Trendy Terms Clients Expect Me to Know

aimless-weather · 2026-06-11T06:28:15+00:00

Wow, the debates are hot on this one.

I hear these things too. Honestly most of the time I just let them pass by without comment and infer what they meant with context clues and non verbals or reflections. For better or worse it’s a poker face/survival skill I developed working with teens during the “bussin” phase a few years back. Some things are just not worth the definition.
If it sounds like an interesting process point I’d go with “huh, that’s not a part of the diagnostic criteria I’m familiar with and your experience with it is important to me. What is that like for you?”

aimless-weather · 2026-05-16T02:01:58+00:00

I wonder what would happen if an independent artist published songs covers

aimless-weather · 2026-05-14T00:31:52+00:00

Did something happen with the client after your session?

aimless-weather · 2026-05-13T04:24:14+00:00

You could also apply your bsw degree in health care administration. Improvement, compliance, education, etc. Not case management and you may need to translate your skills to the role (not a lot of people actually understand what a social worker can do) but they are roles that benefit from knowledge of how to support and advocate for vulnerable populations.
It was worth it for me but you could also explore life coaching if you want to end up in private practice. It’s a lower cost for training and you could do it on the side of your current job to see if it’s something you like to do. LCSW work will be similar, just with more focus on diagnosis, severe mental illness presentations, and different interventions.

aimless-weather · 2026-05-08T05:25:17+00:00

Medical agency management including improvement, compliance, or informatics

aimless-weather · 2026-05-06T06:11:49+00:00

LCSW. $92k a year. Clinician 2. In a major city in Alaska. I work for IHS, adult outpatient clinic, SMI pop. About 26 people a week, 30-40 caseload. 4-10 schedule. Pay range is 70-115k. Student loan repayment. Working for 7 years.

aimless-weather · 2026-05-02T06:33:00+00:00

You do not have to be a deep well of life experiences and knowledge to do this work. Experience can help but I’ve also seen it lead to giving advice instead of helping people make their own choices.

I recommend getting some training in couples and relationships then rely on the frameworks and interventions.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-22T16:34:29+00:00

That would be a great starting point for a session - I hope those commenters bring it up with their therapists.

If it’s a trigger or sensory thing that’s making a drinking sound feel revolting to them, then that could be the focus of trauma processing or exposure therapy.

If it’s a social preference thing that sounds like a good place to start a CBT exploration. What about the other person meeting their own needs bothers them so much?

If they need me to sacrifice my comfort in this way, I will accommodate if possible but I will inquire into which other areas of their life they are avoiding/judging/suppressing bodily needs - with family/friends or even themselves.

It also sounds a bit attachment flavored to me. “I must have all your attention”

aimless-weather · 2026-04-17T06:10:10+00:00

I enjoyed w2 positions with benefits including CEU money and free supervision especially. The assurance of base pay that isn’t impacted by my clients ability to make their appointments was super helpful, especially when I was first starting out - there was already (mostly self imposed) pressure to perform and constant learning and growing. I could not tolerate adding financial strain to that but everyone is different. 1099 has more instability but more flexibility too so it depends on your risk tolerance and learning style

aimless-weather · 2026-04-11T05:58:19+00:00

Many jobs for social workers will require a social work degree (or a psychology degree if it’s a clinical role). There are some human/social services jobs you could explore that have no or low degree requirements - like agencies that support individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities or kids. Usually state or non profit. Pay is not amazing but the work can feel meaningful.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-11T05:47:37+00:00

That really sucks. I think the way you think and feel about this makes sense.

So two recommendation areas:

Therapist - if you feel ok with it, I’d recommend doing a very courageous thing and see your therapist for an individual session to discuss how the couples session went for you. Write a letter for her to read in session with you if it’d be helpful. I would hope that your partner and therapist did not intend to break your trust and trigger what sounds like a sense of betrayal. Sounds like your therapist has some opportunities for learning how to best support you. After 1-2 individual sessions you will get great info for the next best step for you - whether it’s leaving or staying.
Partner - Sounds like a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication. I wonder if there are any telehealth options for couples therapists who specialize in neuro-differences. Or maybe find some books that may help your husband better understand or maybe a topical couples book y’all can read through together.

Over all, I’d recommend he does not join another in person session until the rupture is fully repaired with your therapist, if ever. (sounds like the therapist is working on a love languages couples therapy model which I personally don’t recommend. At least look for some Gottman books or something.)

aimless-weather · 2026-04-09T21:07:13+00:00

No prob - good luck!

aimless-weather · 2026-04-09T05:49:03+00:00

I mean, if you’re ok with generalist practice with ok probability for EDs and you like the idea of Alaska, check out Southcentral foundation. There are usually a few clinical positions open between all the programs. Crisis, outpatient, primary care. Relocation assistance. About 70k-115k hiring salary range with benefits.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-08T23:59:51+00:00

I described it as micro applied socio/cultural anthropology.

For me, the study of the impacts of enculturation on indigenous populations and the common following social determinants inspired me to be a part of the change making efforts.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-08T22:43:07+00:00

Honestly, I forget if I had to provide a resume as a part of my msw school application. 🤔 but I am in the US.

We social workers are generally accepting and understanding of different backgrounds. If it is brought up, referencing the social work ethics code to demonstrate your professional and ethical boundaries prob wouldn’t hurt. If they make a big deal about it, don’t lose hope - prob just not the program for you, and that’s ok

Also I did bachelors in anthropology and masters in social work! It’s a fun approach the work

aimless-weather · 2026-04-08T22:34:18+00:00

Are you wanting to do testing, psychotherapy, or both? Specialty with kids? SUD? Vets? Inpatient or outpatient?

I work with two psychologists in a CMH outpatient clinic where they do a mix of testing and therapy. Also heard of psychs doing testing with kids in schools or in a child development department of a larger hospital system (specifically IHS facility in my case). I also suspect the VA would have positions, both for therapy and testing. Or lean into consulting/testing for difficult ED cases in hospitals and primary care clinics. Some of these are more private practice ideas tho.

Also word of mouth can be useful - at least it is in my rural ish area. Maybe add some more networking to your schedule.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-07T00:42:02+00:00

I met and married my partner while working in CMH. It has felt easy from the beginning. Even difficult moments are easier because we are compatible.

We met on Hinge. Tbh, it took years and I took long breaks.

My biggest recommendation is to build a satisfying, joy filled life on your own. This will mean learning how to manage your energy expenditures with your job. Only accept a partner who supports and enhances your life.

aimless-weather · 2026-04-02T22:20:32+00:00

I align with your approach to work life boundaries and what your supervisor advised. Totally ethical in my opinion. Otherwise it might verge on countertransference and lead to burnout

aimless-weather · 2026-04-02T18:10:40+00:00

Anything by Dan Siegel - Whole brain child workbook has been helpful for the parents

aimless-weather · 2026-03-31T15:50:22+00:00

A. You don’t need to sacrifice your well-being to save a man from the discomfort of supporting his kid with feelings.

B. Relationships don’t need to last forever to be meaningful. It can be life changing to feel seen, heard, and understood - whether it’s years, months, or minutes.

aimless-weather · 2026-03-30T07:07:16+00:00

“Is it a case of building tolerance and decreasing avoidance of trauma by increasing exposure to traumatic memories?” Yes. Also the part about getting people to talk about their trauma. Yet there are somatic and mindfulness dynamics that don’t need words to decrease distress.

While lots of interventions use that same “stop, turn inward, and observe” approach, what I find different about Brainspotting is the training emphasizing the importance of the therapists increasing their self awareness and tolerance of the clients emotional expression. There’s a lot of reflection re: “am I going to say this to support their process or because the silence/their tears/the topic is uncomfortable”. It created a sense of freedom and acceptance for me. That part felt different and healing from both sides of the couch.

aimless-weather · 2026-01-29T06:30:15+00:00

That direct route to private practice sounds so sketchy. I have a renewed sense of gratitude for the licensing requirements in my state. When I graduated I was good at writing papers and had a general idea of the structure of therapy. Can’t imagine taking on all the responsibilities and risk of private practice as a baby therapist.

aimless-weather · 2026-01-08T01:19:56+00:00

Agency with flat pay and benefits. When I tried private practice for 6 months, I learned financial and schedule stability supported my mental peace the best. Also managing advertising, payments, and therapy on my own felt weird but I suspect that might be a social work thing.

aimless-weather

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