Top 5 questions I get asked as a therapist:

Q: Do you have any crazy/interesting work-related stories?

A: Of course! But everything my clients talk with me about is totally confidential. Even if I don’t share any identifying details, I’m never going to relay a story about any client. Ever. To hold space for someone’s deepest thoughts, feelings and experiences is sacred, and I never take honor that lightly.

One time, though, at a previous agency, a couple of colleagues who were eating lunch outdoors came across two rattlesnakes right under their feet! The fire department was called and relocated the pair. Now that was some intense work drama.

Q: Do you ever get exhausted working with people and their trauma all day?

A: I’m human, and I’ve had days where I’ve felt as if I’m running on fumes. Intentional self-care as a counselor is absolutely necessary to my mental and physical health. Now that I’ve been doing this a while, I know how to structure my schedule to pace myself, how to catch those early signs of fatigue and how to use self-care skills so that my clients are getting my absolute best work.

Q: Your latest session is at 10pm?! How are you even awake?

A: Yes and it is fucking great! I’ve always known that I my circadian rhythm bends strongly toward the night shift. As I’ve gotten older and started my own practice, I’ve embraced my internal clock and learned to move with it instead of pushing myself against it. A 10pm client is getting my best work, just as a 2pm client is.

Q: Are you analyzing me right now? (This is most often asked by non-clients in a non-work setting)

A: Welllllll, yes and no. When a counselor is off the clock, they’re off the clock - but that doesn’t mean we can just shut down the parts of our brains that notice things about people. We’re probably faster to pick up on someone else’s mood or tension in a room. Our friends probably would describe us as great listeners. Having said that, we’re not diagnosing (or treating!) people at parties or our kids’ after school events. We want to relax and have fun too!

Q: Do you prescribe meds?

A: Nope! I am trained in counseling, which is the “talk therapy” element of mental wellness care. Only medical doctors, physician assistants or nurse practitioners can prescribe medication. If I think someone could benefit from medication as a support to their overall goals, I can recommend providers who meet that need.