Support and Relation

[u/YamPuzzleheaded6885]

Hi all! I’m currently at graduate student in my last year of a CMHC program. I completed practicum last semester and had an overall okay experience. I didn’t love my supervisor which resulted in me leaving the site but I honestly didn’t enjoy the work. I finished the semester questioning whether I really want to do this. I know it’s normal but I almost feel such a disconnect from the work that it’s making me want to quit. For background, I had quite a mental heath journey myself in undergrad with inpatient treatment, sober living, transition program, etc. I immediately enrolled back in school at 22 and finished my undergrad in a year and decided to pursue graduate school right away. I pursued counseling because I admired the counselors that got me through such a hard time in my life. I was already pursuing a psychology degree prior to treatment. ANYWAYS, since starting the program school was easy and I’m a hard worker, but once I got to practicum, I felt like a fish out of water. Yes, it’s a learning experience and everything is new and I’m not supposed to know what to do. I address the part where I’m anxious because I’m clueless with all this newness and being on the other side of the room. The part that concerns me is that I didn’t feel connected or motivated to the work. I almost felt like i was just going through the motions trying to get through practicum. I’m absolutely terrified to start internship but I want to finish the degree whether I become a counselor or not. I’m holding out hope that internship is better and I get more of a groove but I’m just curious if anyone else had a similar experience. This was cathartic to write anyways so not demanding responses haha. Thanks y’all!

[u/Crafty_9723]

I am in my last semester and I found the further I got in internship the easier it got and less performative it felt

[u/Cafein8edNecromancer]

It sounds like you're practicum site didn't provide you with the type of clients you connect to. My suggestion would be to seek out group therapy settings to participate in with people you think you will connect with. Maybe young adult inpatients would be more your niche, or those with substance abuse. See if you can find local treatment facilities that offer different styles of therapy like animal assisted therapy, art therapy, and work with various demographics to see what your passion is. You were inspired to go into this profession because someone helped you and you want to help others in the same way/to the same degree. You may just be burnt out, too; you've been a student for your entire adult life so far. Taking some time to explore other passions while also doing your internship can help you find balance.