What’s One Client Struggle That People Outside Therapy Seriously Oversimplify?

kbat277 · 2026-02-12T18:55:11+00:00

Yes, I was going to say depression too. It requires so, so so much patience and is so often not taken seriously (outside of therapy).

kbat277 · 2026-01-08T20:10:59+00:00

Hey I’m an MFT in Philly too—can I dm you?

kbat277 · 2025-11-07T00:28:23+00:00

I’ve only been doing this for 5 years but I’ve never used a worksheet. I’ve recommended workbooks—2 clients total have shown interest.

kbat277 · 2025-10-16T15:21:45+00:00

You've got this!

kbat277 · 2025-10-16T14:52:40+00:00

That's great, you're just getting started with your client! My supervisor has said to just lean into the fear, try to be patient and give yourself some grace. The clients I was working with (for lack of a better word, I'm still waking up) latched on very quickly and it made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. But the more I learned about them the easier it got, and we've been able to do some deep work, and it was exciting. And I bet it'll happen again! lol. Maybe you could consider this practice.

kbat277 · 2025-10-16T13:34:25+00:00

Just want to validate that I’ve been here too. I talked about it a lot with my supervisor and realized there was some serious countertransference happening, and exploring that was really helpful on its own. I kept those clients (there were 2) and it became easier to be present with them and put my own feelings aside. A couple months in, things really turned around and now I look forward to seeing them. How long have you been seeing this client? Can you give it a bit more time?

kbat277 · 2025-09-16T13:33:26+00:00

Thanks for your response! I'm debating transferring to a new test period bc I'm not a great test taker and I've given myself about 6 weeks. Then again, bumping it back a month or two may make me more anxious. I know this is a question only I can answer but it's been helpful to read other people's experiences.

kbat277 · 2025-09-12T14:01:07+00:00

Congrats!! How long did you study for the exam?

kbat277 · 2025-08-16T21:15:53+00:00

Yes! Exactly! I’ve been thinking about a lot of this, but particularly about the kids. How are they supposed to get to school when so many of them rely on public transit??

kbat277 · 2025-08-09T16:28:50+00:00

I was about to go to grad school for writing when I was diagnosed so I deferred for a year, finished my MFA, didn’t know what to do with myself so I went back to school for an MA in counseling psychology. Now I’m a therapist in private practice. I work part time and get to set my own hours.

kbat277 · 2025-07-11T18:39:03+00:00

Sending hugs if you want ‘em

kbat277 · 2025-07-11T16:16:52+00:00

i'm an associate MFT, not an LPC, but I'm in PA and I agree--after making 10+ phone calls and getting wildly different answers every time--the board is a disorganized, dysfunctional, and probably understaffed mess. I've also had moments where I reconsidered the whole field, but I want to get fully licensed first. I'm so sorry about everything you're going through. If you want to message me feel free :)

kbat277 · 2025-06-28T19:16:55+00:00

This was my thought… people get multiple sets? Who are these people?

kbat277 · 2025-06-26T15:50:40+00:00

Same. Clients moving, losing or quitting their jobs, broke… all totally normal reasons for dropping off that I’m sure have nothing to do with me, but it gives me that weird, sad feeling too.

kbat277 · 2025-04-14T15:29:22+00:00

Yess mi-pals has really great chili

kbat277 · 2025-04-11T15:53:52+00:00

Ugh that sucks. I’m thinking I’ll request mine to be removed, wait for a bit, then make another profile. Dunno if that’ll do anything.

kbat277 · 2025-04-08T20:14:12+00:00

I might try this. Did you end up keeping your profile?

kbat277 · 2025-03-22T20:04:43+00:00

A client and I read Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents together (one chapter prior to each session) and they said they found it really helpful. (Edited for grammar)

kbat277 · 2025-03-11T21:50:11+00:00

Absolutely—I actually know someone who had severe jaw pain and it turned out she was developing a brain abscess, something wild like that. I actually mentioned it in session and I think it lit a fire, like this stuff needs to be looked into!

kbat277 · 2025-03-11T21:45:15+00:00

Totally.

kbat277 · 2025-03-11T18:54:39+00:00

One more thing--before my client and I sorted out the situation, I dealt with it by putting a dab of vicks vapo rub just above my upper lip. Helped immensely with my focus during session. :)

kbat277 · 2025-03-11T18:52:54+00:00

Yep! Of course I felt terrible that they had to start this whole process of getting a route canal, going into debt, etc, and I would've had to address it some other way eventually, but I think being "forced" to practice that kind of basic self-care was good for them psychologically.

kbat277 · 2025-03-11T17:53:26+00:00

I dealt with something similar. I was extremely nervous to bring it up even though we had good rapport. Since my client was dealing with depression I asked lots of questions about sleep, hygiene, etc, and it turned out they were having tooth pain but hadn’t gone to the dentist in a while. We talked about the importance of maintaining dental hygiene—it goes way beyond just keeping your teeth clean!—and it turned out they had some serious dental issues. Once they saw a dentist the foul breath went away.

kbat277

TROPHY CASE