THINGS I WISH I KNEW AS A CLINICAL INTERN PART 1

If you are feeling anxious as a new therapist, this is for you!

You might have had an idea of what you thought a therapist should be like. Maybe this was based on expectations from grad school or what you have seen on TV. You might have thought you needed to be this ‘polished’ person that had all the answers. This can keep you stuck in your head thinking about what you are going to say or ask your client next rather than really listening to what the client is saying. This might have even lead to going into each day with increased anxiety or maybe even dread.?

You’re not alone; this was my experience and it kept me from being able to be my authentic self “in the room.” Here are three things I wish I knew as a beginning counselor that will help you find your voice and confidence in the therapeutic space.

1. Give yourself permission not to know everything:?

I recall times in group supervision during practicum when I had a specific question but was afraid to ask. This is a universal experience we can all relate to. Sometimes we deprive ourselves of learning opportunities or getting the support we need for fear of sounding incompetent or not smart. I am here to tell you you are not supposed to know everything. In fact, no one does! I want you to feel empowered to ask questions and seek answers from others during this stage.?

TIP: If you have a question you are afraid to ask, start by speaking to the fact that you want/need a space to ask any questions. This is also a time to explore group expectations and create one that it is supportive. If you are feeling held back from asking, we are positive someone else is having a similar experience. Ask your questions!!?

2. Anxiety is a natural part of it

Feelings of anxiety related to being a therapist can lead some therapists to question or second-guess if they should even be in this field; essentially telling themselves they shouldn’t feel anxious. Does this seem familiar? There is so much uncertainty and are so many unknowns because you have never done this before! Of course, you are going to feel anxious! How you navigate these feelings is key. I recommend getting your own support to process any feelings that come up as we can only help our clients as far as we are willing to go. Utilize and speak to this information in clinical supervision, that is exactly what they are there for! Check out my blog on challenging overthinking.

3. Be yourself:

This is going to be mind-blowing. What if I told you that you are a human? You are allowed to be yourself, laugh, and connect in session. This is not to say that boundaries are not important, because they totally are, but how connected would you feel to your therapist if they were only this stoic, read-by-the-book clinician? I don’t know about you but I want someone I can relate to and not feel judged by.?

At the core of therapy, there is the relationship between you as the therapist and your client. It took me some time to find my voice and I hope these tips help you get there sooner. Supervision is key. If my post resonated with you or you want support in growing as a therapist, reach out today for a free consultation for clinical supervision for registered interns in FL.

For individual therapy in New Jersey and Florida and clinical supervision for RMHCI and RMFTI in Florida, reach out to Marissa Goodman, LMHC-QS, LPC, NCC.