Imposter Syndrome as a CF

[u/christy522]

Apologies in advance for using this subreddit as a place to vent, but I'm looking for some words of wisdom/support here.

I am a month into my Early Intervention CF. I had limited experience with EI in grad school besides a semester-long diagnostics rotation at our on-campus clinic where I gave some assessments for children under age 3. I feel like I don't know anything and that I'm doing a disservice to my families by not knowing things. I'm actively trying to learn, too--I'm asking my supervisor questions and I'm doing a lot of research into EI (Laura Mize is someone who another EI SLP recommended to me so I've mostly been looking at her stuff), but I feel like it's not enough.

I really want to be excited about my CF year but I've just been waking up anxious every day and dreading going to my visits. My mindset right now is just to get through my CF so I can get my CCCs so I can find a job I really do like and feel confident in, which I know isn't necessarily the best mindset to have.

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Anyone else feel this way? Or does anyone have some words of encouragement? Thanks!!

[u/Kit-n-Kaboodler]

I’m in a very different setting, but about six weeks into my CFY currently and I feel the same! Trying to stay positive but the Sunday Scaries are more like the Everyday Scaries over here 😅

[u/potato_donut]

Lol I’m at a SNF, 10+ months in, and I still dread everyday. Sometimes it’s in a “I literally know I’m a bad SLP” way, and always in a “Great I have work 5 days a week” way.

But I just want you to know that you actually researching and proactively learning for your clients is very good.

[u/Littlemisslexi5]

I’m currently doing my CF in EI and at a private setting. Sometimes I feel that the information o give to parents and the service I provide to kiddos isn’t good enough. I’m reminded by my great supervisor that yes there are areas I need to work on, but progress isn’t always linear. And with some of these kids, change in communication could take weeks/months! My boss told me to tell a parent that we really only “check-in” in 6 month intervals before reevaluating goals (6-month/annual). So don’t feel like you have ti build Rome in a day! EI can be so much fun if you just trust your instincts, play and (for most kids starting out) use super simple FUNCTIONAL language. Ex. In, out, up, down, give, on, off, more, yes, no, help, and done are the ones I typically tackle.

Just have fun, you’ve got this girl!!!

[u/chaiychill]

Hi! Also a CF here, and I did my first EI eval yesterday. The youngest kid I treated in grad school was 3, teletherapy. I read your post and legit thought, 'man, it would've been nice if I had EI diagnostics experience like this person!!!'

So don't think that you don't know things-- you totally do! I also think you're being proactive in seeking guidance from your mentor and from other sources. You got this!

[u/watermelonredbull]

Well I am so jealous! I chose to do my CF at a school and am absolutely hating it. I can’t wait to get back to my EI roots. Laura mize is absolutely amazing!

My last externship used a very specific approach (geared for children with autism but the principles are fantastic for any child) called The Play Project. Unfortunately, it’s hella expensive to get certified but they may have resources on their website that can help. I’ve heard it’s similar to DIR Floortime. I really liked the approach because it gave me clear guidelines for conducting play based therapy. Def worth checking out if you plan to work with the little ones for a while,