As a kid I always said that I would never forget what it was like to be a kid and would never be an old curmudgeon. I began babysitting (and worked at day care centers) when I was a teen and young adult, then went to college and got an undergrad in Education, specializing in Special Education. I learned quickly that I did not want to teach. Large groups of kids in a controlling, restrictive environment, not my thing…. But I was stuck, I had just graduated and was being set free in the big, bad world.
So I began working as a receptionist at a crisis center. That’s when the seas parted and I just knew. I had met a play therapist there are decided to go back to school. I love, love, love play therapy.
That’s not exactly what I do now- now I work in the homes and communities of youth who are considered to be “delinquent”. The passion is not there, because I often get pulled down in the bog. However, I have seen families turn around completely and that really does make it all worth while.
In the mean time I am working to get a private practice started and hope to get a different full time job. My personality has totally changed (I feel myself becoming quite curmudgeony) since doing the in-home work that I currently do (I often drive home in tears or just angry with the world-hubby has noticed too…) but my passion is still there enough for me to not give up on the field….just need to find a different route. I tried to quit, but retracted my resignation after I figured out health insurance would be on my own. I was all ready to take the private practice plunge….but didn’t work out. I am also counseling individuals, couples, kids, families, and groups part time in hopes of growing it into a full time job. Writing this all out has been quite therapeutic in itself, thanks!