[TishaBuv]

What advice would you give to a psychology undergraduate major wanting to become a clinical psychologist?

[stopdog]

Reconsider.

[AnxiousGirl]

Be patient because you'll have clients that are so shy. (Story of my life - Im that client).

[JaneTennison1]

Consistency. Whatever a T decides their boundaries to be is fine just always be consistent in following them.

[stopdog]

If one must go ahead with it - not only consistency but transparency. Don't blame clients for your screw-ups.

[CantExplain]

In the end, the needs of the patient outweight anything you might have been taught.

[Argonautomobile]

Try not to pussyfoot.

[precaryous]

Please, do not have romantic relationships with your clients.

Try to remember what YOU say, too.

[growlycat]

If you can't truly care about the person in front of you, pick a new line of work.

[Gavinandnikki]

Do no harm.

[atisketatasket]

You can look, but don't touch without permission. And:

Originally Posted by CantExplain

In the end, the needs of the patient outweight anything you might have been taught.

True, but make sure you can distingush between the clients' needs and their wants AND your own needs and wants.

[Out There]

That your clients are the experts on what has happened to them , how they feel and what they need , not you. And check your ego at the door.

Be a client yourself first.
I am training to be a T and my experience as a client (and actually my experience on this board too) have taught be more about client experience/importance of consistent boundaries/the reality of attachment issues than any classroom learning ever could.

Read and re-read this forum everyday! Learn from the consumers, and make sure you are ready to go the distance with your clients. If you want easy, say it in your advertising: "Garden Variety Neurotics Only, Need Call."

[Rive.]

Don’t lie or pretend. It’s not even about transparency. Just be honest about it - even if it's admitting you don't know something or that it wouldn't help to share.

Don’t promise what you have no control over or can’t deliver (e.g. ‘i will always be there for you, it will get better etc). Just be realistic.

Be consistent. But if any change is unavoidable (for whatever reason): explain, talk. Again, it’s not about always catering to what a client wants but make it a cooperative dance not a dictatorial decision.

You can be firm yet gentle. Have and show some respect and compassion.

So many things one could suggest, but to keep it simple, these two from me as well:

Originally Posted by stopdog

If one must go ahead with it - not only consistency but transparency. Don't blame clients for your screw-ups.

Originally Posted by Echos Myron

Be a client yourself first.
I am training to be a T and my experience as a client (and actually my experience on this board too) have taught be more about client experience/importance of consistent boundaries/the reality of attachment issues than any classroom learning ever could.

Plus another one: commitment. Being a therapist is typically a job where long term dedication to a case is necessary to make it work and more often than not this has to be done through a lot of challenges and conflicts. I think it can be a very rewarding profession but not in the sense that it'll please the therapist everyday all day. Many of those stories of client abandonment and abuse are stemming from the fact that the T is not committed enough to make it work in spite of difficulties and disturbing personal reactions on their part but seek instant gratification instead or what's even worse, revenge.

Originally Posted by Echos Myron

Be a client yourself first.
I am training to be a T and my experience as a client (and actually my experience on this board too) have taught be more about client experience/importance of consistent boundaries/the reality of attachment issues than any classroom learning ever could.

I was just able to read all the post. And, I want to say that I've read many of your post over the years. I appreciate reading your thoughtful responses on other people's journeys, and to witness your growth as a person, and budding therapist. There are a couple of you therapist in the making here, that I believe will serve your clients well — you get it.

Don't go into therapy if you haven't resolved most of your own serious issues. You need to be stable and able to focus on your clients without your own issues interfering. If you can't do that, please find a different occupation.

[rainbow8]

This is a good thread. I wish we could get all Ts to read it!!

Don't label people.
Admit your mistakes.
Be willing to accept criticism and hear the client's point of view.
Be flexible; each client is unique, so don't "go by the book."
Discuss transference BEFORE it happens. Tell clients it's not unusual if they develop loving feelings or erotic transference for them.
Tell clients that nothing is TMI (too much information)

[NowhereUSA]

You can't fix another human being.

[Cinnamon_Stick]

Be consistent with boundaries
Don't make any promises
Being there for your client is one of the best things you can do
Provide a safe space and environment for your clients

[eskielover]

First off, being an undergrad, there is a lot of schooling ahead & a lot of time they will need to give to getting to a place where that major will even be useful. If they need to get into a career sooner & don't have the time to dedicate all that energy to accomplishing something then they need to look into another career. There are many other areas in the health industry that they can help people in & not have to spend that amount of time of energy into finally getting to the accomplishment point.

Honestly helps to have a desire to do the research that a PhD takes. It's a lot of hard work to get to the point where one can do good for others in that field & then honestly there are many useless psychologists out there who truly don't help people but just put in their time & I would hate to end up being one of those. I have been to both kinds & I know how much passion those who truly help have & I know how much of it's "just a job" that pays the bills & allows for a higher lifestyle that the others approached it like.

Originally Posted by Walkedthatroad

I was just able to read all the post. And, I want to say that I've read many of your post over the years. I appreciate reading your thoughtful responses on other people's journeys, and to witness your growth as a person, and budding therapist. There are a couple of you therapist in the making here, that I believe will serve your clients well — you get it.

Thank you so much, that's such a kind thing to say. It makes me really happy that you have noticed the change in me since I joined PC. When I joined I was very anxious and insecure, and this last 2 years or so have seen the biggest change I have ever seen in my own personal growth. Therapy has been instrumental in facilitating that growth, and PC has also been an important source of support for me. I'm on a lifelong path of learning and self-acceptance. It's a great thing, and your post spurred to me acknowledge that, which is awesome

[msxyz]

Don't expect people with problems to behave like people without problems.