RESPONSE TO &lllaos;WHAT DO I DO&lllaos;

• What do I do? by Private, 1/9/99
  • Let's get some other responses. by William Reid, 1/11/99
    
    

Dear Private,

Although Dr. Reid's comments seem harsh to you, they ring some truth. I think you need to be honest about your history. Inevitablely the subject of your dismissal or leave from your previous position/positions will arise during the course of the screening process for employment/interview. If a reference check is done and it should be done, the truth will come out. If you lie on your application for employment you may expose yourself to future litigation, termination of employment, or both (just read the fine print at the bottom of each one you complete - that jargon is there for a reason). I'm sure it is disheartening to work so hard for something that is obviously very important to you. But perhaps you need to consider what options are more appropriate for you as a professional. Being a psychotherapist/mental health counselor/substance abuse counselor has some enormous responsibilities and liabilities attached to the profession. In turn, the profession is high stress. I agree with Dr. Reid. This is not the best time for you to re-enter and begin practicing, and there may not be a "right" time. Six months is not very long. There are many avenues in which you can apply your MS degree that would certainly contribute to the field of psychology. Counseling is just one avenue. What other career tracks in psychology i.e. research have you considered? Bottom line: Integrity is essential in this field. Your clients deserve no less. Good luck to you

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