7 Things about Wendy "The therapist"

Most people know I am a therapist, however not everyone knows details about my professional role, that’s why today I will share a few things about me as a therapist.

1. I've been practicing as a psychotherapist for seven years.

I started working as a therapist in 2012 while I was still living in Colombia. I worked in a hospital doing outreach to follow-up clients who were discharged from inpatient units and, also providing individual counseling. Then about five years ago I moved to the US and started working as a therapist in the place I currently work.

2. I can conduct therapy in 2 languages.

My primary language is Spanish and second language English. I currently see people who speak both; however, right now most of my clients are Spanish speaking.

3. My specialty is trauma-related disorders.

Since I started doing therapy, most of the clients I have seen has some trauma history. I also, found myself enjoying this type of interventions so, during my time completing the master’s degree I choose several courses to be able to get my concentration in trauma-focused. Now, I hope to get the national clinical trauma certification in a few years.

4. I love working with kids.

I do enjoy adults too; however, clinical work with children brings me to a different place. It Is so exciting for me to explore children imagination, and this makes therapy magic in some ways. Subsequently, when I work with kids I am always creating and using different things, I feel I can be more relaxed and doing simple things with more significant results. Although, it’s hard since the children’s progress goes together with parenting engagement and their work in therapy, if parents aren’t on board with the clinical practice and do not use the tools we provide, then the job it’s more difficult and frustrating. In general, it is more work, because your client isn’t just the kid, is the whole family and sometimes parents don’t understand that.

5. I practice what I preach.

It means that I've tried myself all the coping skills I teach to my clients. Some of them doesn’t work to me; however, it doesn’t mean they won’t work for them. But, I do have routines to manage stress using the strategies I teach to my clients. For example, I use techniques daily, like deep breathing, self-soothing using the five senses, for sleep I use aromatherapy with guided imaginary, I use self-talk to manage frustration and in general negative thinking, etc.

6. I'd rather stay away from couples therapy.

A good clinician knows when to refer out, and due to my family history I just can't do couples therapy and, I don't enjoy doing it. I also think that it's one of the most challenging modalities and it requires a person who knows what is doing, and I know how to do it but, it is not my strong area.

and,

7. This therapist is a human too!

Maybe this point sounds silly, but it is essential to know that I am human too. I make mistakes, I have feelings, my life isn’t perfect, I feel sad sometimes, I have a history of trauma, I get angry, and I AM NOT PERFECT.

Sometimes clients, family or friends will say “oh you know what to do, you are a therapist” and, yes! Sometimes we will use what we now to do things better, but other days you forget the therapist backpack in your office, and you hurt someone, you don't remember to follow the certain principles from the assertiveness theory with your dad, or forget to use time out with your kid. And, this happens because therapists are humans!

So, If you still reading, THANK YOU!!!! Now, after sharing these things I have realized that this is the first time I write only about me and, it was hard!

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