As a burgeoning psychologist, I feel one aspect of client care, which is commonly overlooked, is collaboration with other treatment providers. Whether it be caseworkers, income maintenance workers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nursing staff, or past therapists, collaborating and coordinating care is of utmost importance when treating clients.
During my internship experience, I have quickly come to realize the true value of collaborating. As a treatment provider, I am often included in treatment team meetings, in which I gather with other professionals working with a particular client once per month to discuss all aspects of current treatment, as well as future goals. These meetings, although brief and infrequent, have proven to be very valuable in providing the best care possible for my clients. Not only have I been able to learn from the other providers about my clients, I have also learned about, and have gained exposure to, several other disciplines...gaining very important knowledge along the way.
So, for everyone out there who is already seeing clients, or for those of you who aspire to do so one day...collaborate with other professionals. Not only will it provide opportunities for growth in your clients, but in yourself as well.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Bring on the testing...
On internship, I have been exposed to a NUMBER of new and exciting things. From treatment approaches, to interventions...each day I am learning something new. Out of all of these experiences, however, my absolute favorite has been testing. In the past eight months, I have broadened my testing horizons, and am quickly becoming proficient at administration and interpretation of a variety of psychological, and neuropsychological instruments. This week in particular, I have LOTS of testing scheduled. Yesterday, I did a chemical dependency evaluation, today, a disability evaluation, and on Thursday, I have a comprehensive psych. eval, a neuropsychological evaluation, and another disability evaluation (YES...all in the same day). Given the time constraints and expectations we have for quick turn around of reports (we are expected to administer, score, write-up, and revise in one week), this weekend (and every week night) will be VERY busy for me. But...I say, bring it on...as I am ready for the challenge.
By next week, however, I may be singing a different tune :)
By next week, however, I may be singing a different tune :)
Monday, April 14, 2008
The feeling of relaxation...
This past weekend, I was officially on vacation. I shut off the crisis phone (as my supervisor was serving as coverage in the event of an emergency), packed my bags, grabbed Chris, and headed down to Eureka Springs Arkansas.
The weekend was pure bliss! We spent four days being lazy, seeing the sites, and just spending quality time with each other. We had a nice dinner out, hiked through downtown (and the surrounding areas), stayed in and cooked, had a picnic at the state park, and even took a carriage ride. We had a lovely cottage all to ourselves, with a patio hot tub. The town itself was really charming and the weather cooperated very well (aside from being a little chilly).
I could not have asked for a better weekend. Although I had high expectations for the time, it far exceeded my dreams! And the quality time spent with Chris was the most precious gift of all.
Now, returning back to work today, I am refreshed and ready to tackle the next few months of internship! The preparation for the weekend was completely worth it and I would totally do it all over again if I could!
The weekend was pure bliss! We spent four days being lazy, seeing the sites, and just spending quality time with each other. We had a nice dinner out, hiked through downtown (and the surrounding areas), stayed in and cooked, had a picnic at the state park, and even took a carriage ride. We had a lovely cottage all to ourselves, with a patio hot tub. The town itself was really charming and the weather cooperated very well (aside from being a little chilly).
I could not have asked for a better weekend. Although I had high expectations for the time, it far exceeded my dreams! And the quality time spent with Chris was the most precious gift of all.
Now, returning back to work today, I am refreshed and ready to tackle the next few months of internship! The preparation for the weekend was completely worth it and I would totally do it all over again if I could!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Making Time for Yourself....
With all that is currently going on it is often difficult to find time for yourself. Although this may be easier said than done, it is of utmost imortance for me. Without some time for myself I don't know if I would make it!! I feel that getting creative with your time is a must. Whether this be taking a few minutes during the day to listen to music or finding a little time to excercise, I feel this is important. This weekend I will be taking a much needed vacation. Having completed all my work prior to leaving I will be able to relax and hopefully clear my mind. Hopefully this will give me the rest needed to make the final push towards completing my internship.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Stress, stress, and more stress...
As you may be aware, my last few blogs have dealt with one central topic...STRESS. Unfortunately, this week is no exception.
As I am nearing the end of my internship experience (only 4 months and 24 days left), the reality of my future is finally starting to set in. Although I am very excited to finally be finished with my days as a student, it is rather intimidating to think I will soon be referred to as Dr. Bradshaw, and will no longer have the comfort of my fellow interns and supervisors to fall back on. As such, I am trying to take every possible second to learn as much from these individuals as I possibly can.
In addition to this quest for knowledge, my workload is steadily increasing. Early in my internship I was to be the sole provider of therapy to behaviorally disordered adolescents in a local group home. When I arrived for internship, I quickly learned the group home was experiencing some difficulties and were no longer to accept new referrals. While my supervisor told me everything would work on in the end, I spent that three months playing the wait and see game (and falling behind on client contact hours). Eventually, the group home closed and I was left scrambling to compensate for many hours of missed contact. (***it may be important to mention I am required to have 1000 hours of direct (face to face) client contact in order to successfully complete internship at my site)
In the months since the close of the group home, I have been working many long hours, trying to recover the lost hours of client contact. I am currently over 100 hours behind, and as the end is quickly approaching, I am growing increasingly aware of this defecit. In the past, my site has required interns stay after the end date to make up any missed hours. Unfortunately, I don't have much wiggle room, as I cannot stay after August 28 (my end date) to make up hours...since I begin my residency on September 2.
Although I often get discouraged about this situation, I am constantly being reminded by my wonderful family, friends, and coworkers that this situation will eventually work out for the best. Until that day, however, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get through in one piece! Hopefully the day comes quickly though :)
As I am nearing the end of my internship experience (only 4 months and 24 days left), the reality of my future is finally starting to set in. Although I am very excited to finally be finished with my days as a student, it is rather intimidating to think I will soon be referred to as Dr. Bradshaw, and will no longer have the comfort of my fellow interns and supervisors to fall back on. As such, I am trying to take every possible second to learn as much from these individuals as I possibly can.
In addition to this quest for knowledge, my workload is steadily increasing. Early in my internship I was to be the sole provider of therapy to behaviorally disordered adolescents in a local group home. When I arrived for internship, I quickly learned the group home was experiencing some difficulties and were no longer to accept new referrals. While my supervisor told me everything would work on in the end, I spent that three months playing the wait and see game (and falling behind on client contact hours). Eventually, the group home closed and I was left scrambling to compensate for many hours of missed contact. (***it may be important to mention I am required to have 1000 hours of direct (face to face) client contact in order to successfully complete internship at my site)
In the months since the close of the group home, I have been working many long hours, trying to recover the lost hours of client contact. I am currently over 100 hours behind, and as the end is quickly approaching, I am growing increasingly aware of this defecit. In the past, my site has required interns stay after the end date to make up any missed hours. Unfortunately, I don't have much wiggle room, as I cannot stay after August 28 (my end date) to make up hours...since I begin my residency on September 2.
Although I often get discouraged about this situation, I am constantly being reminded by my wonderful family, friends, and coworkers that this situation will eventually work out for the best. Until that day, however, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get through in one piece! Hopefully the day comes quickly though :)
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