by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Dec 6, 2018 | Blog
Every semester I have a student who emails me with a request to interview me about what it’s like to have a private practice. I thought I would publish my answers in hopes to help others who are considering interview this field.
1. How many hours per week are you expected to work in this field?
There is no expectation in private practice but on average therapists work 20 hours. Since I am balancing being a supervisor and seeing my own clients, I average 40 hours a week.
2. Can you describe your experience balancing life and work?
One of the benefits of being self employed is the ability set my own hours. Which makes balancing life and work easier. The hard part is to not be a ‘Therapist’ all the time. To address that issue I try to avoid discussing what I do while socializing.
3. What qualities do you need to have to be successful in this field?
Besides being passionate about psychology one needs to love marketing and networking.
4. What do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of this field?
When clients have aha moments.
5. A lot of people think that the field of psychology is an “easy” major or that you cannot find a job with a degree in psychology. What would you say to debunk this misconception and encourage a student to purse a degree in psychology?
I think the degree can be converted to a lot of other positions that require understanding of human nature. Sales, HR, and child oriented positions come to mind.
6. What advice would you give to a student who is considering studying psychology?
To drill down on what their intent in studying it is. Is it for the love of learning or to actually be employed in the field. If employment is the goal then figure out what part of psychology is of interest, it is a very broad field.
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Nov 1, 2018 | Blog
- Create self awareness – aren’t you curious about how people perceive you
- No Judgment – feel free to express yourself without censorship and discover hidden issues
- Unbiased advice
- Learn self regulation and new ways of thinking
- Yoga for your mind
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Oct 31, 2018 | Blog
For people who suffer from phobias, Halloween can be an extremely anxiety producing day.
List of common phobias:
Acrophobia – Fear of Heights
Arachnophobia – Fear of Spiders
Ophidiophobia – Fear of Snakes
Agoraphobia – Fear of being in a public situation from which it is difficult to escape
Mysophobia – Fear of Germs
Thankfully treatment for phobias exist. You don’t have to continue to suffer – contact a #therapist today!
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Oct 24, 2018 | Blog
Definition: when one person seizes or takes over a conversation that belongs to someone else. Are you one?! Once you spot it you can navigate around it. Identify if you would like to give the floor to the other person because they have a greater need than you. If not, then segue back by resuming what you were saying as if the interruption never happened. Another option is to validate what the person just said and bridge it back to your point. Understand that passion is driving this behavior, by empathizing with your conversation companion you will not develop negative feelings and still enjoy the conversation.
#conversation #therapy #therapist
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Oct 18, 2018 | Blog
Try Spending the Day Alone
People are staying single longer and even those that are married tend to be more autonomous than previous generations. I work with clients that refuse to run errands or go out to dinner alone. They fear being judged as lesser than if they were to be spotted by an acquaintance.
Enjoying ones company is a sign of strength and confidence. Take your self to the movies, visit a museum, or utter those scary words “Table for one please” and feel empowered at once! Our independence is read as confidence to our partners and society at large, and confidence is one of the most coveted qualities.
Please share what you prefer to do alone…
#confidence #alone #anxiety #depression #therapy #therapist
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Oct 16, 2018 | Blog
Journaling is something we all think about doing but somehow don’t get around to. Maybe it’s not knowing what to write or the daily commitment is overwhelming, well today all of that is going to change. I am encouraging you to only write when the mood strikes you! Here are some prompts to inspire you to journal:
1. List the 3 people you spend the most time with, why, and how they’re affecting your behaviors, your thoughts, your life.
2. If you stopped thinking about money or people’s opinions, what would you do with your life?
3. What is a book you wish someone would write or how would you change the ending of a book you recently read?
#happiness #journaling #therapy #therapist
by Marina Edelman, LMFT | Oct 15, 2018 | Blog
Monday Marriage Tip…compliment your partner. According to Gottman research a healthy relationship has a 5:1 ratio. Five positive to one negative comment. Infuse your relationship with compliments and you both will benefit.
This act of kindness increases serotonin for both the giver and receiver which leads to increased productivity, decreased stress, and more harmony. Make it part of your routine and watch the bickering between you subside.
#marriage #couples #argument #therapy #therapist #marriagecounseling
