Shari Brady

One of the main challenges I experienced last week was accepting and dealing with the frustration of being a counselor/therapist with adolescent clients who do not have a healthy home environment and support network outside of therapy and AA or NA meetings to assist them with their challenge to abstain from using.

Each week has offered me new learning experiences, and last week was no different. As my caseload expands, my therapeutic knowledge expands. Last week I had the experience of counseling an adult, which I felt was very different from adolescents, both in the magnitude of complex issues and in the adult’s willingness and ability to communicate their issues and concerns to me.

I’m learning more each week about the art and skill of counseling, and feel like there is so much I have to learn from my supervisors. I also know it is important as an intern to be patient and allow the journey to unfold. Each client is unique and every counselor is unique in his/her approach as well. But to be honest, there are times when I wish the process would hurry up.

As the weeks progress through my internship, I feel myself getting more and more exhausted. Leading a double life feels more like I’m leading a triple life. From the first class I took at The Chicago School, the professors have stressed the importance of self-care. Now I know why.

When I went back to school to enter into this profession, my motivation was to be part of the solution. This past week confirmed to me that I’m in the right place. I’m working with people who feel the same way and are motivated to make a difference.