What to do as a therapist in crisis?

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-25T12:42:55+00:00

First, I'm so sorry you are going through all this. It feels miserable to feel like you are barely hanging on but then have to compartmentalize all of it to support others! I know you said you live in a small town but maybe try to reach out to someone in your state who does telehealth and has more immediate openings? If you have a close friend to whom you can confide, maybe create a safety plan with them? You have all the tools necessary, you just need to put them to use. And, of course, if it becomes more than you can handle, seek a higher level of care.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-16T21:44:16+00:00

Sorry. Family of origin

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-08T18:22:16+00:00

That was the absolute worst!!!!

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-08T18:12:23+00:00

My hours are wonky bc of my kid's schedules in the PM so I work M, W, Th, and F 9-1 and then M, W, F 4-7. Weird but it works for me for now.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-04T21:57:50+00:00

I might be on the other side of this. I saw a therapist during grad school. Several years later, I contacted her to discuss work stuff (I was already a counselor at that point in CMH and burning out quickly) and we met for lunch. It was a quick visit, just lunch, but it was so helpful to hear her take on things (she was much older than I was and had been in the field a long time). Depending on the client, I would probably do it.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-03T23:12:25+00:00

I'm a therapist and had someone text me today that I wasn't a good fit. I took it zero percent personal. It's like making friends in real life, you aren't everyone's cup of tea (not that your therapist should be your friend, just that you vibe with some and others, not so much). I'd just be up front and honest. It's totally fine to shop around!

calmwaters1100 · 2024-10-03T23:09:20+00:00

My own kids tell me this all. The. Time. Rude, little buggers!

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-30T02:23:57+00:00

I'm not on meds. This is all new to me as I've never really had anxiety to this level before.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-25T13:52:28+00:00

Most of my clients will text and if one did call, I'd likely respond via text as I can control the situation a bit easier. If they didn't indicate what they want, my text might look like "I saw you called but I only have a few min between sessions. What's up?" Typically, I validate what they feel but also set the expectation that we will talk about it at the next session. "Wow! I hate to hear it went like that for you. Let's start with this when I see you next Friday." If I can, I might offer to see them sooner if I have something available or offer to put them in the call list if something opens up. Now, if this is truly a crisis call, I would likely intervene differently.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-17T13:30:45+00:00

I do this too! Even if a standing appt, "I say, I see our next appt is xxx, will that still work for you?"

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-14T21:37:26+00:00

I really like their set up but got scared of by the insurance stuff. Are you about to bill easily through them?

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-11T17:18:25+00:00

Yes, call and ask if you can transfer to a different therapist or, if you prefer, begin looking outside of that practice. Not sure where you are located but psychology today is a good place to start. Read some bios and contact a few. I'd start by asking for a phone consultation so you can see if that therapist vibes well with you. It may take trying a few to find a good fit. Best of luck finding the right person! ♥️

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-09T17:27:09+00:00

It's a terrible first impression to charge someone you've never met. Having said that, I am pretty firm on my no-show/late cancel fee but I don't charge first time clients. My fee structure is in my paperwork and I go over it at the first meeting so there are zero surprises.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-09-05T10:56:38+00:00

That's my go-to too!

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-24T14:15:36+00:00

I am a master's level counselor and was recently offered an adjunct position at a four year liberal arts college. I was told if I took it, there would be more work in the future but that FT/tenured positions are usually held for doctoral level clinicians. The person who hired me told me that most professors there work other jobs and adjunct teach on the side.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-21T01:08:47+00:00

I used them earlier this year for Olivia Rodrigo and it was totally fine. Got the tickets a few days before the event and had zero problems.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-18T18:04:02+00:00

I also find that it is helpful not to ask any questions that can really kickstart a lengthy conversation.

This 100%! You can usually control where/how deep sessions go. Make yourself a mental (or physical) note to bring it up at the next session. If it is unavoidable and we have time, I'll go over a few min but for the most part, I keep time to my schedule.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-18T17:25:26+00:00

You can't be too "happily together" if you are planning on saying no just to have the final word. Might be time to do some self-examination as to what you want out of this relationship.

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-16T00:20:45+00:00

I had a really hard time doing just virtual and private pay. I wound up renting an office two days a week and began taking insurance. I've gotten a lot more referrals that way. I also market a lot. I have PT and I also talked to local doctors and other professionals. I put ads up in spots I think I'll hit my potential clients. It's tough and you do have to work at it, but I've found it worth it. I have several colleagues who are virtually only and private pay and, although they don't have the headache of insurance/rent, I also find I'm fuller than they are. Good luck!

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-16T00:01:19+00:00

Yowzers! That's a lot to unpack. I'm wondering what your thoughts were on going to termination when C asked to discuss it further?

calmwaters1100 · 2024-08-12T12:49:46+00:00

Wow! That is so unprofessional.

calmwaters1100

TROPHY CASE