I met my supervisor this morning.
I liked her.
I banged on for an hour about me, until she finally said she felt as though she could work with me
“You have a warmth about you” she observed, a positive I gratefully accepted without question and we laughed when I showed off my diary, which I think makes me look like the mini counsellor I am.
From there I bought some new “. Counsellor” clothes for my start next week. A plain brown knitted top and green cargo pants. Not scruffy enough to look new age but not too smart to make me feel uncomfortable .
I bought cheap petunias for the pots outside on the way home and chatted to villagers as they passed as I filled the patio plantpots with cheap colour
Your supervisor is probably feeling fortunate to have you xx-Mary
ReplyDeleteWell rapport is vital trust won’t flourish without it
DeleteI’m so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI’ve not started yet x lol
DeleteBut you have done so well (no surprise) and will be a brilliant success!
DeleteSo pleased to read this John! - Jackie
ReplyDeleteYou're off to a good start!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely
DeleteDo counselors have a particular 'look'?
ReplyDeleteInterested
DeleteI love this answer! I had one therapist who nodded off most sessions, another person did her nails [and was rue!]...etc etc.
DeleteYou didn’t have a counsellor lizzy
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI think it shows a certain maturity to accept a compliment or an observation without resorting to false modesty . That’s gameplaying neither of you require in a therapeutic relationship.
ReplyDeleteLee
That I u
DeleteShe sounds like a shrewd judge of character.
ReplyDeleteX
DeleteI applaud you for doing what you have done - getting a qualification in a discipline that seems so right, so natural for you. Doing this in your sixties is even more creditworthy. I think you will be able to do a lot of good as a counsellor - just as you have done in your various nursing roles.
ReplyDeleteI aPPRECIATE that YO
DeleteYou'll be great! Plus it's good to have a supervisor that appreciates and recognizes your "warmth." This is a great characteristic, especially important when working with people.
ReplyDeleteThank y
DeleteCongrats, John. Best of luck in your new position!
ReplyDeleteIt's all about image isn't it.
ReplyDelete"Look at me with my diary! Like a real counsellor!"
"Look at me buying 'consellor' clothes!" You'll be able to preen yourself when listening to somebody drone on about their life.
As for your "warmth" - there's nothing like blowing your own trumpet, something that you're well practised in.
Of course the supervisor accepted you, that's what she's getting paid for!
Here is your first client, John. Someone who's brain is a bit scrambled. It may take several sessions before you manage to unravel what's going on in there.
DeleteInteresting that the anon cannot think laterally or understand irony when she reads it.
DeletePart of the journey into being truly self aware is to accept who you are. Acceptance isn’t always about negative things, acceptance of warmth , say, is a skill in itself. How many of us, as john eluded to, half take a compliment , with some caveat that they are not worthy?
Supervisors are paid for, indeed, but there has to be a fit between student and mentor and for that fit to be appropriate and mutual .
Buying clothes for the sessions, says to me that some thought has been put into this meeting and respect is given .
This need to attack John, is confusing , for you seem to lurk , 24/7 in order to regurgitate bile.
That’s not healthy my dear.
Not healthy or likeable at all.
Lee
Here here, (Jackie)
DeleteOh Anonymous, give it a rest. YOU are the one saying 'look at me' ' look at me', but in your case we are looking at you for all the wrong reasons. Have you ever considered seeing a counsellor? 🤔
DeleteWhat a hateful, nasty person you are, Anonymous. You must really hate yourself to spew such bile at others. Maybe you should consider a good therapist or counselor, yourself.
DeleteNo worries jennifer ,
DeleteObviously Lee has experience herself and has answered anons statement with some alacrity
Lee - "my dear" is patronising. You're not that perfect after all are you?
DeleteIt was fucking meant to be Anon
DeleteLee
Also "my dear" is regularly used by "flis"
Deleteflis aka lee, the great pretender!
Oh, you do have a positive warmth about you. That's why we love you, your blog, and why you don't box the witers of nay-saying commentors lo=ike Anonymous, above.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I’m not bothered by such uninformed views, they mean nothing
DeleteI'm so chuffed for you getting this placement. I do agree, you have to project the "right" image. Not too formal, but not too relaxed either. Sounds like you got that just right. All of us (well, most, if you discount the anonymous idiots) who read your blog, know you'll ace it. xx
ReplyDeleteCheers HH
DeleteGood on you John. It's not easy changing direction at our age and you're doing it and doing it well.
ReplyDeleteI’m trying my best and I’m trying hard
DeleteBut will you wear your Crocs? lol. All sounds so positive. Good that you thought about new professional clothes---first impressions are important.
ReplyDeleteDoes the supervisor sit in during your initial sessions? Do the clients get a discount when assigned a ''trainee"?
Can we see a pic of the petunias? What color/ kind did you choose?
No I’m on my own
DeleteThe clients are told we are training before they accept to come. They have the option of waiting a little bit longer for a trained counsellor
They do not pay for their counselling as it’s initial 6 sessions
Yes but the Crocs? ;-)
DeleteYou're going to be so good at this.
Of course not the crocs. It'll be the green (cheap) shoes.
DeleteYes I think u maybe right , but they suit
DeleteGreens can clash badly! Don't you have some nice shoes, weddings and funerals shoes.
DeleteI can't wait to hear how this counselling gig works out!
ReplyDeleteI hope it works out, I’ve worked hard at it
DeleteWell done, on a new working partnership with your supervisor, your new 'counselling outfit', and on the appropriate diary. I do love a scruffy, filled, papers dropping out diary or notebook. ❤️📚
ReplyDeleteI now look the part
DeleteI also think it's good that you are thinking about an outfit that will put people at their ease without being too casual.
ReplyDeleteCheers, I thought so too
DeleteI could really use some counseling. I wish you could be my counselor! You're going to be great, John. xx
ReplyDeleteHow are doing jennifer?you haven’t blogged for a week
DeleteI just updated the blog today.
DeleteI saw
DeleteBest of luck to you John.
ReplyDeleteThank u linda
DeleteI was awaiting my new counsellor to arrive - She arrived in an old soft top sports car and then swooped into my sitting room in a billowing cape - She was lovely x
ReplyDeletePerhaps a cape is another option
DeleteMy mum's GP too wore a cape I recall x
DeleteWe wouldn't expect your characters in your fantasy fairy tales to wear anything other than billowing capes flis as they do need comfortable clothes to be able to swoop.
DeleteWhy question flis ? What are u about?
DeleteIf you haven't sussed out flis yet you're either a bit thick or very naive. Flis was a parasite on my blog when I had one and is well known for the same on other blogs.
DeleteTotally agree with the last anon comment, read through the anon 9.31pm comment and see how is is written and the wording used. It is written just as 'flis' writes she/he/them replies to 'flis' just to 'start' something, not very gramatically literate though,a la flis when she signs her name! See it ????
Delete🚩
DeleteWell done on the choice of clothes....a counsellor in a sharp suit is enough to put anyone off
ReplyDeleteI just have to the shoes
Deletemy goodness swooped and billowed! have you been reading harry potter?
ReplyDeleteHere you go, John!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear today's meeting went well! You've got this, John dear!
ReplyDeleteThings seem brighter today
DeleteCongratulations, John. This is life changing. So many talk about doing something new or wish they could take the steps but don't have the gumption to follow through. It's wonderful to watch someone who does.
ReplyDeleteWhat have I got to lose xxx
DeleteGood luck next week John.
ReplyDeleteThank you pat
DeleteIt sounds like a good choice of clothes. You want to be comfortable but smart, and you want to look approachable for your clients. Good wishes as you move forward. I’d be happy to be a client of yours. Jean in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to be respectful . Usually I’m quite scruffy
DeleteSo is it more than a one-year course John? How long? Maybe you have said but I have some catching up to do. Is it a diploma? A degree? Yes. I am being nosy...
ReplyDeleteIt’s the certificate in counselling level 4 ( a 2 year course) I completed level 3 the year before . I’m joining the degree next year
DeleteBut I can practice after level four
DeleteIt sounds like you have a good supervisor who who knows how to bring out the best in their students. Being professional and also approachable you are ready. best wishes for the next stage. Josie
ReplyDeleteShe is well experienced
DeleteYour supervisor sounds just the person to have in your corner and it's a total bonus that she "gets you". I like that you gave your attire a thought. When I needed counselling I wasn't aware of what the woman helping me was wearing I was so deep in the mire... but as the weeks got lighter and my mood got brighter I certainly noticed her smile and how put together she was without being clinical... I trusted her with my emotions which was great for me... I left each time feeling more stable.
ReplyDeleteShe doesn’t mince words
DeleteJohn, I think you are amazing! I don’t think you fear trying anything new! You will be a wonderful counselor. Carol in Atlanta
DeleteThis is wonderful. You simply keep moving onward and upward, and I keep applauding.
ReplyDeleteCongrats again! Kathy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck John, I think your supervisir is quite right about you x
ReplyDeleteSupervisor even 😁
ReplyDelete