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genie
Master of Prissface
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 16189
Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
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 Posted: 05/03/03 - 09:26 Post subject: They made me cry at school yesterday....
Wow. What an amazing week. This class I just took was phenomenal! It was a ton of work, and very intense and draining, but definitely an experience I am truly grateful that I had. There were 14 in our class, so for the group activity parts we were split into two groups of 7, which is about the "optimum" number for group therapy. We were to stay with that group all week, so we really got to know each other. The first three days were mainly learning about group dynamics and interactions, practicing techniques, etc....but our group still shared some really deep personal stuff with each other which just amazed me. I have never bonded like that with 6 other people so quickly ever, and I'm a pretty social person.
Thursday, we actually had to lead the other group in a therapy session. You could either bring up a specific topic to start, or do what we do with the weekend threads--high-lows, what's going on with everyone type thing. Since this was the group we had NOT been involved with all week, it was interesting just to see how the dynamic of the group changed with a new member. After group, we had to give the facilitator feedback on their performance and of course the teacher was back and forth listening to the two groups as well. I got glowing reviews on my group, which was about transitions and how we handle changes in our life and one of the comments someone made was that I was such a natural at this and that I was really wasting my talents in the corporate world. That really made me feel good--validating my choice to go back to this profession. 
Yesterday, our closure group was called "Strength Bombardment." You went around the circle, targeting one person at a time, & the others all had to say something positive about you, something they admired, etc. Then you keep switching til everyone has been the object of the affirmations. I've used this group many times and it is always really intense but this is the first time I've ever been on the receiving end of the "bombardment." I never realized just how much easier it is for me to give praise than to receive it.
One of the girls is already working as a therapist, and she said that she would, without hesitation, come to me herself if she ever needed therapy, which really meant a lot. I heard how I am a stronger person than I think I am, that I am way too critical of myself, (damn, I'm crying now just thinking about this....) how I am very open, honest and genuine, necessary qualities for a good therapist, and from almost all of them, how obvious it is that I am so well suited for this field because my compassion and caring shines through in every interaction, and that people really feel comfortable opening up to me. One of the girls in the other group said that to me too, after the group I led, that she'd been with those people all week but did not feel comfortable sharing what she shared, which was pretty heavy, until our group--and she said it was largely due to the fact that she felt such compassion coming from me while the other group members were sharing.
I think I bawled all the way home yesterday. What a truly humbling experience. I learned so much this week, not just about therapeutic techniques, but a lot about how my perception of me can be very different from other people's. I am convinced more than ever now that I made the right career decision and there is no looking back from here!!! Sorry this got so long, but I knew you guys would understand.
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AlaninTX
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 6582
Location: Austin, Texas
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 09:32 Post subject:
Nothing like getting a little dose of the truth about yourself  I can see how that was a very moving, and humbling, experience for you.
They could make me cry in college, too. Right around final exam time
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runaroundsue
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Joined: 18 Sep 2002
Posts: 6629
Location: supporting GREENer pastures
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 09:50 Post subject:
that is great news, thanks for sharing it with us Genie!
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kattzoo
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Joined: 28 Feb 2003
Posts: 3812
Location: Happily at the back of the pack
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 11:28 Post subject:
Glad it was such a great, moving experience for you!
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ShannonG
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Joined: 20 Mar 2003
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 12:02 Post subject:
I just had a vision of a dozen and a half snuffling, damp eyed adults pouring out of a university lecture room. You guys must be the stuff of much gossip on campus!
Glad it's working out for you, though! 
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16217
Location: unknown zone
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 21:18 Post subject:
um, sounds like you made the right decision.
sooo important for a therapist to be someone you literally want to talk to. they aint all that way - really!
good 4 U. 
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16449
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 05/03/03 - 23:08 Post subject: Re: They made me cry at school yesterday....
| genie wrote: | | ... I heard how I am a stronger person than I think I am, that I am way too critical of myself, (damn, I'm crying now just thinking about this....) how I am very open, honest and genuine, necessary qualities for a good therapist, and from almost all of them, how obvious it is that I am so well suited for this field because my compassion and caring shines through in every interaction, and that people really feel comfortable opening up to me... |
Some of us already knew this. Now don't forget it.
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Laurie Ellen
Queenie
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 11286
Location: The Dark Side of the Moon
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 09:43 Post subject:
Whew!! I thought I was gonna have to send one of my bodyguards over to kick some arse! Glad it was GOOD  . Glad it's going so well for you!!!!! 
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Joined: 14 May 2002
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 11:03 Post subject:
Okay, I need names and numbers of all the parents whose kids made you cry....
I'm glad the class was so beneficial for you on so many levels!! Awesome indeed! 
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 16189
Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 11:26 Post subject:
| Laurie Ellen wrote: | | Whew!! I thought I was gonna have to send one of my bodyguards over to kick some arse! Glad it was GOOD . Glad it's going so well for you!!!!! |
Wellllll....you can send akern's cute one over if you like, I'm sure I can find something for him to do.... 
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ShannonG
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 11:45 Post subject:
| genie wrote: |
Wellllll....you can send akern's cute one over if you like, I'm sure I can find someone for him to do.... |
 
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 16189
Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 12:02 Post subject:
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blue
your favorite weapon
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Joined: 21 May 2002
Posts: 7010
Location: armed and ambitious
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Posted: 05/04/03 - 13:24 Post subject:
| genie wrote: |   |
i love the new tag line mean gean
good to hear your having a "bawl"... teehee *BRUTAL* lol.
-blue
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