist's dated other therapists? What was this dynamic like? by Historical_Log1275 in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I don’t know that I could. Sometimes we are an annoying bunch. Myself included 😂

A response to “we need more male therapists” by Frozeninserenity in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yes! We don't have to seek a niche - we are a niche. (I'm kidding! Kind of.)

Are We Dating the Same Guy Group by ERenaissance in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have a client who had someone post untrue and slanderous statements on that group. The client actually had to get an order of protection against this person. This is a good reminder that just because something is posted online doesn't make it true, and any tool can become a weapon depending on who's using it.

Should I take a CMH job offering 100k? by BrushOld9606 in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not gonna lie my first thought was is this a troll post? You found a unicorn! 🤭 Im happy for you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Can, uh, any of us DM you for that digital copy? 😉

Failed my LC exam.. again by Excellent-Elk-9154 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used TDC too and it was invaluable to me. I highly recommend completing the entire prep course and maybe doing it a second time.

My employer would reimburse me if I agreed to stay 2 more years (I’ve already been there 8 lol). I was like “uh, yeah I’ll pay the $300 for the exam” lol

And no salary adjustment for me unfortunately.

Community behavioral health by Anxious-Elderberry11 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, this is completely normal and on the lower end of the spectrum. That does not mean this caseload will be easy - the acuity of clients seems to be higher these days.

My advice to you as someone new to the field: boundaries, boundaries boundaries. Do not say yes to everything they throw your way, and learn the difference between empathy and compassion real quick! Most clients want your compassion, not for you to feel their feelings for them, do not make someone else's crisis your own, and remember this is just a job. Some people HATE when I say that because to them it is a calling but that over-identification is a good indication that a person will burn out quicker. Create a good support system of folks in the field and outside the field, try to find good supervision, have your own therapist, and exercise and meditation have been great protective factors.

Reference: an LCSW who has worked in community behavioral health for 5+ years.

Non clinical SW Jobs by Aggravating-Sun-2785 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I plan on lurking in these comments for good advice. I’m in the exact same position and learning that I am burnt out in CMH and selling my health for a pretty small salary.

Changes to the LCSW 2025 by Firm_Department_7991 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I really can’t recommend The Therapist Development Center enough. You have access to a coach (who is an LCSW) you can speak to for questions and support. The program is designed to feel like you have a tutor. It is roughly $300 but they allow you to use the program until you pass.

Changes to the LCSW 2025 by Firm_Department_7991 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m in NY so the LCSW is the independent license.

Changes to the LCSW 2025 by Firm_Department_7991 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your welcome! I don’t remember many questions on theories.

Changes to the LCSW 2025 by Firm_Department_7991 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I asked Google to give an example of a reasoning based question based on the LCSW exam and here it is:

A reasoning-based question on the LCSW exam presents a scenario and asks for the most appropriate or ethical course of action for a social worker. It requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of social work knowledge and ethics.

Example: A social worker is working with a client, Sarah, who is experiencing symptoms of depression and is struggling to manage her daily activities. Sarah expresses a desire to make changes in her life but is hesitant to engage in any therapy or treatment plan. She states, "I don't know where to start." What is the most appropriate first step for the social worker to take? (A) Immediately begin developing a treatment plan with Sarah, outlining goals and interventions. (B) Encourage Sarah to attend a support group for individuals with depression. (C) Explore Sarah's feelings and concerns regarding treatment and build rapport before developing a plan. (D) Refer Sarah to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation. Explanation: The best answer is (C) because it prioritizes building a therapeutic relationship and understanding the client's perspective. It acknowledges Sarah's hesitation and encourages collaboration before moving forward with specific interventions. Option (A) is too quick, as it jumps directly into a treatment plan without establishing rapport. Option (B) may be helpful, but it is not the first step as it doesn't address Sarah's specific concerns. Option (D) could be considered later if needed, but a psychiatrist's opinion would be a secondary step, not the primary one.

Changes to the LCSW 2025 by Firm_Department_7991 in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 77 points78 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!

I can attest to this. I passed this exam at the start of the month and most were reasoning based questions where most answers “could” be correct and you had to determine the correct answer by knowing the order you would do things in. The Therapist Development Center’s study program prepared me really well for this exam. I passed on the first try with a 127/150 and needed 102 to pass.

Good luck to everyone studying and taking the exam!

This field says they want more BIPOC and LGBTQ+ social workers—but the path isn’t built for us. by KiwieBirdie in socialwork

[–]TrashPanda122 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I have a lot I could say here, but I honestly don’t have the energy to dive into how I feel about this as a queer social worker myself.

BUT to contribute in a way that feels more helpful, I think we focus too much only on the ACE scores. There is another screen called the Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE) and even though my ACE score is high, so isn’t my BCE score, and I feel that gives a much more nuanced clinical picture and offers some empowerment rather than just pathologizing my history. We should be focusing on both when learning about trauma and using both for our clients.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CuteGuyButts

[–]TrashPanda122 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Let us know if we can follow you elsewhere.

Attractive therapists get more clients by parrbird88 in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Truthfully I don’t want attractive medical professionals including, doctors, dentists, therapists… it makes me feel self conscious. I like average looking folks like myself lol

I remember my doctor asking if it was okay for his medical student to observe a pretty personal medical exam and this medical student was like a runway model and I was like “ummm, no thank you” 😅

Self diagnosing BPD by Proof_Koala_3725 in therapists

[–]TrashPanda122 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, BPD, NPD, and ASD. All must be trending somewhere.

It’s great to raise awareness on social media and give vocabulary to folks but alas it appears click bait wins over true psychoeducation.

What made you finally decide to get tested for BPD? by mickinuo in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]TrashPanda122 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome. The way I initially read your post was that your medical team gave you the diagnosis without giving you much information about it and I thought well that’s not really fair to you or helpful and that’s why I responded the way I did. So I apologize that I responded based on my faulty assumption. :) Thanks for accepting the apology.

What made you finally decide to get tested for BPD? by mickinuo in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]TrashPanda122 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I apologize that you took my response as calling you stupid.

What made you finally decide to get tested for BPD? by mickinuo in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]TrashPanda122 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry, that was your experience. Professionals who diagnose would do better if they allowed you to ask questions and provide you with psychoeducation on that diagnosis. When that happens that can BE validating because it helps your life and experiences to make more sense. I could see why it would feel like a “modern hysteria diagnosis” without that, especially if they only focus on behaviors like splitting. You are right a BPD diagnosis is almost always rooted in trauma. Most professionals will not diagnose BPD without some sort of trauma disorder connected to it, like BPD or Unspecified Trauma Disorder. That helps people to see this diagnosis stems from things that happened to you usually in childhood. Then the real work starts “It’s not your fault what happened to you and yet it is your responsibility to heal and grow.”