[onlytime]

I just started a master's in social work program, and I know we will have to complete a few internships in order to graduate. I met with the coordinator and a lot of the placement sites are at hospitals or programs I've been to as a patient! Of course I'll have to choose different sites, but it got me thinking about how in a few years, I may be working professionally with therapists I have seen in the past! I have been to almost all of the major psych hospitals/treatment programs in the area. I want to work in inpatient psych after I graduate, but I don't know if it's possible or smart to work on an unit I have on as a patient. But at the same time, I don't want my past (and current) mental health issues get in the way of my career!

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[tigerlily84]

First of all, congrats to you for pursuing your MSW degree!
I would feel weird about that too. Most professional circles are fairly small. But I wouldn't be surprised if you find that your past T's/future colleagues are in therapy themselves. I suppose if it really bothers you, then you can always choose a future position at another location. Perhaps you can speak with the coordinator of your internship for their thoughts on this.

[onlytime]

Thanks! I'm really excited to start my path toward being a therapist, but it's also really anxiety-provoking!

Talking to my internship coordinator is a great idea. She seems really nice and personable, so hopefully she won't freak out if I tell her that I know some of the fieldwork sites through my personal struggles.

Thanks for your feedback! Hope you're doing well!