Let's start at the very beginning...

I earned my master's degree in social work in May of 2008. Now I work as a therapist. My full time job consists of treating children (and some parents) who are suffering the effects of trauma. Most of them are victims of abuse, some have witnessed it in their homes- all of them are survivors and they are a daily reminder of the strength of the human spirit. I work part-time at a women's health clinic that also provides counseling. These clients are a wide spectrum of adults who have come in voluntarily to sort out troubling issues, learn more about themselves and are seeking personal growth.

I often hear from friends and family (outside of the profession): "I don't know how you do it". The thing is, this is where life has taken me because it is what I am meant to be doing. This field is a perfect fit. This work feels more natural to me than almost anything else in the world (okay, the stage is up there too- an entirely different blog). I realize I am providing an important service, but do these clients know what they do for me? My clients hand me their sadness, shame, anger, joys, triumphs, failures....they allow themselves vulnerability in my presence. It is a gift I do not take lightly...and with that comes the motivation for my blogging.

Suffice it to say, this work is tough. A true labor of love, with the potential to deliver great emotional cost if not kept in check. Supervision is one thing, but the need to dispel the weight that I take on in this work is building. I decided to attempt to utilize this medium to discuss what comes up for me during this journey. I'm leaving the format open and without structure...who knows where it will go. One of my most important lessons to date: it's all impermanent.

If you have received this link, it means I would be honored it if you'd take the journey with me- feedback/general thoughts welcomed and encouraged! (If it's not your thing, of course I understand that too.)

That's it for now.
-SR