Day in the life of
Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist – Allison Chawla
The most important thing I do is listen and just hold space for people while doing so. Therapists have this Hollywood curated depiction that makes it look as though we talk a lot, nod often while making curious sounds, and always gaze at our clients with judgment through large glasses; but the truth is that majority of the work is listening and then gently guiding people towards their own conclusions and methods of healing by using techniques like mirroring, motivational interviewing and reframing, to mention a few.
My sessions run for 50 minutes so that I can reset and refocus myself between clients. Most days I see multiple patients in a row, but I give myself the time to be fresh and clear for each one. I am a believer in the use of movement versus sitting static during each session, so I do allow and encourage my clients to take a stretch, lay down, or to even carefully move about the room if it helps them to express themselves more easily. I of course set boundaries, but I try to make my office a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable in.
Cons
The cons for me are not being able to get my clients coverage for their fees from insurance companies; we just don’t respect mental health the way we need to in this country. I personally feel that insurance should offer more coverage and support because mental health is a very real issue and a very difficult illness for many. We, practitioners, work very hard during our educations, internships, field placements, and rotations to offer the finest care possible for patients; but we still are not covered the same way that other practitioners are. This could make a real difference in many lives if they didn’t have to worry so much about the cost of mental health care. I offer clients a sliding scale, but some help from an insurance provider would be the solution to needing long-term care- even lifesaving.
Pros
There are many pros to the work. You watch people grow. You act as a sacred space for others, which to me is such honorable work. We do not get public praise for what we do, we don’t even acknowledge our patients in public out of ethical boundaries and true respect for their confidentiality. But I like to believe that everyone that has chosen to live their lives in service of others, feels chosen by a much higher power and through a much greater influence than validation could ever bring us. So, it truly is the gift of being that silent but safe space and person for others. That to me has been the greatest gift this work has brought me. I do of course experience tremendous joy when someone is able to move forward more healthily in their life, because then I know that I am doing good work and keeping the promise I made when I decided to become a therapist, which, is to always do the best work possible and always continue to improve myself so that I can be a better and better Psychotherapist for others.
