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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 14:28:49
My t says that being a counselor or physical therapist is unrealistic becuase of my personality and my social anxiety. I'm quite shy. I feel like she's kinda being unsupportive. But also in a way I agree with her. What do you guys think?
Posted by JenStar on October 15, 2005, at 16:13:48
In reply to last wednesday's session, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 14:28:49
hi Angela,
since I don't know you in person, it's very hard to say. Does your shyness keep you from interacting the way you'd like, or does it limit your conversation?Maybe right NOW those careers would not be the right ones. But if you just LOVE the idea of, say, phys. therapy, maybe you could work on the communication and would improve as you learn the therapy part? After all, schooling would take several years. As you grow academically, you could be growing emotionally, too.
I think lots of people can improve and develop their social skills. There are many great classes you can take to get more outgoing and learn how to talk in public. For example, there are debate classes, presentation skills classes, or even drama clubs/acting lessons.
All of these things might give you experience interacting in front of and with other people.
I think it's good that your T is being realistic and giving you honest feedback on your social skills. But people CAN improve in ANYTHING, I think, esp. if they really want to! Don't take that as the final answer - even if you're not ready at this moment, you could be in the future. :)
Have you ever worked with your T on getting over the shyness and had success? If not, maybe that's something you could focus on?
Are there other careers that you're interested in?
JenStar
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 16:35:56
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » Angela2, posted by JenStar on October 15, 2005, at 16:13:48
Thanks jenstar. I definitely won't take that as my final answer. No, we never have tried therapy for getting over my shyness. I don't know why not. I think I will suggest it to her next time I have session. The problem with me is that I think I want to do something but then once I do it, I'll have like a bad day or something and I'll end up thinking " this isn't for me." When maybe it could be. That goes for the job I currewntly have right now too. Thanks again Jen.
-Angela2
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 16:50:04
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 16:35:56
I have a meeting with a career counselor on tuesday and I'm a little nervous. The whole reason for my not being able to pick a career is probably due to my disorder in some way. What if he just says, I can't help you. Go see a therapist. I'll have to be likem I'm seeing one and she isn't helping me. We have so much to talk about we don't get around to it.
Posted by javableue on October 15, 2005, at 18:19:09
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 16:50:04
Hi Angela,
I don't know enough about you or your specific case to judge, but I think it's pretty normal to be indecisive about career. If nothing else, the career counsellor should help you look at your skills and interests and at least give you a general idea of where you might want to look. You might also find that there are careers which are related to what you're interested in which would be easier for you.
Have you asked your therapist to expand on what she said? Even if what she said is true presently, that doesn't mean it always will be. As JenStar said, the education involved in pursuing either of those careers would give you years to work not only on professional skills but on anything else which may cause difficulties. Not to mention that, having worked through this, you might have valuable perspective which you wouldn't otherwise have had if the process had been a relative breeze.
Volunteer work or hobbies which get you experience being around and working with people is definitely a great idea.
Good luck with the meeting; hope it helps you get closer to where you want to be.
jb
Posted by daisym on October 15, 2005, at 20:25:48
In reply to last wednesday's session, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 14:28:49
Angela,
I have a physical therapist on my staff...she works with special needs infants and toddlers. She is a very shy, insecure woman. (She has shared with me that she had an abusive first husband, who happened to have been her coach from her early teens on.) She is one of the most gifted therapists I have ever met, she is so gentle with our small babies. Her quiet manner works for the parents too. The key here is that she is very confident in her skills. She tells me babies don't criticize, so they are easier to work with, even if they cry.
I think if you build confidence in your skills of your chosen career, then you can apply them with in a setting that will work for you. It doesn't have to be a large, claw your way to the top, organization. Don't give up!
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 21:09:18
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » Angela2, posted by daisym on October 15, 2005, at 20:25:48
Thanks Daisym! Your advice was really uplifting. I think what you said is true. I've just got to try it, and see if it works for me.
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 21:09:43
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 21:09:18
Posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 21:12:55
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » Angela2, posted by javableue on October 15, 2005, at 18:19:09
Right now I think I'm gonna stay where I'm at and do volunteer work on the side. I totally forgot about volunteer work. I don't think I'm ready to go back to college yet. But I'd like to go to a toastmaster's group meeting sometime or a counseling class.
Thanks for your post.
-Ang2
Posted by javableue on October 15, 2005, at 22:26:15
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » javableue, posted by Angela2 on October 15, 2005, at 21:12:55
What is the toastmaster's group?
Sounds like you have a reasonable plan set up. College will always be there when/if you decide you're ready and want to go. Again, good luck. :-)
jb
Posted by Angela2 on October 16, 2005, at 11:11:18
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » Angela2, posted by javableue on October 15, 2005, at 22:26:15
Toastmasters is a group that helps one be more confident speaking to people and giving speeches.
-Ang2
Posted by 10derHeart on October 16, 2005, at 12:57:44
In reply to Re: last wednesday's session » Angela2, posted by javableue on October 15, 2005, at 22:26:15
This is the end of the thread.
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