At the beginning….the Sequel

  The first week went off without a hitch, but I’m pretty sure it’s because this is my second go round. You see last year was what is deemed my “generalist year”. A time when you dip your toe into the field and are still taking the course you are required to take. First time field experience can be anything from answering calls, shadowing a supervisor, caseworking and paperwork. I lucked out and was assigned to an amazing spot (anonymity kills me to not give my supervisor the recognition she deserves)

I was placed with a woman who had 2 strong beliefs. 1) The best way to learn was to do and 2) it’s disrespectful to sit in on someone’s session.

So, despite my fear ,nerves and the desire for someone more qualified to do it I was asssigned my own client list and began individual psychotherapy sessions.  Now, don’t get it wrong, my supervisor was 3 doors down and all I had to do was call if I needed anything at all. I checked in with her after every session for evey client. Not only did we review what happened but we discussed it from every angle and considering every imaginable aspect. Needless to say, the experience was priceless & I learned more than I expected and sometimes I think more than my peers.

Now I find myself at the start of my “specialist year”. The place everyone envisions when they go back to school to so this work. My classes are my choosing for how I want to specialize my practice and fieldwork is guaranteed clincal work.

So, where do I stand on starting for my finish line?

The answer is two-fold as my focus is on trauma & addiction while specializing in family therapy. The result has been field placement working with children and families as I begin studies in addiction, CBT & suicide prevention.

That’s where I stand this week. Starting my classes this week and doing all the agency training for my new clinician spot in field. Intitial classes will be the ho hum of upcoming assignments, readings, introductions and formalities. Then I’ll have to get through the who’s who and the how’s how of policy and paperwork I’ll have clients assigned and appointments made.

……until next week