I’m not sure if many of you know that I am a mental health therapist for children and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. When I first started my job I was very nervous and thought the worse things a therapist can think of when providing therapy. I had to call one of my go to persons to help me feel better and confident. He assured me that I will do well and I will make an impact. My first few days of counseling was the scariest. It’s was only scary because I was allowing thoughts to effect me.
Photo Courtesy of Psychology Today
I love what I do. I find that providing therapy to others is very productive. Not only do I help them with their issues. I learn more and more about myself. Often times after session. I reflect on the session, assessing what works and what doesn’t. I also look at new ways to get a break throw. I love it when my clients have a break through. It’s as if the the light bulb just went off and they finally get what they felt was so hard to understand and or accomplish.
An Aha Moment is Always Rewarding.
I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was a little girl. I remember watching a television show and the lady on the show was a Therapist. I said I’m going to do that when I get older. I always knew I wanted to help people by listening. I didn’t start out as a Therapist because Teaching was something I needed to accomplish before becoming a Counselor. Teaching was what helped me become a better mom for my child with Autism. I was fully equipped with laws and my rights as a parent with a child with a disability. I’ll tell you there is nothing like knowing your rights as a parent when dealing with your child’s development.
I made sure he had everything he was entitled. I also made sure he received any service he needed to help he improve.
I still teach!!
I teach the little ones. I’m a Preschool Teacher. I love Teaching the little ones especially the Special Ones. I love making sure services are in place for them and educating parents on their rights.
I’m known as the Social- Emotional Teacher Advocate Specialist at School. That’s not my job title but I swear it because of all of the work I do.
Just wanted to share a little bit more about myself. I teach during the day and I’m at Therapist by Night! π
I work with young adults with intellectual disabilities mainly and am always looking for ways to find and tap into their strengths and abilities its seems so hard when I dont have the resources and education and tips! πππΈ
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It’s hard when you don’t have the resources. I can start posting some tips on what to do.
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Wonderful and thank you for your work! π
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Likewise! It’s being able to understand them is one the reason why I got into working with children and adults with disabilities.
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I’m trying to get more into their worlds and minds too, there so much I don’t know!
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There’s a way to get into it. What are the favorite things to do, what do they laugh at, watch on tv, who do they talk to? What is their routine? The answers normally lies within that. Favorite person, game, etc.
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Thank you so much! something to think about ππΈ
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You’re welcome! Again, I’ll post some strategies. Sometimes its outside factors that may trigger or keep a person from performing our doing there best as well. Thank you so much. I thought about posting strategies but wasn’t sure if it will be beneficial
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They will be very beneficial indeed πππΈ
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Great! I’ll start working on it today. Thank you so much π.
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we need to talk about this more!
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Really? How so
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Do you mean Mental Health?
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