This time of year, many of us are reflecting upon the many things we are thankful for, including family, friends, health, home, and our jobs. I would like to share some of the things I am thankful for in relation to my counseling profession.
- Fellow Counseling Friends: I don’t know what I would do without friends who share my love for counseling. We all have those friends who can understand just what we mean when we share excitement about a client who finally shows a small sign of trust, or finding a great deal on a sand tray miniature. I’m so thankful for my counseling friends!
- Uno Cards: If you work with adolescents, you get this one. In addition to taking the pressure off an adolescent for
having to talk, Uno cards give them something to do with their hands. This will often lead to establishing a positive therapeutic rapport, which ultimately leads to progress. I’m thankful for Uno cards! - Play Therapy: Working with children is challenging without techniques that account for those early developmental years. Plus, collecting the toys is half the fun! I’m thankful for play therapy!
- Committed Clients: Therapy is a process and, just like anything else, results come from consistency and hard work. I admire clients who are committed to their emotional health and the emotional health of their family and I am thankful to have committed clients!
- The Paper Office: This is a book filled with private practice forms for mental health that can be edited and
reproduced. Not only are there forms for informed consent, but I have found excellent assessment tools as well. I’m thankful for tools that make my life easier! - Pinterest: I find so many great ideas on this website and it has introduced me to even more websites and blogs with great ideas. Plus, everything is organized and in a convenient place when I’m ready to access. I’m thankful for the wonderful world of Pinterest!
- LPC-Interns: New grads and interns are so excited about the field of psychology and counseling. They are eager to learn and ready to work hard for their dreams. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with interns so I can always be reminded why I entered this field and continue to feel the excitement of all it has to offer!
- All Tied Up With Worry Activity: I use this activity with so many clients. Whether they are dealing with anger, stress, worry, or depression, there is always so much the client learns about themself from this activity.
- My office: Since starting my private practice this year, I am so thankful to have a beautiful space in which to work!
- My family: It’s impossible for me to mention what I’m thankful for without mentioning my family. The mental health profession and starting a private practice requires the love and support of your family. I am so very thankful for my husband who gives me encouragement and my kids who give me inspiration!
What are you thankful for this year?
