I Work Even When I'm Not At Work

[c=#7700B2]studying and training, a couple years. actually working, a bit over a month now[/c]

Do you think you landed with a facility that does the sort of work you had hoped to do?

[c=#7700B2]yeah but i want to do more. i don't think its doing enough to help people in there.. i don't know, maybe i just built it up in my mind for years that when i do start working there that i am going to do this and that, yet I'm very restricted on what i can actually do. it sucks[/c]

But no more restricted than anyone else with your experience?

[c=#7700B2]i have the same restrictions as any one else there.. for example if a client wants advice, you have to be very careful on what you say. Like today a girl was telling me about some issues she was having and was saying how very alone she feels because no one in there can relate to her.. I can relate to it all pretty much exactly but i am not allowed to say anything personal about myself.. so this girl is going to be in there for a fair while and feels so alone and just seems completely miserable and i feel that if i was not so restricted in what i could say and at least tell her she isn't alone and so on, that it could make a world of difference..
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Ahh - I see. Have you spoken with a superior about this? Seems probable that would be a common reaction for those new to the work - maybe they'd have some advice for coping?

[c=#7700B2]i have and the only response i got was "these rules are here for a reason".. might ask a few more people though, thanks[/c]

Yeah - it's hard to question as the 'new guy' without others thinking you're trying to re-invent the wheel - or the status quo feeling threatened. I wonder if after a few more months you won't identify someone whose work you admire and might take something of a mentor role for you.

It's worthwhile, important work - in a field that isn't subject to lulls and downturns. Hate to see you discouraged so early on.

[c=#7700B2]i think i find it really hard because i feel i can actually help some people in just simply talking to them, and i am not allowed to do that. I get the rules but what is the point in being there if you cant help and feel like you are just a babysitter? its just hard. thanks for talking to me :)[/c]

Well if you feel you're handling everything they throw at you so far, you can assess whether there is room for advancement or not. If you have this gig under control, use some of your free time to study/research which other facilities utilize an approach you feel is more helpful for clients and fulfilling for staff.

[c=#7700B2]i like the place and the people there its just frustrating with the rules. i already looked into it and these rules are pretty much everywhere the same in this field of work[/c]

I suppose. I was thinking that it might be perfectly fine to share something with the girl you mentioned, but you wouldn't know if she had the discretion to keep from sharing that with someone who [i]shouldn't[/i] know - or you'd rather [i]didn't[/i] know - if that makes sense.

But I definitely understand the instinct to nurture - would be hard holding that down.

[c=#7700B2]its really hard. I really like her and just wanna be there for her, yet she always says that i cant relate to her and don't know how she feels. yet i know perfectly how she does..
I just don't understand how me telling her some stuff would be harmful in any way. i only see a upside to it and no one will explain to me why it is not allowed[/c]

Maybe it's not so much about you proving you can relate, but her refusing to acknowledge that you - and many others - actually can?

[c=#7700B2]she is sad and frustrated because no one in there has what she has and she feels alone.. they do group therapy in there and all she hears is others who try telling her what to do or handle things but have no idea what she is feeling.. [/c]

Is she maybe in he wrong facility then?

[c=#7700B2]its the closest facility she can be in where she can be able to see her parents every day. [/c]

Not to sound contrary, but is that the most important criteria for her recovery?

[c=#7700B2]probably not but its what her and her parents wanted. [/c]

Yeah - it would definitely influence my selectionif I were choosing for my own kid.

I'm sorry for dragging this on, but I just find it interesting.

[c=#7700B2]she is pretty young, so I fully get why her parents would want her close and same to her wanting to be close to her family.

no worries :)[/c]