Question

For 10 extra credit points, tell the class what your field of practice is and where you did your job shadow. Describe what you liked and didn't like and what you learned that you did not already know about your field. This should be a minimum of one full paragraph. For another 5 extra credit points, respond to two classmates.
Exploring Child Therapy: A Day in the Life of a Child Therapist

Answer 1

I recently had the opportunity to job shadow a child therapist, an experience that deepened my understanding of the field of child therapy. I spent the day at a local counseling center, where I observed various sessions with children ranging from preschool age to early adolescence. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was witnessing the unique techniques therapists used, such as play therapy and art therapy, to connect with the children. It was fascinating to see how these methods helped participants express their feelings in a non-verbal way. However, I found the emotional weight of the job challenging; hearing children discuss their struggles with issues like anxiety, trauma, and family troubles was difficult at times. I learned that child therapists must be exceptionally skilled in both communication and empathy, as they often have to navigate complex emotional landscapes while fostering a safe and supportive environment for their young clients. This experience illuminated the intricate balance between professionalism and emotional sensitivity that is vital in this profession, a nuance I hadn’t fully appreciated before.