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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
I have a major test coming up on Thursday morning. It's the second biggest thing I have to do in order to get my doctorate. Basically I have to demonstrate to a committee that I am competent to do clinical psychology work. I turned in written materials and a videotape a few weeks ago, and now they get to grill me on it. One of my biggest therapy issues is my extreme sensitivity to rejection. Failure is one of the options they can come up with, which seems like a huge rejection of what I am passionate about. Since I often don't feel competent when I am with authority figures, and since these people get to "decide" on my competency, please send me positive and confident thoughts on Thursday a.m.
Thanks,
gg
Posted by Dinah on January 20, 2004, at 7:50:29
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
I'll be sending all my good wishes your way. :) But I think you'll do fine. You're bright, articulate, and as you said, passionate about what you do. That will shine through.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 9:03:58
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » gardenergirl, posted by Dinah on January 20, 2004, at 7:50:29
Posted by Penny on January 20, 2004, at 9:11:58
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
You do sound truly passionate, and I feel confident the faculty know that. You will do fine!!!
Have you ever read Dr. Seuss's "Oh the places you'll go"? If not - I really think you should treat yourself to a copy before Thursday, and read it and re-read it over and over until you're convinced that everything on Thursday morning will be okay. I know this might sound hokey, but, really, I have read that book before every job interview I've had since college, and it does more for my self-esteem and confidence than anything else.
"And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)"Okay...so it's not 100%, but nothing is certain in life, right?
The odds are in your favor.
Go for it. Nothing can stop you from reaching this goal, if it is what you really want.
I can't wait to hear the good news.
P
Posted by All Done on January 20, 2004, at 9:13:02
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
> I have a major test coming up on Thursday morning. It's the second biggest thing I have to do in order to get my doctorate. Basically I have to demonstrate to a committee that I am competent to do clinical psychology work. I turned in written materials and a videotape a few weeks ago, and now they get to grill me on it. One of my biggest therapy issues is my extreme sensitivity to rejection. Failure is one of the options they can come up with, which seems like a huge rejection of what I am passionate about. Since I often don't feel competent when I am with authority figures, and since these people get to "decide" on my competency, please send me positive and confident thoughts on Thursday a.m.
>
> Thanks,
> ggI'll be thinking of you, but I know you'll do great, too. And, just for the record, I don't think the committee even has a decision to make. Your posts here show that you're not only competent, but knowledgeable and supportive as well.
Good luck!
Posted by Poet on January 20, 2004, at 11:48:23
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
Good wishes and a big hunk of confidence will be around you and within you on Thursday morning.
You are competent, and they will realize it, too.
Poet
Posted by Angielala on January 20, 2004, at 12:01:50
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
Think of these people as a very educated patient instead of authority figures. You probably know more than them- I'm sure they haven't been studying as you have in quite some time. You know your stuff, just let it flow. And if you find yourself stuck at any point, always remember that a good sense of humor can be seen as both professional and comforting. These people who are "testing" you just want to know if you'll be able to help people, to be able to do your job. I am guessing you are a perfectionist. Keep perfection out of your mind. Just talk, I think the more they ask, the more you are going to realize how well you now your stuff.
Plus- think of alllll the docs that got through school and aren't what you'd call "good" pdocs :) You are going to blow them away!
You are going to do well- we are all here giving you our best!
> I have a major test coming up on Thursday morning. It's the second biggest thing I have to do in order to get my doctorate. Basically I have to demonstrate to a committee that I am competent to do clinical psychology work. I turned in written materials and a videotape a few weeks ago, and now they get to grill me on it. One of my biggest therapy issues is my extreme sensitivity to rejection. Failure is one of the options they can come up with, which seems like a huge rejection of what I am passionate about. Since I often don't feel competent when I am with authority figures, and since these people get to "decide" on my competency, please send me positive and confident thoughts on Thursday a.m.
>
> Thanks,
> gg
Posted by fallsfall on January 20, 2004, at 13:47:38
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
I'm sure that you will do fine. Just remember empathy and compassion and you'll always come up with a good answer. You have certainly demonstrated both of those for us.
These "authorities" are just people like you and me, they simply have a job right now of making sure that therapy patients will get good care. I would think that they wouldn't be there if they didn't want to help people (including you!). I think they are much more on your side than you say (and that "side" is that you want therapy patients to have good care).
I'll be cheering for you!
Posted by Karen_kay on January 20, 2004, at 18:04:27
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
OK, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty accurate at knowing when someone's good and when someone's GOOD (just ask Poet :)) and I have a feeling that you're pretty darn GREAT!!! Now, I just have this feeling that you are going to walk into the room Thursday morning like you OWN the place. They are going to ask you questions and you are going to have answers like it is no body's business! Oh, the places you will go!!!
Now, you walk into that room with half as much confidence as we have in you and you'll have no problem. BTW, I'm sure you will walk in there with your head high and with so much confidence that they won't know what hit them.
I'll be thinking about you Thursday morning. I'm writing it down. But, I have a feeling that I don't really need to. I'm positive you'll knock 'em dead :)
Posted by Asya on January 20, 2004, at 18:09:53
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
GArdenGirl:
You will make a wonderful clinical psychologist, just judging by your posts here. What's important to remember when dealing with authority, is that they are just mortals, like you and me. You are very capable of meeting their standards. You can focus on a positive result by imagining how happy you will be when you pass the test, and how proud you'll feel, and even imagine the reactions of those you care about. This will be a positive step towards ensuring that you be your best on Thursday.Good luck, we're rooting for you!
Posted by badhaircut on January 20, 2004, at 19:51:03
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
Orals!
IMHO, psychology *needs* you, and I'm willing to bet your committee has already decided you're competent. They just need a good excuse to tell you so.
I once asked a friend why So-&-So was so mean to me. She said, "He came from the future to try to stop you now because you are too strong to be defeated then." (Like in 'The Terminator'!) I cracked up. So if an authoritarian committee member does start to heap rejection on your defense, remember that he/she could be an evil cyborg from your future...
-bhc
P.S.
If it's handy, David Burns has oral exam anxiety nailed in ch. 16 & 17 of "The Feeling Good Handbook". But I think you sound fine. Good luck!
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:10:50
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » gardenergirl, posted by Penny on January 20, 2004, at 9:11:58
Penny,
Good suggestion about Dr. Seuss. A friend of mine is bringing it to me today.Thanks for the support. It REALLY helps. I will let everyone know what happens tomorrow!
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:14:48
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by Angielala on January 20, 2004, at 12:01:50
> Think of these people as a very educated patient instead of authority figures. You probably know more than them- I'm sure they haven't been studying as you have in quite some time.
That's exactly what my T has been saying to me for the last couple of weeks. You're so smart!
>And if you find yourself stuck at any point, always remember that a good sense of humor can be seen as both professional and comforting.
I am counting on that. I just hope it doesn't get too goofy as my depression is lifting and my inner goofiness is surprising a lot of people who have only known the depressed me. (sigh) But's that's me.
>I am guessing you are a perfectionist.
Oh yes. (nother sigh)
> You are going to do well- we are all here giving you our best!
Thanks so much for the support. I keep re-reading these posts to boost me up and it's helping!
Take care,
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:16:39
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » gardenergirl, posted by fallsfall on January 20, 2004, at 13:47:38
Thanks for the support, kind words and the re-framing. That makes a lot of sense.
I'll be imagining I can hear the cheering during the exam.
Take care,
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:19:59
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » gardenergirl, posted by Karen_kay on January 20, 2004, at 18:04:27
> OK, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty accurate at knowing when someone's good and when someone's GOOD (just ask Poet :)) and I have a feeling that you're pretty darn GREAT!!!
Thanks!
> Now, you walk into that room with half as much confidence as we have in you and you'll have no problem. BTW, I'm sure you will walk in there with your head high and with so much confidence that they won't know what hit them.
Egads! I just had a client actually practice walking in like that to boost her confidence about an upcoming stressful event. I guess I should try it myself! Karen Kay, are you my client???? or my supervisor??? :) just kidding
> I'll be thinking about you Thursday morning. I'm writing it down. But, I have a feeling that I don't really need to. I'm positive you'll knock 'em dead :)
Thank you so much. That really means a lot. Now, time to practice walking! Don't want to stumble on the way in. :)
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:21:33
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by Asya on January 20, 2004, at 18:09:53
> You can focus on a positive result by imagining how happy you will be when you pass the test, and how proud you'll feel, and even imagine the reactions of those you care about. This will be a positive step towards ensuring that you be your best on Thursday.
>
> Good luck, we're rooting for you!Very good advice, thanks!
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:23:36
In reply to You go, girl ! » gardenergirl, posted by badhaircut on January 20, 2004, at 19:51:03
>
> I once asked a friend why So-&-So was so mean to me. She said, "He came from the future to try to stop you now because you are too strong to be defeated then." (Like in 'The Terminator'!) I cracked up. So if an authoritarian committee member does start to heap rejection on your defense, remember that he/she could be an evil cyborg from your future...I love it! ROFL! Thank you.
>
> P.S.
> If it's handy, David Burns has oral exam anxiety nailed in ch. 16 & 17 of "The Feeling Good Handbook". But I think you sound fine. Good luck!I just happen to have this in my desk. I haven't looked at it in years as I'm not really CBT oriented, but I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads-up and the laughs!
gg
Posted by All Done on January 21, 2004, at 8:02:07
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » Karen_kay, posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 7:19:59
> > Now, you walk into that room with half as much confidence as we have in you and you'll have no problem. BTW, I'm sure you will walk in there with your head high and with so much confidence that they won't know what hit them.
>
> Egads! I just had a client actually practice walking in like that to boost her confidence about an upcoming stressful event. I guess I should try it myself! Karen Kay, are you my client???? or my supervisor??? :) just kidding
>
Thank you so much. That really means a lot. Now, time to practice walking! Don't want to stumble on the way in. :)
>
> gg
>You better get to practicing, gardenergirl! I mean, you have a lot to work on walking in for your test and walking in your evening gown for the pageant and all and we know about your problem with clumsiness ; ). I'm guessing you'll do just fine with the examiners because they won't be quite as focused on your poise as Beefcake, Bear, Burt, Bean, Big, and Bubba will be (is that all of them?) Come to think of it, maybe we should all practice walking in to our therapy sessions this way. What on earth would Beefcake say if he actually saw me walking with some confidence one day?
You'll do great!
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 20:18:28
In reply to Re: Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad » gardenergirl, posted by All Done on January 21, 2004, at 8:02:07
Thanks for the laughs! I think I am ready, thanks to all the babble support. I'll let y'all know what happens tomorrow afterwards.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 20:30:11
In reply to Okay, my turn to ask for support in trying to grad, posted by gardenergirl on January 20, 2004, at 0:24:26
I don't think I can express how much it means to me that everyone has been so supportive, especially since I've only been posting here for about a month or so. This exam has really been triggering stuff for me, particularly my hurt and anger at my parents for not really understanding what I am going through with this, and for them not seeming to really even care about it/me.
For example, when I got my master's two years into the program, I sent a digital picture as a way of announcing to my immediate and extended family what I had earned. I was so proud. NO ONE in my immediate family (I'm not including my husband here, or his parents) even responded! Not even a "oh that's nice dear, now, back to me...blah blah blah." My brother and sister have been encouraging me for this event, but nothing from the 'rents. It just makes me so angry and so incredibly hurt at the same time I just don't know whether to spit, scream, or snuffle. (Trying to do all three at once likely would make my head implode! :)
At least my in-laws are supportive, thank God for them and for my husband!
So anyway, my T was talking the other day about how I keep going to the folks for what I need and keep getting let down. The implication was, "stop going where the well is obviously quite dry!" I finally seem to get that, and also am starting to feel it's okay to directly ask for support when I need it. And y'all did not let me down. Thanks for the corrective emotional experience! I feel much less insecure about this and about the fact that someone else cares about or at least understands what I am going through. It definitely makes it easier.
Thank you (humble bow)
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on January 22, 2004, at 10:56:49
In reply to Thank you all! Means so much (long), posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2004, at 20:30:11
Posted by Catmom on January 25, 2004, at 0:37:35
In reply to I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! (nm), posted by gardenergirl on January 22, 2004, at 10:56:49
What wonderful news! I totally believed that you would pass. I hope that you are very proud of yourself; I know that such things are not at all easy. I also know that you've put in years of work already to prepare for this.
Sending you tons of respect and joy!
Posted by gardenergirl on January 26, 2004, at 6:34:24
In reply to Re: I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! » gardenergirl, posted by Catmom on January 25, 2004, at 0:37:35
Thanks! I am proud and think, "wow, maybe I am pretty good at what I do." That's a good feeling. I wish the same for all (and hope it lasts!)
gg
This is the end of the thread.
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