Therapy misconceptions

This is a great article to showing some common misconceptions, thoughts and ideas that are often not discussed when choosing or working with a therapist. I believe this is helpful for everyone, especially for those who are hesitant to reach out for support. As a practitioner, this is help to reflect some clients apprehension and approach to working with folks. It is important to remind practitioners of these concepts as well when reaching out for support.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12657/10-things-i-wish-everyone-knew-about-therapy.html

Do you think these are accurate? Would you add or change any of them?

Microaggression

Microaggressions can be a challenge to identify and call out. They are not always so apparent, especially when calling someone out. It is good to be aware of this in our practice, towards clients, other service providers, or said to us. I have witnessed the majority of these microaggressions and it can be challenging to find the voice needed to interrupt. This does a fabulous job putting visuals to an issue that is not always seen or heard. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/racial-microagressions-you-hear-on-a-daily-basis


Have you noticed these in your practice or personal life? What would you do if you witnessed microaggressions?

Take a Break

The unpredictability of funds can influence and impact programs, agencies, services, providers, supplies, HUMANS and everything in between. Unfortunately for me, funding has been pulled and I find myself an unemployed service provider. I am hoping this time off will provide me with the relaxation that seems to escape during working life. Self Care will be the focus as I proceed with the much dreaded job hunt. My goal is to start a new position with healthy boundaries and self care practices in place that will support my longevity in the field. What do you do for self care and burnout prevention?

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ed/cd/f3/edcdf39af79812e7f5ed9424d05a879c.jpg

Listen, then listen again

A friend sent me this and it's worth sharing, and listening too, over and over. Enjoy

Remember How We Forgot 
by Shane Koyczan and Hannah Epperson

http://youtu.be/NBVJuA0jr6Y

Is there an app for that?

If I could add any skill to my social work toolkit it would be application development.  There are so many concepts that I feel would change my work life if only they existed.  I get there are hundreds of thousands of apps out in the world, but I need ones that work like magic!

First off, Where to pee!?  I am a community based social worker, which means there is no office bathroom, the store bathrooms are coded, and clients’ houses are just not an option.  After a year and a half ‘in the field’ I can now map out where the free cleanest bathrooms are in all corners of Multnomah County, and those that are worth risking a bladder infection. There are currently several phone apps available regarding public restrooms but I have not found one that meets my needs. Bathroom finder is not a skill I thought I would gain with my MSW.

The GPS can help me locate food and coffee stops when my blood sugar (aka, my patience) is dropping, and meditation apps and cd’s can keep the road rage down if they don’t  skip or stall mid breath.  What if we had a little virtual hug or pep talk, ranging from small to large depending on how the day is going? Could my car seats massage like a pedicure chair? Or allow for stretching and exercise in route, at least at red lights or stop signs? I desperately need a bug scanning app, one that detects bed bugs, fleas and lice before entering homes would be nice.

I am amazed by the adaptability of my social work peers adjusting to their work environments and conditions.  I am hoping to use this blog as an outlet for thoughts, reflection, support, validation and conversation among those who may relate.  I will share my experiences, frustrations, passions, joys and everything in between in the hopes to keep from burning out.