For many years, while working in Community Mental Health, I declared repeatedly that I had no desire to go into private practice. And yet, here I am. Time and various inflences led me here. I didn’t think I would like working alone and I thought I would miss having people around me. Surprise, surprise, I do like working alone and I DO miss having people around me.
My first full year of private practice felt like it passed in a blink. As they say, the days are long but the years are short. My second year brought a new office (soo much bigger!!!) and my first tax bill. OUCH! I didn’t estimate enough taxes so now I owe. That was exactly what I feared. And guess what? I am still plugging along. The worst happened and I am okay.
I have had some amazing moments in this office. I have seen clients make connections and gain insight. I have seen healing. I have witnessed tears and laughter, emotions and pain. I am honored by their trust and vulnerability.
I also had some really hard days. I had to call 911 for a client. That was overwhelming. I had no idea that the police and fire department would show up before the ambulance. I also got fired by a family for doing what I am legally required to do. I have had to say goodbye to clients because they moved away. I have had to say goodbye to clients because they lost their job and have no insurance. I also got to say goodbye because they reached their goals and don’t need me any more!
This a weird job. I get to be intimately close to people during their healing process. And then, they move on, and I don’t get to know what becomes of them. I have to fully invest my care in them and then completely let go.
This job– well, it’s way more than a job– this vocation has made me a better person. I have learned so much about people and resiliency. I have seen first-hand how trauma can lead to post-traumatic growth and how many awful things can be redeemed.
When my kids were little, I remember thinking how being a mom was the hardest job I would ever love. That is true, but this one is a very close second!
Oh and if you would like to check out my profile, here you go!
