Job Shadow

Name of person shadowed: Cheryl McBride
Title: LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Company Name: Center For Change
Location: Orem, UT

I attended a support group held by Cheryl at the Center For Change. Due to her busy schedule, she asked if I could email her the questions I had, and unfortunately she has not replied. I don't know if she doesn't see my emails or what, because she agreed to help me with my informational interview and never replied to that email either. But nonetheless, it was a good experience. And maybe she will still email me when she finds the time. Anyways, here are the questions I asked her:

1. Are you allowed to participate (share your experiences & relate to others) in the group/individual discussions, or are you just suppose to guide the discussion and listen?

2. Is there room to counsel by your own philosophy or do you have to abide by guidelines/rules in your practice?

3. Can you describe a typical day in the office?

4. How much of your work is independent and how much do you work with a care team?

5. Besides listening, mirroring, and note-taking, what else is involved in your work?

6. Do you report to anyone? Care team, family, State?

7. If I wanted to counsel those with addictions and behavioral disorders, what do you suggest my education path be?

8. Let's say I was a "highly sensitive person" (this is related to the support group topic she discussed) --- does this personality type work well in this field? What are some challenges you have faced in the field?

Overall impression:
I loved the experience. I felt comfortable shadowing Cheryl as she was my old therapist many years ago. It was awkward to attend a support group and have to view it from a professional perspective. I felt a little sad that I was not able to participate and relate to the members attending the group. I learned that I have to separate myself from wanting to fall back into that level. I have to be professional and work hard to desire to be on the professional support side. I told my feelings to Cheryl, in which she replied "Oh, it's good for you. It keeps ya healthy." So, although the moment was awkward and different, it was an enlightening moment for me. I KNOW without a doubt this is what I want to do and I know I can do an amazing job, I just have to realize I am in a different position now and must remain the "helper" not the one in need of support.