Oh, Wednesday, You're Right In The Middle
Well, it looks like I am back to blogging more regularly. Apparently, I have things to say. Who knew?
Last night, after work, I attended a seminar/networking opportunity. It discussed the long-term cognitive effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in children who have had leukemia and brain tumours. It was very interesting stuff, given I know very little about child neuropsychology. I work at the other end of the age spectrum.
Last night, after work, I attended a seminar/networking opportunity. It discussed the long-term cognitive effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in children who have had leukemia and brain tumours. It was very interesting stuff, given I know very little about child neuropsychology. I work at the other end of the age spectrum.
But, anyway, it made for a long day yesterday, and then I had 2 talks to attend from 8:00 to 9:00 and 9:15 to 10:15 this morning. Plus, I had two severely depressed clients to see this afternoon, which is tough because they're both in a really distressed state. All clients I see for therapy are having clinical depression and/or anxiety, but some of the other ones are not in such a dark place. As much as I am able to have leave that stuff in the office at the end of the day, it is somewhat draining at the moment when you're in the situation. Plus, I am still green, so I sometimes feel like I should be doing something more than what I am doing or that I'm going about therapy all wrong. However, as I have discovered from reading about cognitive-behavioural therapy, I have issues with wanting to do everything perfectly the first time around or else I want to quit, which is not a realistic or adaptive way of approaching things in life because a) it makes me sad and b) it makes me anxious. Instead of thinking "I can't do anything right and I am useless", I need to assess that thought realistically and correct it by saying, "I am human and I am not always going to do things perfectly, especially as I am learning. Even if I don't do it perfectly, it also doesn't have to mean I am doing everything wrong. My clients keep coming back so I am probably doing something right." Once you've been able to reassessed that thought in a realistic fashion, it decreases the amount of negative emotions. They're pretty powerful tools, those CBT techniques.
Labels: neuropsychology, therapy, work
posted by Brain Diva at 8:27 p.m.
6 Comments:
Let's hear it for the healing powers of CBT! I think it's great that you're also making a point to look at your reaction to all these new and stressful situations. I'm sure it's hard, but I have faith that you're doing a great job.
Hey, you got a blog! You had told me you would, but I am happy you have. :) That reminds me I need to update my "blogs read" list on the right. I'll add you in for easy access. :)
Yeah, part of my CBT endeavour is trying it all myself to see how it works. It can't hurt, that's for sure. I really held it together all day, but for some reason, I had reached the end of my rope now. I do feel better though now that I've thought it through. As my supervisor said, writing all that down is actually very helpful for patients.
By the way, your eyes as your icon?
It kinda cracks me up.
Yup, those are my creepy eyes! I'm sure I'll change it at some point. I'm kinda new at this!
I can see how writing it down might help you, but did you read it out loud until you felt completely comfortable with it? :)
Ah, you little CBT expert, you. Of course, I did read over. I felt the anxiety diminish fairly quickly so I didn't need to read it too many times.
I don't know anything about CBT, but it sounds like your revised approach is a good one - you have to give yourself room to learn.
And thanks for the nifty link! :)
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