This is hilarious.

I was just across the street talking to my neighbor and her daughter, when the neighbor's sister came over. My neighbor was asking me when I go back to school and then she told her sister that I am going to school to be a psychologist. The sister starts asking me some questions and I mentioned that I'm a masters level therapist. She goes, "Ohhh.. really? You are really a therapist? Well, I really need someone to talk to." So I laughed because I didn't think she seriously meant me, and I go, "Well there are a lot of great therapists in Philly-- you can easily find someone." And then she goes, "Oh no, I really need a therapist because I'm losing my mind-- where is your office? Can I just come in and talk to you?" I was like, "No." LOL. Then I added how I work for a community health clinic that only serves a certain part of the city (which I was sure she doesn't live in). That was bizarre. The woman was totally serious.

Just wait until you get your doctorate - I'll bet people will be bugging you for free relationship advice at parties.

Well, isn't that interesting? Your neighbor across the street found you to be approachable and easy to talk to! Wow, congratulations. THAT is a big deal. You know what? I think you should make up a brochure about your counseling services and you could start a Saturday business! This could give you the extra $$ that you need for therapy and supervision both. I know there is a certain therapist who would be so proud of you.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Hi pinksoil, I don't think it was strange at all! I tell ya, when I hit bottom, I would have talked to a dog and didn't know how on earth to find a therapist or even feel capable of doing that. If my sister had a friend who I met and found nice and approachable, I might have considered seeing her as a therapist too. I probably would have asked my sister in private for her friend's phone number rather than face to face. So no, I don't find this bizarre at all! You should consider it a complement. People who have zero experience with therapy (all of us, once upon a time) won't realize a T might not want to treat relatives of friends.

Hello Pinksoil,

This happens to me too. I'm an attorney and I have the policy not to give advice to family or friends. But that doesn't stop them from asking me to handle a matter for them. I also don't offer my status to anyone new. I guess I don't like to be defined by my job. I wish you the best!!!

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emilyjeanne said:
Hello Pinksoil,

This happens to me too. I'm an attorney and I have the policy not to give advice to family or friends. But that doesn't stop them from asking me to handle a matter for them. I also don't offer my status to anyone new. I guess I don't like to be defined by my job. I wish you the best!!!

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I wouldn't either. I would also recommend unlisting yourself from public phone listings online and offline (all attorney's, teachers, and T's should do this for safety IMO)

Just a suggestion

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emilyjeanne said:
Hello Pinksoil,

This happens to me too. I'm an attorney and I have the policy not to give advice to family or friends. But that doesn't stop them from asking me to handle a matter for them. I also don't offer my status to anyone new. I guess I don't like to be defined by my job. I wish you the best!!!

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I agree, people are always coming up to me and wanting medical advice. Family and friends call frequently. As much as I truly care for people, it puts us in an ethical dilemma and opens up the door for malpractice.

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MissCharlotte said:
Well, isn't that interesting? Your neighbor across the street found you to be approachable and easy to talk to! Wow, congratulations. THAT is a big deal. You know what? I think you should make up a brochure about your counseling services and you could start a Saturday business! This could give you the extra $$ that you need for therapy and supervision both. I know there is a certain therapist who would be so proud of you.

xoxoxoxoxoxo



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Interesting concept!