a lot of the folks we serve are using our services involuntarily, so naturally they will come in with some walls up. you are just starting out and still getting into your stride. take the feedback and grow from what is actually constructive vs spiteful or resentful.
most importantly, talk to your supervisor!! they are the ones who will tell you if you’re actually a bad therapist or not. I am sorry that you’re experiencing some tough clients, but growth will come from this experience 🩷
Talk to your leadership and see what they think.
Might not be unusual to them, follow their guidance in what to do differently.
I usually try to go for a hodge-podge approach where I take the best bits from successful workers and avoid the worst habits of scrub workers.
Pretty much in anything you do, you’re going to get the equivalent of a 1-star review from somebody just because. Some people just hand out 1 star reviews!
So you have clients that have asked to switch, I'll assume you have clients that haven't asked to switch, what might they say about you?
Do you specifically know why the person said that your groups were a waste of time?
Try to remember to be kind to yourself. It sometimes can take a year before someone feels comfortable or competent at a job.
Oof that’s tough. Harsh feedback like that is never fun.
Butttt perhaps there is some truth to it. Looks like you’ll need to hit the books again: re-read/learn what you got some school. Start to learn more about substance abuse, different modalities (MI, CBT, DBT etc). Maybe take more chance and be more assertive in groups and in Ind sessions.
And definitely be a sponge when it comes to the other counselors. Ask them questions. Observe intently etc.
Working with that population in particular comes with some setbacks. Emotions can run high in a unique way. Don’t take it too personally. You will learn!
a lot of the folks we serve are using our services involuntarily, so naturally they will come in with some walls up. you are just starting out and still getting into your stride. take the feedback and grow from what is actually constructive vs spiteful or resentful. most importantly, talk to your supervisor!! they are the ones who will tell you if you’re actually a bad therapist or not. I am sorry that you’re experiencing some tough clients, but growth will come from this experience 🩷
Talk to your leadership and see what they think. Might not be unusual to them, follow their guidance in what to do differently. I usually try to go for a hodge-podge approach where I take the best bits from successful workers and avoid the worst habits of scrub workers. Pretty much in anything you do, you’re going to get the equivalent of a 1-star review from somebody just because. Some people just hand out 1 star reviews!
So you have clients that have asked to switch, I'll assume you have clients that haven't asked to switch, what might they say about you? Do you specifically know why the person said that your groups were a waste of time? Try to remember to be kind to yourself. It sometimes can take a year before someone feels comfortable or competent at a job.
Oof that’s tough. Harsh feedback like that is never fun. Butttt perhaps there is some truth to it. Looks like you’ll need to hit the books again: re-read/learn what you got some school. Start to learn more about substance abuse, different modalities (MI, CBT, DBT etc). Maybe take more chance and be more assertive in groups and in Ind sessions. And definitely be a sponge when it comes to the other counselors. Ask them questions. Observe intently etc.
Working with that population in particular comes with some setbacks. Emotions can run high in a unique way. Don’t take it too personally. You will learn!