North Brunswick outpatient site team members Rachel de Groh, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, a seasoned Senior Primary Therapist, and Ciani Young, LAC, a newer Primary Therapist, illustrate these points through the following lessons they’ve learned in their roles.
There’s not always a roadmap. Textbook recommendations and clinical care are not necessarily the same, and the path you’d like to take may not be possible. Being present with a patient in real life often means thinking on your feet, being flexible, and making modifications. Improvision and instinct can help therapists meet patients where they truly are.
Imposter syndrome is real – and can persist. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, you’re not alone. Known as imposter syndrome, this phenomenon is particularly noticeable when starting a career and working with patients who have far more life experience. Yet even seasoned professionals can have moments of self-doubt when they question whether they’re enough.
The remedies for imposter syndrome include acknowledging that this is a normal human reaction, questioning whether the thoughts are rational, reflecting on accomplishments, and limiting comparison to others. In addition, sharing perspectives with colleagues and asking for support can be invaluable. For those in a solo practice setting, these benefits can be gained by forming a monthly consultation group in the local community or through a professional organization.
Self-preservation is part of the job. Overidentifying with your occupation can lead to greater levels of stress and burnout, particularly in the mental health arena. Taking personal time, finding strength in hobbies, and nurturing growth in other parts of life can help protect boundaries while keeping the professional role enjoyable.
Success looks different for everyone. Expecting to help everyone in a groundbreaking way is not realistic. Sometimes, simply working to meet a patient’s basic needs, holding space as a consistent presence, or serving as a starting point for the journey is a win. In fact, success can be defined by even the smallest changes.
“Success is much more subjective than I expected, but knowing I’m helping in some way supersedes the more difficult days,” says Young.
“What happens in the therapy room is organic, and it can be both beautiful and uncomfortable,” adds de Groh. “Our roles entail reaching people on a human level, and it’s a privilege that they trust us to be a part of their lives.”
|
|
Hear additional reflections at 
